Cable Cast On
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!
Here’s our Cable Cast On tutorial where we show you how we do it!
Video Tutorial
Cable Cast On: Step-By-Step Tutorial
Here’s the same information as our video, but this time shown with still photos and text…
CABLE CAST ON IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROW OR 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.
Now, insert the right needle between the first and second stitch on the left needle, right into the space between the stitches.
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.
Then, without twisting it, place that stitch onto the left needle, as shown above.
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.
CABLE 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.
To work a Cable Cast On at the beginning of a project, first make a slip knot on the end of your needle.
Then knit into the slip knot…
… and place the resulting stitch on the left needle.
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!
Learn more about our super cute and fun to make Double Thick Potholder, a free knitting pattern, and the yarn we used to make it: our organically grown, 100% cotton, worsted weight Sunshower Cotton yarn.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Great closeup photos of the cable cast on. Thanks!
THANK YOU SO MUCH. Just what I needed and so clear.
Best closeup knitting photos ever! Thanks!
Absolutely fantastic tutorial! Just saved me!!!! Your photos are amazing. Almost as good as having someone sitting with you showing you how to do it!!! Thanks
amazing photos – and this saved me on my project!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am able to continue with my project tonite! I was stumped as my pattern directions failed to mention you need to turn your work in order to add the stitches properly and then proceed to knitting the additional stitches on the stitch holder. Just added one more technique to my beginners repetoire!
Thanks for the tutorial. This is helping a lot with the Lucha Libre pattern, from Son of Stitch and Bitch, that I started.
Where do you go from there? How do you start knitting from that point? Do you turn and work from the inside (back)? I'm trying to knit on an edging for a shawl and I have to knit and then join the edging to the shawl with a ktog, but I don't know how to work in the correct direction. Thanks for your help. Your pictures are the best I've ever seen.
Very good instructions!!!!
Hi, I reviewed 10 other videos and tutorials before finding yours. I needed to learn to cable cast on in the middle of a row to complete my picot bind off edge. Your tutorial did the trick and I am on my way to finishing my shawl. Thank you so much for making these instructions so clear.
Beth
🥰 🤪 🤩
Excellent tutorial for another beginner . .
Thank you! Just what I needed and so nicely photographed too. Thanks for sharing your talents. Happy new year!
Thank you! This is just what I needed…very clear instructions and pictures 🙂
Thank you for such good pictures and instructions for the cable cast on!!
Great tutorial! So clear and closeup and concise that it works as well as a video! Thanks to my sister for finding this for me! I needed it for the heel of a slipper bootie.
I've got a pattern which starts with a picky edge and the very beginning if the pattern says:
*Cast on 5 stitches using cable cast on…
How would you do this without any stitches already present? Would you cast on 2 normally, then do the remaining 3 as a cable cast on?
Thanks!
Hi Rachel.
Great question! If you are doing a Cable Cast On at the beginning of a project and do not already have any stitches present you begin in the same fashion as you would a Long Tail Cast On. And by that I mean, make a slip knot to create your first stitch. For Cable Cast On, however, you will put it on your left needle rather than your right. Knit into the stitch and Cable Cast on your second stitch. From here on out, you will place your needle between the two stitches closest to the needle's tip to cast on the remaining stitches. I hope this helps! -Laura
Phew! This is sooo helpful! I am glad I clicked on the red “cable cast on”. Hopefully I will be able to finish my daughter's top for Christmas!
Thank you SO much! I looked everywhere and yours were the only instructions that I was able to follow! Now I can continue with my project!
thank you so much for the clear explainy. other sites didn't tell me to flip the work, so i was feeling quite stupid…
Super helpful! Thanks!
THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!
FINALLY I'VE FOUND THE BEST TUTORIAL IN ALL THE ENTIRE WEB!
I'VE WATCHED INFINITE VIDEOS, SEARCHED INFOS, TUTORIALS, BUT NOBODY WAS ABLE TO MAKE A CLEAR, SIMPLE, TUTORIAL LIKE YOUR! IT SEEMS SO DIFFICULT FROM OTHER 'S TUTORIAL, BUT WHEN I READ YOUR, I UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IMMEDIATLY AND NOW IS THE MOST EASY THING TO DO!
AS I ALWAYS SAID, IT'S NOT THE PERSON THAT DONT UNDERSTAND, IT'S OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO EXPLAIN AT ALL!
TO BE CLEAR IS AN ART.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Thanks for the super-clear pics! I've read 2 different books on the subject, watched several videos and had the basics for cable cast on down but still wasn't sure that I was putting the new stitches on the needle the correct way. Thanks to your tutorial (by far the best of the lot btw) I am now confident that I'm proceding as I'm supposed to be!! Thank you!!
If I am using the crochet cast-on as a permanent cast-on (not provisional), will it start my project on the wrong or right side? For example, the long-tail method starts a project on the wrong side…thanks!
Fantastic instructions for casting on in the middle of a row – I've just begun knitting with circular needles and even tho' I'd been to a local knitting/wool shop I didn't get correct instructions and my work was a mess. I had to really search a lot of sites to get this info, there were a lot of instructions for casting on, but none for doing so in the middle of a row. thank you, purlbee!
I always did a e-loop when I had to cast on more stitches. Thanks to your tutorial, I have now casted on my sleeves with the same cast on as I did when I began the project. Thanks a million!
Thank you for this photo guide! I prefer photo tutorials to video. I’m fairly new to knitting and when the pattern for the sweater said to “CO” in the middle of a row, I did an online search and found you.
Many thanks from Colorado.
Love this. This is the only cast on I use. I do give it a little twist before the transfer to the right needle though.
Is there a reason you don’t recommend the twist?
Hello Christine!
We’re so glad you enjoy this cast on method! Adding a twist is an interesting idea! There’s no reason we don’t recommend it, frankly I’ve never heard that recommended for this method. I bet it would add a little more decorative edging to the cast on!
Thanks for sharing your tip! Happy knitting! -Alyson
great explanation and photos …. i understand. BUT …. i’m confused with casting on the sleeves for your silken straw summer sweater. when i start the cable cast on, i’m carrying a loop across the bound off stitches …. i know there must be a simple explanation for how to avoid this …. can you please tell me. many thanks in advance
Hello Maggie!
Yes you shouldn’t have a length of yarn across the bound off stitches. Ideally, you would have bound off the stitches and then have the working yarn still attached so you can seamlessly begin casting on more stitches. Please let me know if this doesn’t answer your question, and feel free to send a photo to customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com if you think that would demonstrate your issue more clearly!
Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
In my pattern I have come to an already cast off portion, and it says to use a cable cast on to cast on the 21 stitches that are already bound off. How do I do that??
Hello Sue!
Thanks for writing in! I think the pattern is telling you to do a cable cast on for the amount that you had originally bound off. If you are making a neckline, this is a common technique because you bind off for the front and then cable cast on for the back, making a “hole” for your head to go through. I hope this makes sense. Let me know how it goes!
-Adam
Hi! When you cast on the stitches for the left front shoulder, what side should the right shoulder be on (the stitches that are hanging out on the cable)?
Hi Bonnye,
Thanks for writing in. Could you be a little more specific about which pattern you are referring to? The more I know, the better I can help you!
Best,
Adam
Hello! QUESTION; After making your cable stitches and when you turn your work, do you knit from the back of the stitch or knit the normal way?! Thank you!
Hi Chantelle,
Thanks for your question. After making your cable cast on you’ll need to turn the work so the right side if facing you. Your next move will be to knit “anchored” knit stitches, or stitches that are “live”. When you get back around to your cable cast on stitches you will knit them as normal. No need for any special techniques. One tip though: tighten the tension on your first cable cast on stitch so there is little to no gap in the knitting.
Best,
Adam
I like best is written instructions I can print and keep to help teach others in my group.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in! you can certainly print these directions if you would like. To do so, if you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi!
I am starting the Bamboo Shell and referenced this tutorial as part of the pattern. I do have one question though…In the pattern for the shell, it seems like you’re supposed to do this on the right side (see wording from Bamboo Shell pattern below).
****Set-Up Row (right side): Cable cast on 32 (34, 34, 36, 38) stitches, working across newly cast-on stitches and remainder of row… k2, [p1, k1] nine times, p2, place marker, knit to last three stitches, p1, k2. [52 (54, 60, 64, 68) stitches]****
Does this indicate to do the cable cast on from the wrong side as in this tutorial, turning to the right side to work across all stitches, or is there another way to do it from the right side? Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,
Kathryn
Hello Kathryn,
Thanks for the question. Normally in a cable cast on you turn the work so the wrong side is facing but in this case you will not. This is because you are cable casting at the beginning of a row and then working across the stitches just cast on. Hope this clears everything up!
Adam
So my question is that you use cable cast on for the snow day hat however I read on another site that cable cast on is not perhaps the right choice where a “stretchy edge is needed”. But don’t I want a stretchy edge for the snow day hat?
Thanks for clarification.
Also, why not use this cast on for all projects as it takes the guess work out of how long to leave yarn for long tail cast on. I am always off on my estimates 🙂
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the questions! Since our Purl Soho Super Soft Merino yarn doubled is so incredibly thick, for this pattern we chose to use cable cast on. For most of our other hats, we use the long tail cast on, which you can certainly use here as well if you like.
We generally prefer the long tail cast on as it is tidy and stretchy. A good rule of thumb for the long tail cast on is to make your tail 3 times the length of the cast on edge. This should give you plenty of yarn for the cast on without having far too much.
Best,
Cassy
I have your prewrap wrap and would like to make it from a wool blend How do I determine how much yarn?
Hi Judy,
Thanks for writing in! If you would like to knit this wrap using just a single yarn, you will need approximately 760 yards of a DK weight yarn. Manos Silk Blend would work well here! Cashmere Merino Bloom or Understory would also be lovely for this wrap!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I’m rapt my first google search for cable casting on in the middle came to your page, it’s perfect how u explain it & u have great photos to show exactly what your saying. Thank you!
will be checking out more on here once I’ve finished knitting the odila cape pullover
Why do you not twist the stitch when placing it back on to the left hand needle (in the knit direction)? Every other tutorial I have seen shows that after inserting the needle between the two stitches and knitting, the new stitch gets placed back on the left hand needle rotated or twisted clockwise…
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for writing in! Either variation of the cast on is valid – I myself am a “stitch twister” when I use this cast on simply because it feels more natural to my hands, but as long as you stick with one method (either twisting or not twisting the stitches) your cast on edge will look the same in the finished product.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Ok great to know! Thank you 🙂
I am doing the armhole finishing on a sweater vest. I picked up all the stitches around the armhole for the I-cord edging and then, using cable cast on, I cast on 3 stitches onto the left hand needle, continuing to use the same yarn I had used to pick up all the stitches. The instructions now say “K2, ssk, slip 3 stitches just worked back to the LH needle.” This is to be repeated until all picked up stitches have been used then BO remaining 3 stitches. My question is where do I start the K2, ssk, etc.? The 3 cable cast on stitches are the first on the left needle. Are the cable cast on stitches the remaining 3 stitches to be bound off? I really hope you can help. I’ve been knitting for over 50 years and have never run into this type of finishing.
Hi Kris,
Thanks for reaching out! Without knowing the pattern, I cannot say with 100% certainty. However, it does seam that you will want to begin the “K2, ssk, slip 3 stitches just worked back to the LH needle” after the 3 cable cast on stitches and after you have turned back to the right side. Generally, when working a cable cast on, you turn your work to the wrong side to work the cast on and when you are done, you will turn your work back to the right side and continue on from there. So after the cable cast on and turning back to the right side, you cable cast on stitches should be on the right hand needle and you will be ready to work moving forward.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Thank you for this tutorial. I am casting on dolman sleeves from the body and wondered if you use a purl stitch for the second sleeve in order to match the stockinette stitch? With right side facing me I cast on using your method and then knit to end of row. Upon turning the purl side is facing me so do you recommend purling between each stitch as the cast on? Thank you.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for reaching out! Although you could work the cable cast on purlwise if you wish so that it matches the first row of stitches, in this case, since the dolman sleeves will be seamed along the two cast ons, the first row will be hidden inside of the seam so nobody will know if the cast on doesn’t match exactly.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hello! Is there a comparable bind off stitch to the cable cast on? I used the cable cast on at the start of a scarf but am not sure how to “match” the bind off. Thank you very much.
Hi Leslie,
Great question! A basic bind off worked in pattern matches the cable cast on perfectly!
Best,
Julianna
Thanks for explaining well how to do cable cast on, brilliant close up photos, x
When you are casting on in the middle of a project, do you insert the needle between the last two stitches just BEFORE the cast on, or do you knit a new stitch (or two) in order to insert the needle in between them? Thank you for your help.
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! You insert the needle between the last two stitches just before the cast on.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
My pattern calls for me to cast on extra stitches in the middle of a wrong side (purl) row. So when I turn the work to do the cable cast on, the knit side is facing me. Does this require any change in the technique?
Thanks!
Hi Mary-Beth,
Thanks for reaching out! No, you should be just fine to go ahead and use the cable cast on as shown in the tutorial! Some patterns may require a purl version of the cast on if the purl side is facing, but unless the pattern calls for it, you can use the knit version shown here.
Best,
Julianna
Thank you for the clear explanation and great images
Would it help to put a marker on my needle to keep track of how many stitches I cast on with the cable cast on method?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! Certainly! I use stitch markers myself when casting on to keep track of the number of stitches that I have cast on. It is such a big help!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for your clear instructions. The pattern I bought sent me to your site and the instructions are great.
All I need now is how to decipher the charts for the patterns I bought that never said they were charts only or I wouldn’t have bought them.
Great video and description for cable cast on as very easy to understand! So thoughtful of PS to take care of their patrons via tutorials/videos/pictures w explanations! Makes knitting patterns w stitches etc that are new to the knitter/crocheter, less intimidating?!?!
Would this method be appropriate for socks?
Hi Mindy,
The cable cast-on is typically used when adding stitches in the middle of a project, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to use it for socks. You could use it at the beginning of the project, like a regular cast-on, but it won’t make much of a difference!
All the best,
Lili