Which cast on style to use when adding sts for sleeves?

[joyt]

I am working a Debbie Bliss pattern for a baby ribbed jacket. The pattern calls for casting on 7 sts at the beg of next 8 rows.

I have used the cable cast on method, however, the first stich is leaving a hole.

Is there a cast on method that works best in these cases? Or is there something that I am doing wrong?

Thank you.

[Silver]

I like to use the backward loop cast on, or invisible cast on for underarms. Check out Amy's great videos on casting on here.

[Ingrid]

I agree with Silver. Backward loop is what I use and it doesn't cause a hole.

[joyt]

I will try this. I looked at the clip and maybe the way you load the needle is different for purl vs. knitting?

regards,
joyt

[cmk]

I've tried using the backward loop cast-on when I was making a scarf from Sally Melville's Knit book because this is the method she recommended. I was getting holes so after fiddling around, I ended up doing the cable cast-on and knitting into the back of the stitch where the cast-on starts (my loose stitch was the one before the cast-on started).

For those that use the backward loop cast-on, how did you keep the edge tidy looking, like in the video? Mine were looking very uneven and if I wasn't real careful, I'd have this excess yarn when I knitted back.

Carolyn

[Silver]

You do have to be very careful to get an even edge with the backward loop method. I can get it fairly even just by watching my tension. But for under the arm, it's a quick, easy cast on for stitches that will be picked up later.

I prefer the invisible cast on over the backward loop though. The invisi cast on leaves *perfect* stitches for picking up later.

[joyt]

I unraveded my cable cast on ready to do bckloop method. But as you can see from the photo.

I now have a gaping hole at the end of my row.

I often have this at the end of my rows? Maybe as you have said, tension could be a problem.

thanks, joyt

[Ingrid]

Having a loose st at the end of the row is very common, and is usually tightened up when it is knit as the first stitch in the next row. Whatever kind of cast on that is used, and whatever "holes" there are, you also have to consider if those stitches are going to be picked up or seamed. If this is the case, it really doesn't matter in the end.

[Silver]

You can twist that stitch by knitting into the back loop to tighten it up. On the edge, one twisted stitch will not show after it's all finished up.

[joyt]

thanks!

things are looking better