In knitting, cast-on is the method to lay the foundation of the project. Cast-on techniques work with knitting needles and there are many methods, depending on the knitting pattern, project and even the knitter. A less common method but with great effect is to cast on stitches with a crochet hook. This is useful for various purposes and if you have been a crocheter, you will find the cast-on with crochet technique comes to you naturally. The crochet cast-on makes a neat edge for knitting projects. The stitches mirror most regular bind-off edges. Also, it can be useful when adding stitches in the middle of a project, such as a provisional cast—on.
Though you might be comfortable with the cast-on method, learning and exploring new ways helps you expand your knowledge for knitting projects in the future.
Why Crochet Cast on is ideal for all projects
There are many ways to cast on stitches and every knitter has their own preference according to the project, yarn and their individual skill levels.
- Ideal for crocheters who are learning to knit
- it creates a beautiful edge that looks just like a standard bind-off
- because it doesn’t use a long tail, it doesn’t require having to calculate or guess the length of the tail such as methods of the long tail cast on.
- it can be used for casting on with the working yarn, and it also works as a provisional cast-on that can be easily undone later
To get started, gather your supplies.
- Yarn - For the practice of the crochet cast-on method use any yarn from your stash. But if you want to go ahead with a project, then use the yarn you’ll be working with the same yarn for the project. If you are following a knitting pattern, then you will have information on the yarn fiber and weight.
- Knitting Needles – Work with any knitting needles. If you are planning to work on a swatch knit back and forth then either use a needle from the pair of single-pointed needles. If you are working with circular needles, get hold of one needle tip while you can cast stitches on the tip as well as the cord connecting it. For knitting in the round, if you are working with circulars, cast stitches on the needle tip and transfer them to the connecting cord. If you are working with double-pointed needles, you still need to cast stitches on one tip and then transfer them to the two or three double points used for the circumference. Make sure that the needle size matches the yarn weight.
- Crochet Hook – Similar to the knitting needles, the crochet hook size should match the yarn weight. Also, the crochet hook size must be matching the needle size. Though both tools follow different standard sizes, you can find a common factor in the diameter of the hook or needle. Also, you can choose any single-ended crochet hooks. And, if you own the interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook, you can still go ahead but just don’t attach the cord. If you are a tight knitter or a beginner crocheter, it is better to use a crochet hook one or two sizes larger than the knitting needle. This way the cast-on stitches will have a firm edge that is not too tight.
To help you cast on stitches with a crochet hook, here is a quick tutorial.
Step By step Instructions
Step 1: Leaving about a 4-inch tail, make a slip knot. Instead of placing the knot on the knitting needle, place it on your crochet hook. Refer to our blog on 3 ways to make a slip knot for your knitting and crochet projects.
Step 2 - Like most cast-on methods in knitting, hold the knitting needle in your left hand. Keep the crochet hook in your right hand. Hold the working yarn in your right hand and create a slip knot loop around the crochet hook.
Step 2 - To cast stitches, bring the yarn over the crochet hook and behind the needle. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. Now you will have 1 stitch cast on your knitting needle. You will basically work a chain stitch on the knitting needle.
Step 3 - Repeat the chains as many times as the required cast-on stitches plus one.
Step 4 - Once you have neat cast-on stitches sitting on your knitting needle keep your crochet hook aside.
Step 5 - Turn your project and begin knitting. the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches should be in your left hand.
There’s another way to use the crochet hook to cast on stitches. Make a chain in the air and then insert the knitting needle tip through the loops.
Crochet Cast on for Provisional Cast-On Stitches
The crochet cast-on is a quick and convenient provisional cast-on method. Provisional means for the time being. It is a sort of temporary cast that can be removed later to work on that section. This is for some designs in a sweater collar or even the sleeves. You can work this method using waste yarn. Refer to our blog on provisional cast on techniques with knitting needles.
So, are you ready to cast on stitches for your knitting project with a crochet hook? This may soon become your favorite method to cast on stitches. You can also fix many knitting mistakes without unraveling the stitches, pick a dropped stitch easily, bind it off neatly and add a fringe or edge to your projects.
Explore the range of knitting needles or interchangeable circular knitting needle sets that serve a wide variety of projects. Similarly, the crochet hook sets work for multiple crochet projects.