A comparison of all techniques available to cast on stitches in the middle of a knitting project
Mittens, gloves, buttonholes, raglan sweaters – they all have one thing in common: You need to cast on stitches in the middle of a round to bridge a gap. While there are plenty of techniques available to modern hand-knitters, not all of them are equally suitable. Some of them result in sloppy edges, others leave a visible gap, and yet others make picking up stitches extremely difficult.
With this list of mid-row cast-ons, I want to close this gap (see, I waited a full paragraph until I’ve used the obvious pun!). I knitted tons of swatches so we can compare the different qualities of each edge. And of course, you can find step-by-step tutorials with slow-motion videos for each and every one of them here on my blog.
Let’s dive right into it.
Note: I am using a single cast-on as a benchmark throughout this tutorial simply based on the fact that it is the most common way to bridge a gap in old patterns.
#1 Twisty knitted cast-on
This is my current favorite way to cast on stitches in the middle of a project. Why? Because the Twisty Knitted cast-on creates both a stable edge that is not too stretchy AND prevents a noticeable large gap right in the corner. On top of that, it’s rather easy to knit, and picking up stitches from the edge is comparably easy as well.
If the underarm stitches of a sweater, the thumb of mittens, or the fingers of gloves are your use case, then this is what I’d recommend.
PRO: Tight, non-stretchy edge, no gap.
Con: Not suitable for edges that need a lot of give
>> Read the full Twisty knitted cast-on tutorial here
#2 Cable cast-on
The cable cast-on truly is an old classic, but classic obviously doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. Quite the contrary. It creates a very sturdy edge that almost looks like someone reinforced it with a spare thread. As such, it’s ideal for buttonholes and similar applications where you want a super reliable and tight edge that doesn’t flare or wear out.
PRO: Very sturdy, dense edge
CON: Very rigid, with a somewhat noticeable gap stitch, and a bit more difficult to knit for continental knitters
>> Read my Cable cast-on tutorial here
#3 Knitted cast-on
The knitted cast-on probably deserves the name ‘old reliable‘. It’s incredibly easy to knit if you employ a simple trick. If you need to cast on stitches in the middle of a round or row, simply turn your project to the wrong side, and cast on stitches purlwise.
The knitted cast-on is a bit stretchier than the previous two techniques. That can be a bonus if your project relies on negative ease. The transition around the corner/gap could be better, could be worse. It’s not horrible, but you will definitely see a little eyelet if you stretch it out. Still, considering how easy it is to knit and how easy it is to remember, it definitely deserves to be on this list
PRO: Easy to knit, medium stretchy, nice edge for picking up stitches
CON: Not the neatest transition and not the prettiest edge
>> Read the full Knitted cast-on tutorial here
#4 Double twist Loop cast-on
The Double Twist or Double Loop Twist cast-on deserves to be on this list for one simple reason: it’s incredibly stretchy. In the swatch you see below, it’s actually the stockinette stitch that prevents me from stretching that bit of fabric out even further.
Now, for a button hole or for the underarm stitches of a sweater, that’s typically not what you want. However, any fitted garment that relies on negative ease and requires a mid-row cast-on anywhere else, then this can be such a lovely choice to keep the fabric stretchy enough.
PRO: Extremely stretchy, decorative edge
CON: A bit cumbersome to knit
>> Read the full Double Twist Loop cast-on tutorial here
#5 Double loop cast-on
Closely related to the Double Twist loop cast-on is the double twist cast-on. It’s just as stretchy as a single cast-on, and that is, perhaps, the most important clue here. Why? Well, the edge this mid-row cast-on technique creates looks EXACTLY like a German twisted cast-on. So, if matching edges are your goal, this can be a wonderful option!
PRO: Stretchy edge that looks exactly like German twisted cast-on
CON: The edge is quite loose and often looks a bit inconsistent
>> Read the full Double Loop Cast-on tutorial here
#6 Twisted Chain Cast-on
The last true option on this list is the so-called twisted chain cast-on. This is the only technique that requires a crochet hook, but you will be rewarded with a very nice-looking, sturdy edge. The gap/corner stitch can be a bit of a problem – especially when stretched out. This can be alleviated by actually starting the true cast-on one stitch later, though, and using a technique that creates a nice transition first.
PRO: Super neat edge, very sturdy
CON: Best knitted with a crochet hook, gap stitch not ideal
>> Read my Twisted chain cast-on tutorial here
#7 Single Cast-on
Now, of course, I also need to mention the original mid-row cast-on at the end of the list. I’m not utterly against the knitted cast-on. After all, it’s perfect for beginner projects. I do feel it’s always nice to know that a beginner can use the exact same technique they learned at the very beginning of their journey for a different purpose as well.
That being said, often the edge is just to stretchy and inconsistent, and knitting across the first row is typically also very difficult
PRO: Easy to knit and stretchy
CON: Gap often looks a bit wonky, not ideal for picking up stitches, and difficult to work across
>> Read the full Single cast-on tutorial here
Last notes
Here, at the end, I really want to emphasize that none of these techniques are truly bad. There are use-cases for each and every one of them, and that’s why they were invented in the first place. They all create a different edge – both in terms of look and their stretchiness.
And that’s basically why I created this list in the first place. I wanted to provide you with all possible options so you can make an informed decision and not force my preferred way onto you without asking.
Besides, do know that your individual tension and the yarn you are using will have an effect on the results as well. It also matters whether you want to pick up stitches from that edge or not. There’s no denying that some of these edges look visually more pleasing than others. But if they won’t be visible later on, then your main concern will be the kind of ridge they leave behind and whether the pick-up line is sturdy enough to support your fabric.
Also, never forget that it literally takes 5 minutes to knit a little swatch to try things out. If you are working on an important big project (like a sweater), I do feel that’s a time well invested.
Anyway, this was my list of the best mid-project cast-ons. Comment below if you still have any questions.
