Mastering the Silver Reed SK840

Open vs Closed Cast On

Get Knitting · Lesson 4 of 6

Open Cast on

By definition, an open cast on will have stitches that will unravel if given the chance.

Some machine manuals will give instruction for this type of cast on
The Cast on demonstrated in the previous video is an open cast on.

Here are some variations:

Open Cast on with a cast on Comb (shown in the video)
Open Cast on with a wire
Open Cast on with Ravel cord

Most knitters graduate beyond these methods pretty quickly.

The following cast on methods leave open stitches to be worked later. For example, leave open stitches, then pick them up and hand knit some ribbing. Or turn the knitting, pick up open stitches and knit reverse stockinette.

Scrap and Ravel
Using a Cast on Rag

You will use these again and again

Closed Cast on

With a closed cast on, the starting stitches are secure.

These techniques can be categorized:

Closed but temporary.
These cast on methods are quick and have their place ... they just wouldn't be appropriate for the finished edge of your next sweater.
Uses:
- Cast on for swatching
- Scrap 'n Ravel Cast on
- Cut 'n Sew
Closed and Functional
These techniques can be used for the edges of your knitting, without any additional finishing.
- E-wrap cast on (lots of variations)
- Chain Cast on