A step-by-step tutorial on knitting the perfect mid-project cast-on – no gaps or loose stitches
Lots of patterns require you to cast on stitches in the middle of a row. Buttonholes come to mind, as do mittens, gloves, or top-down raglan sweaters. Basically, whenever you need to bridge a gap. The big issue? Most traditional techniques use a single cast-on, and that often leaves behind gaps and a sloppy edge. And here’s where the Twisty knitted cast-on is different.
Unlike so many other techniques to add stitches in the middle of a project, this smart variation of the knitted cast-on creates a very durable, neat edge without a noticeable gap at the transition. Perfect for all those projects where you need to pick up stitches from that edge later on. Quite honestly, it’s currently my favorite technique! Here’s how to knit it
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Instructions: How to knit the twisty knitted cast-on
This method creates a very sturdy edge without a noticeable gap at the transition. The resulting edge will not be very stretchy, and that is working as intended. While you can adjust the stretchiness by pulling the yarn out a bit further, I'd recommend a different technique for those projects that rely on a lot of negative ease.
Instructions
- Finish your row according to the pattern and stop after you've worked the last stitch.
- Enter the last stitch knitwise with your left knitting needle.
- Pull the left needle towards you to loosen up that stitch a little bit.
- Twist the left needle around counterclockwise. This will create a twisted loop on your left needle.
- Enter this twisted loop knitwise using your right knitting needle.
- Wrap the working yarn around the right needle counter-clockwise.
- Pull the working yarn through to the front.
- Drop the remaining loop off the left needle. You have cast on one stitch.
- From here, enter the stitch that you've just created knitwise and loosen it up a bit again by pulling the needle towards you.
- Twist the left needle around counter-clockwise again.
- And knit into the twisted loop you created.
- Drop the loop off the left needle to finish the stitch.
- Repeat steps 9-12 until you've cast on the desired number of stitches.
Now please bear in mind that, even with this twisting trick, your overall tension will be very important. Practise a bit using a swatch before you commit. You only need to loosen up the stitch enough so you can squeeze your knitting needles through the resulting twisted stitch, but not more.
The more you stretch out the stitch, the looser your edge will be. If you really need something even sturdier, then consider using the cable cast-on. This would be my preferred method for a reinforced buttonhole or other edges that need a very dense finish. If you require a much stretchier edge, then take a look at the double twist cast-on instead.
Oh, one more important note: I first saw this cast-on on the Instagram of HAROŞA ÖRGÜ. She did not provide a name for this technique, and that’s why I decided to call it “Twisty knitted cast-on.” I feel it fits and describes what you are doing. Please use it as you see fit.
Anyway, that’s how to knit the twisty knitted cast-on. Comment below if you have any questions.
