The German twisted cast-on is a handy method for a stretchy start of a project such as socks, hats and necklines of sweaters. However, there’s a variation that promises better results- the German Twisted Purl Cast On. With your knitting needles and yarn cast stitches that are stretchier and neater in patterns where the standard version falls short, especially for ribbed stitch patterns. The cast-on method is the answer to your knitting pattern needing a stretchy edge or your regular cast-on method too tight for ribbed projects. Want to learn more? Let us walk you through the details of the cast on in this blog.
What is the German Twisted Purl Cast On?
As the name suggests, the German Twisted Purl Cast is the purl variation of the German twisted cast on technique. The purl stitches make it the perfect start for ribbed stitch patterns which cover both knit and purl stitches. The difference between the standard twisted cast on and its purl variation is minimal, however, for many knitters the details matter.
Known as the old Norwegian purl cast-on, this is an advanced variation of the long tail cast-on method which creates a stretchy side but the first row is only for knit stitches. The purl version accommodates the purl stitches and is marked by bumps (characteristic of the basic stitch). When you cast stitches with the standard version the result is a row of knit stitches, which results in a garter edge. The result is a balanced start for a stockinette pattern however in comparison it is not as neat and seamless. The purl cast suits the ribbed (alternating knit and purl stitches) stitch patterns especially when both sides of the project are visible.
So, if your pattern calls for a ribbed stitch (1X1, 2X2, 3X3 or any other combination) then the German Twisted Purl Cast On is your best bet.
Getting Started- what materials do you need?
Before you cast on stitches, you will need to gather materials. If you are following a pattern, you will have information about the yarn (fiber and weight) and knitting needle (type and size). But for practice, you’ll need:
Knitting Needles -Choose any knitting needle depending on the project. For hats or socks, you can knit in the round with circular needles normally or use the magic loop technique or choose double-pointed needles. For a ribbed pattern scarf or a neckline that you will join later choose a pair of single-pointed needles or a suitable length of circular knitting needles.
Yarn - Select yarn that matches your needle size and project requirements. For practice choose any leftover yarn from a previous project.
Accessories - Keep knitting accessories such as stitch markers handy, while you cast on stitches for any project.
A step-by-step method for German-twisted purl cast on
Place a slip knot on the knitting needle, leaving a tail about 3-4 times longer as your project will be. If you have a few stitches to cast on, you can use a long yarn tail however, if the numbers are too many, learn how to cast on with two yarn tails. This allows you the convenience of not worrying about the yarn length.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DgPFNiVEbY0
Step 1: Hold the knitting needle with the slip knot on your right hand and hold the yarn in a slingshot position. The working yarn should be wrapped around your index finger while the yarn tail around your thumb with ends secured in your palm which will face upwards. If you are a tight knitter, hold two knitting needles to cast on stitches and then remove them before working on the first row.
Step 2: Make the needle go around the loop around the index finger coming from behind.
Step 3: Insert the knitting needle into that loop coming from above. Get out on the right side of that loop.
Step 4: Grab the yarn towards your thumb coming from below.
Step 6: Untwist the loop around the index finger by bending it.
Step 7: Make a loop
Pull the yarn through the untwisted loop.
Step 8: Remove your index finger from the loop and tighten up the stitch by extending your thumb and index finger from inside.
Step 9: Repeat the steps until you cast on the required number of stitches.
The cast on technique is the perfect way to start with knitting rib stitch patterns. You can refer to our guide on how to knit neater rib stitches. Though it takes time to master this method, it is a valuable technique to learn. Grab your knitting needles, and yarn to get started.
