Some people use a Cable Cast On to start their knitting, like a typical cast on, but it is more common to use it when you need new stitches in the middle of your project, like for an underarm or the handle of a bag. Our Double-Thick Pot Holder uses the Cable Cast On technique both to cast on the project and to create a hanging loop later on. Check out our video below, and then give it a try with a pot holder!

CABLE CAST ON: STEP-BY-STEP

IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROW/ROUND

If your pattern asks you to make a Cable Cast On in the middle or end of a row or round, the first thing to do is turn the work so the wrong side is facing you. 

Cable Cast On | Purl Soho

Now, insert the right needle between the first and second stitch on the left needle, right into the space between the stitches.

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Next, wrap the working yarn like you would for a normal knit stitch and pull the stitch through onto the right needle. Don’t let any stitches drop off the left needle.

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Then, without twisting it, place that stitch onto the left needle, as shown above.

Cable Cast On | Purl Soho

Repeat these steps for however many stitches you’re casting on, and remember that it’s key to cast on loosely. If the stitches are too tight, it’ll get really difficult to knit your next round or row. Also, make sure you keep track of how many stitches you cast on because it can be kind of tricky to determine which is the first cast-on stitch! If you’re worried you’ll lose track, you can always place a marker on your left needle before you begin your cast on.

TO START A PROJECT

You can also use a Cable Cast On to start your project. The best reason to use a Cable Cast On, instead of the more common Long Tail Cast On, is if you don’t want your cast on to create a row of purl bumps on the first row of your project, like you’d get with a basic Long Tail Cast On. However, the downside of starting your work with a Cable Cast On is that it doesn’t stretch much and can be quite tight if you aren’t careful.

Cable Cast On | Purl Soho

To work a Cable Cast On at the beginning of a project, first make a slip knot on the end of your needle.

Cable Cast On | Purl Soho

Then knit into the slip knot…

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… and place the resulting stitch on the left needle. 

Cable Cast On | Purl Soho

From here, work just as if you were working a Cable Cast On in the middle of your project, inserting the needle between the two stitches, wrapping the yarn knitwise, pulling a stitch through, and placing it on the left needle. Repeat this until you have cast on the required number of stitches, being extra conscientious to work loosely!

So, that’s it! Now you know how to work a cable cast on at the beginning, or in the middle, of your project!