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.