Figure of 8 Cast On

I've used this cast on method for the Triple Twist Stockings and the Lumi Lace Socks as it gives

a really neat start when working toe up sock designs. It can be used whether you're using the

conventional method of knitting in the round on double pointed needles or the Magic Loop method

on a circular needle which is the method illustrated below. 

STEP 1

Holding the circular needle in one hand so

that both tips are together, make a slip knot

and place it on the right needle tip

STEP 2

Holding the end of yarn attached to the ball

in the left hand, bring the yarn from right to

left under the left tip then crossing over the

left tip, downwards in between the needles

STEP 3

Next take the yarn from left to right under

the right needle tip....

STEP 4

...and bring up to the right of the needle.

Bring the yarn to the left crossing over the

right needle tip....

STEP 5

...then bring downwards between the needle.

You've now created a figure of 8 and cast on

2 sts - one on each needle tip but

do not count the slip knot as a stitch

STEP 6

Continue casting on in this way until you

have the number if required stitches for

your pattern.

STEP 7

To begin knitting pull the right needle tip

upwards so that the stitches slide from the

tip down onto the cable.

STEP 8

Now using the free right tip knit the stitches

from the left  tip pullng firmly to close

up any gaps

STEP 9

Once at the other end pull down on the left

side of the circular needle so that the

stitches slide from the cable to the tip.

STEP 10

Drop the slip knot off the needle and pull

upwards on the right side once more so that

the stitches slide onto the cable from the tip.

STEP 11

With the free right tip knit to the end of

the round. You can see that the stitches

are arranged so that the round begins at

the side of the foot.

 The figure of 8 cast on creates a lovely

neat start to the toe section.

Continue to work in round as instructed

by the pattern