Knitted Afghan Cast- on

Can you please suggest the best method for casting on for a knitted afghan? I tend to knit with a slightly tighter than average tension.

The pattern is knit in panels (5) of 6 different coloured squares and alternating 2 stitch patterns.

Thank you kindly.

Bev

YOUR ANSWER

Hi Bev

There are a number of different methods that you can use for casting on but the one I prefer (and always use) is the cable cast on method that I describe in one of the how to knit tutorials on the site.

You can find the tutorial here: Casting On Knitting.

This cast on edge is firm but flexible. It will stretch a little to accommodate just about any stitch pattern you can use and will not leave gaps between your stitches like the stitches cast on using the thumb method can.

I also think it looks tidier. You can also use it to match the stitches of your first row if you want to. You cast on all knit stitches by inserting your needle tip between the previous two stitches from the front and all of the purl stitches by inserting the tip between the previous two stitches from the back.

I would also change colours as I was casting on to match the pattern. To do that cast on enough stitches for the first colour and then make a slip knot in the second colour and slip it onto your needle next to the last stitch in the previous colour (thus becoming the first stitch in this colour block). Then cast on the appropriate number of stitches in that colour.

Keep changing colour this way until you have the total number of stitches. If you want to you can then turn it over and tie the two tails together at each colour change.