Cast-ons & Bind-offs
When you are ready to start knitting, the first step is to get your yarn on the needle. The slipknot will be the very fist stitch on your needle, followed by a cast-on method of your choice.
Although this method of casting on may look complicated at first, once you figure out the motions, it is very quick and easy. It is one of the most frequently used cast-on methods in knitting. It creates a neat and elastic edge.
The knitwise cast-on makes an elegant and elastic edge. It is good for sweaters, hats, socks, scarves, and more.
The cable cast-on produces a beautiful rope-like edge on both sides of the knitting that is clean and sturdy. This sturdiness is great for edges that need extra stability, like buttonholes and non-ribbed edges.
The backward loop cast-on is the quickest and easiest way to get yarn on your needles. It is a great method for beginners. However, it doesn’t create a clean edge, but is quick and easy nonetheless!
Use this cast-on if you want to be able to access the provisionally cast-on edge as “live” stitches to be worked later. It is like a temporary cast-on that holds live stitches so that they are available later. For example, you might use this method if you want to add a border to your work or if you have specific color-work you’d like to add to your piece.
This is the easiest and most frequently used bind-off method. You use it to bind off knit stitches. New knitters sometimes bind-off so tightly that the edge loses its elasticity. Remember to keep it loose!
This bind-off method is similar to the knitwise bind-off, except you purl instead of knit. A Purl bind-off can help the fabric stop curling when working in stockinette stitch. It will give you a clean, flat edge.