Best Cast On Method for Picking Up Stitches Later

[sassy2539]

I have a pattern for a knitted Christmas stocking. The pattern works from the top down to the toe with the child's name at the top and the year they were born.

I would like to make the stocking ahead of time...to give as baby gifts etc...so I would like to add the top of the stocking last. What is the best method to cast on to pick up those stitches at the top of the stocking that I have knitted and then add the name, date and top ribbing? I would like it to look fairly seamless if that is possible.

[suzeeq]

Probably a provisional CO, which can be just using a simple bakward loop CO and some other yarn, or you can use the one shown on the Cast ons video page.

[Jan in CA]

I suggest using a provisional cast on. I use it for a lot of things and it would be perfect for this situation.

The one called provisional crochet cast on is the method I use. You don't have to know how to crochet. Scroll down-
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on