Mitt-A-Long: CAST ON
Eeeek a day late! But in my defence I didn't anticipate the extremely slow upload speeds of the WiFi here at the temporary accommodation we are in presently. We are waiting for our apartment to be completed (its been a long wait!) and have had to spend a month in a new place. Not fun moving a family twice in a month, but hey our new home is hopefully just around the corner.
So I'm guessing you are all familiar with casting on, but if you want me to post a video about casting on, I'm happy to do so, just leave a message in the comments below.
Today's videos are about working with dpns or Double Pointed Needles and/or magic loop using a circular needle.
I use both methods. I probably prefer dpns as I get a neater finish, but that's because I can control the tension between the stitches either side of the needle change better. Audrey (my 8 year old daughter) is going for the magic loop as its a lot easier controlling 2 needles than 4 or 5 with little hands.
So lets start with dpns, you can work with either 4 needles or 5 needles. The stitches will be spread across 3 or 4 needles, while 1 needle will be used to knit them.
Cast on all your stitches onto one double pointed needle, I sometimes cast them onto different needles when I'm working on larger pieces.
Divide these stitches evenly (or close to) across 3 or 4 needles.
Bring the last stitch to meet the first stitch so that the needles make a triangle (3 needles) or square (4 needles).
Move the stitches around the needles so that their bases face the centre of this shape. Look to see that the stitches aren't twisted, by checking the bases make a continuous plait underneath.
Knit into the first stitch.
Begin knitting into the second stitch, but stop and hold the stitch and two needles, gently tug the yarn to ensure a firm tension on the first stitch.
Knit the stitches across the needle
Repeat steps 5-8.
Next up Magic Loop. You need a pair of 80 cm / 32" circular needles:
Cast on all your stitches, and move these stitches to the cable part of the circular needle.
Roughly find the middle of these stitches and pull out the cable here to create a loop.
Half the stitches will have no yarn ends attached and the other half will have the yarn leading to the ball (ie. the last stitch that you knit). Place the stitches without the yarn ends onto the needle ready to knit, leave the remaining half of the stitches on the cable.
Knit into the first stitch on the needle.
Knit across all stitches on the needle.
Twist work around and repeat steps 3-6.
I hope the videos are helpful. I have an issue with lighting after our move, so it looks like I need to buy some artificial lights to help with clarity. If there is anything I missed or you couldn't see, let me know in the comments below.
I'm loving seeing all of your Vanilla & Spice Mitts pop up on instagram, #vanillaspicemittalong and on Ravelry in our Mitt-A-Long forum, thank you for sharing your gorgeous work.
Click here to go to my pattern page so you can buy the yarn, needles and pattern, if you haven't cast on already!