Cast On Techniques

The Cast On (Bind On)  is the foundation of any knitted piece.  The diversity of the Cast On is only matched by the diversity of uses that the knitted fabric.  No matter whether you need something simple, basic and stable to invisible there is a cast on for every occasion.

Backward Thumb Cast on - Left Handed - This is the most basic of  all  the cast on techniques.  While stable it is a very stiff cast on that has very little to no give so it is not suited to all types of projects.  I would personally recommend only using this when a pattern specifically calls for it.  In most cases a Long Tail Cast on or an Old Norwegian Cast On is a much better choice.

Long Tail Cast On - This is a highly versatile cast on suited for projects that require a stable border.  It has a pleasant look to it.  Additionally, this particular technique creates your first row of knitting making it much easier to work into.  Note that once you have finished casting on with the Long Tail Cast On you will be starting with a wrong side row plan accordingly.  This cast on has moderate stretch to it making it suited for a wider range of projects than the Backward Thumb Cast On.  This is one of the Cast On Techniques that I use regularly.

Old Norwegian (A.K.A. Elastic Long Tail, Twisted German) Cast On - This cast on has wonderful stability and is very elastic making it a great choice for any project that requires an edge with comfortable give such as cuffs of socks of sweaters.  This is another of my go to Cast On Techniques.

Estonian (a.k.a. Double Start, Latvian) Cast On - This is another cast on with great elasticity to it and is a perfect choice for using on a ribbed edge as it will blend in with it really well.  I use this on cuff down socks very often.