Italian Cast-On

What is Italian Cast-On?

The Italian cast-on is a more advanced way to cast on, made for 1x1 ribbing. The result is an edge that looks like it continues around from the back, completely without the typical hard cast-on edge you get with the standard long-tail cast-on.

How to do it (Step-by-step)

1

Slingshot Position

Make a slip knot or hold yarn in a V: tail over thumb, ball yarn over index finger.

2

Knit Stitch Cast On

Bring needle under thumb strand from the front, over and behind the finger strand, and draw forward.

3

Purl Stitch Cast On

Bring needle under finger strand from the back, over and behind the thumb strand, and draw forward.

4

Tubular Setup Rows

Work 2 setup rows: knit the knit stitches, and slip the purl stitches with yarn in front.

Italian cast-on forms a rounded, elastic edge by alternating yarn pick-up angles and working tubular setup rows.

1. Start with a long tail: You need about 3-4 times the width of your project. Make a slip knot on the needle (this counts as the first knit stitch).
2. Hold the yarn: Hold the strands as with a standard long-tail cast-on, with the yarn from the ball over your index finger and the tail end over your thumb.
3. Cast on a purl stitch: Bring the needle over the front strand, under the back strand, and pick up the yarn so you get a loop on the needle.
4. Cast on a knit stitch: Bring the needle behind the back strand, under the front strand, and pick up the yarn.
5. Repeat: Continue alternating between knit and purl until you have the desired number of stitches.
6. The setup rows: To make the cast-on stable, knit 2-4 setup rows where you only knit the knit stitches and slip the purl stitches purlwise with the yarn in front.