How come there is sometimes a long strand of yarn in the middle...

hypeforlife91 · 11-25-2007, 11:49 PM

Why is there sometimes a long strand of yarn in the middle when I first start knitting after casting on? And you know...it's like I have to pull that strand so the stitches are tight enough. (And no cast-on stitches fell off or anything, just in case you thought it was that ^_~) Thanks!

Ingrid · 11-26-2007, 04:53 AM

What kind of cast-on are you using? That can make a difference.

hypeforlife91 · 11-26-2007, 04:57 AM

I'm just using the basic single (backwards loop) cast-on xD

The.Knitter · 11-26-2007, 05:01 AM

Try the knitted cast on for a while. You can find out how to do it on the videos up top. Good luck!

suzeeq · 11-26-2007, 05:23 AM

Backward loop is what causes the long strand. It's really better suited when you need only a few stitches cast on. Knitted, cable or longtail are much better.

hypeforlife91 · 11-26-2007, 05:28 AM

I'm trying to cast on 100 stitches (the pattern calls for that), what cast on is most suitable for hats? Thanks!

Ingrid · 11-26-2007, 05:38 AM

I use long-tail cast on for just about everything, but a knitted cast on is a bit looser, I think.

I'd avoid backward loop for your real first cast on. It's not pleasant to work with and doesn't look even when you're done.

hypeforlife91 · 11-26-2007, 05:47 AM

Thanks! But with the long-tail cast on...how many cast-on stitches are we putting on in the process? Like each time I grasp with my hands...etc etc tighten it on the needle...how many stitches is that? Do I just consider it as individual stitches? Thanks!

alleusion · 11-26-2007, 06:05 AM

With longtail, the first stitch that goes on the needle makes 2. Every stitch after that is counted as one. There's an excellent video on this cast on method here : http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on

suzeeq · 11-26-2007, 06:33 AM

The loops that end up on your needle are the ones you count, along with the one from your slip knot.