The Crazy Land of Cast-On and Bind-Offs

In knitting, there are different cast-on and bind-offs that you can use.

(Photo: Samples knit with a size 4 needle)

Are you tired of the same old cast on and bind off techniques? We will explore several different ones that are not usually used. Come see if any of them strike your fancy.

Materials needed: Enough scrap yarn to knit 6 small swatches  (at least 2 different colors), favorite size needles, a tapestry or darning needle, patience and a sense of humor.

Below are all the YouTube videos that I watched to learn these techniques. I refer back to them often.

Cast On

1.     No fail long tail cast on (gray)

2.     Old Norwegian long tail: https://youtu.be/TvcoG8NniAA (lavender)

3.     Estonian Cast On - https://youtu.be/Frc5_9AIVy0 (green) use even numbers; round of knit and then a round of purl

4.     Tubular (need scrap yarn) 1x1 rib - https://youtu.be/JsObEM3iQRs (pink and green)

5.     Italian tubular – 1x1 rib https://youtu.be/YjzAY6YlvNw (blue) (my favorite!)

6.     German Twisted - https://youtu.be/UcwmCuIylII (orange)

7.     Chinese Waitress Cast On – stretchy for scarves; https://youtu.be/uAVRXKKjwto (white)

Cast off –

1.     Jeny’s stretchy bind off - https://youtu.be/ol8aZ7z_ISs ; http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/FEATjssbo.php (gray)

2.     Lori’s Twisty Bind off - https://youtu.be/rWS77BKk5NQ

3.     Estonian - https://youtu.be/MvmpsL6ROII knit 2 stitches, put them back on the left hand needle. K2tog through the back loop. K1, put 2 stitches back on the left hand needle, k2tog through the back loop and repeat.

4.     Tubular - https://youtu.be/FNbanlVzbxw (Cut yarn 4 times the width of the swatch)

5.     Italian - https://youtu.be/EW1dqHy7Kas (my favorite!)

6.     Suspended – for Bits and Bobs blanket - https://www.patreon.com/posts/tutorial-special-14103179

7.     Chinese Waitress Bind Off    https://youtu.be/dQFjmBe3rFI

Original photo by Pat Hensley