How to Knit the Picot Cast On
Decorative cast on edges are easy to add to your knitting!
A great, simple way to spice up the scarf or hat you're knitting is with a picot edge. This edging looks like a bunch of scallops or mini-bobbles at the start of your work, giving it a really frilly, elegant and feminine appeal. Knitting the picot cast on is not as complicated as it appears. If you can work a simple knit cast on and bind off, you can knit a picot edge. This cast on method is especially lovely for sock and glove cuffs, but you're really only limited by your imagination with this technique.
Step 1: Make a Slipknot
Like with most other cast on methods, make a slipknot. Place it on your lefthand needle.
Step 2: Cast On 4 More Stitches
Using the knitted cast on method, cast four more stitches onto your needle. Five stitches should be on your lefthand needle.
Step 3: Bind Off 2 Stitches
Using a standard bind off, bind the most recent two stitches off of your work.
Step 4: Slip Remaining Stitch Back
After you've finished binding off your two stitches, slip the remainig stitch on your righthand needle back to your left needle, being careful not to twist the stitches. Three stitches remain on your needle.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4
Finish your cast on by repeating steps 2 through 4 for the cast on number given. Note that this method will always give you an odd number of stitches cast on, or a multiple of 2 + 1. If your project calls for an even cast on number, simply use the knit cast on to cast on one extra stitch when you reach the end of your cast on.
