Knitting

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A Cheat Sheet for Cast Ons

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As a knitter, I have always been a long-tail cast-on person. It’s been my go-to cast on method for a long time, and I know that it’s not always the best choice for every project. But, I find it easy and familiar, so I often default to it.

When I teach knitting, I usually teach the knit cast on method. This is because it’s a versatile cast on method that can be used for most projects, and once you know how to knit cast on, you also know how to knit! This saves time and is less fiddly for kids.

However, I also know that there are many other cast on methods available, each with their own unique benefits. Kate Atherley, a renowned knitter and author, has spent a lot of time thinking about and experimenting with different cast on methods. She recently rounded up some of her favorite ways to start a knitting project over at Modern Daily Knitting. Her article provides a great overview of different cast on methods and their uses, and it’s a great resource for knitters looking to expand their skills and try new techniques.

As a knitter, I highly recommend exploring different cast on methods. Each method has its own unique benefits and can be used for different types of projects. And it’s always good to have more than one cast on technique in your knitting toolbox.

 

Click over to see swatches using different kinds of casts on and a little bit about the properties of each one. If you want actual tutorials you’ll still have to Google it or search on YouTube or your favorite knitting reference book.

There’s also a printable chart that shows different purposes for which you might need to cast on stitches, as well as different methods that are a good option for those situations. So handy!

[Photo: Modern Daily Knitting.]

Looking for printed hard-copy knitting books? Check out these Knitting Pattern books 

 

Comments

  2. I was going to say socks. I don’t seem to have the book I learned about that cast on from anymore so I looked online and Ashley Little at Bluprint said it’s medium stretchy and looks good on both sides so it’s good for things you see both sides of like blankets and scarves.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.