TUBULAR CAST ON
Tubular cast ons are unique in their ability to create an invisible finish to a ribbed edge. When you look at a piece of knitting that’s been started with a tubular cast on, it’s impossible to see any difference between the ribbed cast-on edge and the worked stitches! It’s a great edge for anything that needs a lot of stretch, such as socks, gloves and hats. Effectively, a tubular cast on creates two layers of fabric as you work into the knits and purls alternately and separately. It’s easier to show than to explain using just words, so let’s get started.
1 Begin by casting on half the total number of stitches you need using waste yarn. Cut the waste yarn and join in your working yarn. Now work 4 rows in stocking stitch, beginning with a purl (WS) row.
2 You’ll now work your tubular joining row. Purl the first stitch on your left needle…
3 …then pick up the first stitch of the row 4 rows beneath your working row…
4 ...and place it on your left-hand needle. Knit this picked-up stitch.
5 Purl the next stitch on your left needle. 6 Repeat the instructions in Steps 3 to 5 to the end of the row.
7 Work the next row in 1x1 rib, working knit and purl stitches as they present themselves.
8 After you’ve worked several rows you can snip the end of the waste yarn and pull it out of the tubular edge.