Beginner cast-on methods

[untonuggan]

I've been teaching my mom to knit, and she's got knitting/purling down pretty well. She's still struggling with casting on, though. I tend to use the double-stranded cast on (since it's the first one I learned and it works). However, she has weak hands and has been trouble coordinating everything.

What's a really simple, easy cast-on to teach a beginner? At this point it doesn't have to be super-stretchy or look amazing, but those things would be nice, too.

Thanks!

Comments

[afuna]

I find the knitted cast-on easy to understand, but a bit tricky to implement.

That is, knitted cast-on and cabled cast-on, when I first found out about them were like: "needle goes there, yup. do a knit stitch, yup. put it back, yup!".

Whereas long-tail cast-on is easier for me to do now that I've got the hang of it, but it took me a while to figure out where the needle was supposed to go. (Needle goes there, loop over... wait what???)

I'd definitely go with one of the three cast-on methods already mentioned, but all three of them have different cons.

[jackandahat]

*nods* I understand it just fine, it's just getting it to actually be useable - I tend to get a couple of stitches in and then it's just too tight to function! I'm learning to make it more relaxed but it takes a lot of effort.

[pinesandmaples]

That's actually a known issue with the knit-on cast-on. Why do you think people recommend cabled cast-on or the vague "something else" for stretchy edges? It happens to everyone, even the loosest of knitters.

[pinesandmaples]

Just for fun, you should learn the Twisted German. It's hands down my favorite cast-on, and it is stretchier than a plan long-tail cast-on. (It is a long-tail style cast-on, though.)

Plus it's a fun technical skill to have because it impresses the pants off people.

[jumpuphigh]

I just learned this cast-on method recently and if someone already has hands problems, it will be significantly harder than long-tail. It takes me a long time to cast on even a small amount of stitches cause I have to stop every few stitches for an extended break. However, it is gorgeous and has a really nice stretch to it.

[pinesandmaples]

I'm sorry, I thought I was replying to afuna's comment where she expressed delight over long-tail style cast-ons.

[jumpuphigh]

You were. I was just adding to the conversation. I love long-tail cast-on and I love the twisted German cast-on. It's just extremely difficult for someone who has problems with their hands.

[clayr]

That looks an interesting cast on - I will have to try that. Thanks for posting the link.

[afuna]

Oooh *opens link, bookmarks*

[iamshadow]

I am a tight knitter, and this cast on is the reason I can make socks. This, and the super stretchy bind off. It's amazing.