Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jordii's Avatar
    jordii Posts: 28, Reputation: 3
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 25, 2013, 06:35 PM
    Attn. Knitters - What's the benefit of casting on using the thumb technique?


    Can someone tell me what the benefit is of using this cast on technique.

    I have tried it and I cannot figure out why people think it is beneficial. I find it difficult to estimate how much yarn I will need and I don't understand why you work backwards to the end/tail of the yarn. Why not start at the tail and work toward the ball?

    Am I missing something?
    Pelusawoman's Avatar
    Pelusawoman Posts: 23, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #2

    Sep 16, 2013, 01:00 PM
    There are at least a couple of cast ons that require you to start somewhere besides at the end of the yarn and work "backward". There is the thumb method that you mention, and the most often used, the long-tail cast on. What I would consider the "benefits" are that they are fairly easy to keep even and they provide a good, sturdy edge, the long-tail method being the best edge. My general rule for knowing where to start is that on worsted weight yarn, using about a size 7 to 9 needle, it will take about one inch per stitch that I cast on. On thinner yarn, maybe 3/4 inch; on bulky yarn, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. So if you're using worsted weight on a size 8 needle, and casting on 30 stitches, you would want to give it about 40 inches... 30 for your stitches and 10 inches for the tail to weave in later.

    There are other types of cast on where you can start at the end of your yarn. The knitted cast on is one. You can watch this YouTube: How to Knit - Knitted Cast On - YouTube. The problem with this is that it is very hard to keep it even, resulting in an edge that looks a little ragged.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Steel Casting [ 0 Answers ]

In steel casting what happens to the strength with respect to carbon addition?

Casting agency [ 5 Answers ]

How do I start my own casting agency, from home

ATTN: Guitar Pickers [ 9 Answers ]

I just bought a new Fender Highway One Telecaster-upgrade. IT IS SMOKIN! Go try one. American made and only $750.00 bucks. Has a wide range for Jazz, Rock, country and the overwound pickups scream on a Marshall with overdrive. This is a sweet Tele for the price. Anyone that has tried on let me...


View more questions Search