How to Knit the Cable Cast On Method

By: Kristi Kittelson, Editor, AllFreeKnitting.com

The cable cast on method is a simple cast on that's both visually and technically very similar to a simple knit cast on, or two-needle cast on. There is just one key difference that makes this method that gives it its distinct, rigid structure. A benefit of the cable cast on method is that it doesn't require a long tail or any intermediate skills.

Since this cast on creates a very solid, inflexible edge, it's a great method for beginning amigurumi, dishcloth patterns, or other non-wearables.

Check out the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to knit this easy (and useful) cast on.

Step 1

Create a slip knot and place it on the lefthand needle. Insert your righthand needle knitwise into the slip knot.

Step 2

Pull working yarn around your righthand needle counterclockwise, as if to knit.

Step 3

Pull the yarn through, like you do when knitting a stitch.

Step 4

Place this new stitch on your lefthand needle, like you do with the knit cast on method.

Step 5

You now have two stitches casted on: the slipknot and the stitch you just created.

Step 6

Insert your needle in the gap between these two stitches—not in the most recently created stitch—knitwise.

Step 7

Again, wrap your yarn around your righthand needle as if to knit.

Step 8

As in step 3, pull your yarn through where you inserted your righthand needle to create a new loop.

Step 9

Place the newly created stitch on your lefthand needle.

Step 10

Continue repeating steps 6-9 with the two newest stitches on your lefthand needle until you have the number of stitches cast on that your pattern calls for.