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.
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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 |