How To Knit A Provisional Cast On
Guest Post | 1 min read time
Learn how to knit a provisional cast on using this easy, step-by-step tutorial by Melissa Georges.
How To Knit A Provisional Cast On
A provisional cast on is a method of temporarily casting on stitches that you can pick up and knit in the opposite direction at a later stage. There are two ways to achieve the provisional cast on, but these instructions show you my favourite way!
This technique is used in my free Summer Jute Tee knitting pattern.
You Will Need:
- Your project yarn
- A second yarn in a contrasting colour
- Knitting needles
Step 1
Holding your main yarn and contrasting yarn together, make a slip knot.
Step 2
Place the slip knot on your needle, holding it secure with your forefinger. Your main yarn should be held on top, around your forefinger, and your contrasting yarn on the bottom, around your thumb.
Step 3
Bring your needle under and through the waste yarn, then around and over your main yarn, pulling your main yarn back under through the waste yarn loop.
Step 4
Tighten the loop around your needle to form the first stitch (the slip knot does not count as a stitch).
Repeat until you have cast on your desired number of stitches.
Your stitches should be made up of your main yarn, with the contrasting yarn laying along the bottom of the stitches. The contrasting yarn will hold the stitches in place as you begin knitting.
Picking Up Your Stitches
Step 1
When you’ve knitted to your desired length, and you’re ready to pick up the stitches made in your provisional cast on, release the slip knot, and begin carefully picking out your waste yarn from the stitches.
Step 2
You will be left with live stitches ready to place onto your needle. You can now continue knitting in the other direction.
About Melissa Georges
Melissa is a knitter and pattern designer based in New England. Aside from her full-time career in property management, she is a wife and mom of two. While creating her free knitting patterns for our Natural Spring Collection, she was inspired by the things that make her happiest about spring-time, including Farmers markets, sunny walks, and fresh flowers!
Follow Melissa on Instagram @homebodyfibers
