How to Knit a Cable Cast On

Last Updated: February 25, 2021 Approved

A cast on is a technique in knitting for creating the very first stitches of a project. A cable cast on creates a firm, beautiful edge that can be also be used to add stitches in the middle of a project.

The cable cast on is similar to the knit stitch, so it is a great skill for experienced knitters to learn. (Beginning knitters may want to learn the backwards loop cast on instead.) Keep reading to learn how to use this cast on.

Steps

1
Make a slipknot.
- Make a loop in the yarn.
- Make another loop and pull it through this loop.
- Pull the slipknot tight.
2
Place the slipknot on the needle and pull it snug.

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3
Insert the right needle through the slipknot, as if to knit.
4
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle as if you are going to knit.
5
Work a knit stitch, but do not slip the stitch off the left needle.
6
Bring the right needle up and place the stitch onto the left needle. Pull out the right needle. Now you will have two stitches on your left needle.
7
Insert the right needle in between the two stitches on the left needle.
8
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle.
9
Pick up the wrapped yarn with the right hand needle and pull it through the two stitches.
10
Bring the right needle up and place the stitch onto the left needle.
11
Pull out the right hand needle. You should have three stitches.
12
Repeat steps 7-11 until you created the appropriate number of cast on stitches, lightly tightening the stitches as you go along.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I cable cast on to the end of my knitting?

Michele

Top Answerer

Cable cast on is perfect when you need to add stitches to a pattern. Simply insert your needle between the last two stitches and pull through a stitch, then place it on your needle just as you did when you first did the cable cast on.
Question

Do I need to knit into the back of stitches of the first row when using the cable cast on method?

Community Answer

No, you do not. It is easier to knit into the back, but you can also knit into the front.
Question

Is there a need to backstitch the first row with the cable cast on method?

Community Answer

No, there is no need. You can use any stitch you like for the first row, although some stitches may be more difficult than others, especially if you knit very tightly.
Question

I'm making my first blanket. I used the cable cast on method, which I love. Is there a cable binding off?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

To create a neat edge that will match the cable cast on, use a larger needle on the cast off row to prevent puckering. K1, knit second stitch, then slip the first stitch over the second stitch, Repeat this to the end. This looks better than knitting 2 together, then putting the knit stitch back on the left and repeating until no more stitches remain.
Question

How do I keep my needle between the two strings?

Michele

Top Answerer

It takes some practice. And you should use needles with a fairly sharp point to make it easier to get between the stitches.
Question

How do I cable cast on, on a purl row to add stitches in the middle of a row?

Michele

Top Answerer

Use a third needle to cable cast on.

Warnings

The cable cast on takes longer than other methods and some find it tricky, but can be worth it for the firm edge.

Thanks!
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
This is not for beginner knitters––don't use it until you've mastered the knit stitch. A better cast on for beginners is the backwards loop method.

Thanks!
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 12