Provisional Cast-ons Part I: Crochet

A provisional cast-on is a type of cast on that is created using waste yarn that can be easily removed to reveal live stitches.

It can be very useful if you want to later knit in the opposite direction (as for scarves and stoles when you want to make both ends of the piece identical, for example), or whenever live stitches might be preferable to a cast-on. In my About Town skirt pattern I use a provisional cast-on to create a knitted in elastic waistband casing. In my Adalida Cardigan pattern, I use a provisional cast on to knit a curved lower edge across all the main pieces after they have been sewn.

There are many methods for creating a provisional cast, you may find you have a favorite that you use all the time, or you may vary them according to project or whim! The Crochet Provisional Cast-on Follows::

Crochet Provisional Cast-On

1. Using crochet hook and waste yarn create chain a few stitches longer than desired number of CO stitches.

2.  Tie a knot in the end of yarn where your chain finishes as a marker (but do not tie off chain).

3.   With the needle in you right hand, insert knitting needle from back to front through the bumps on the backside of the chain until you have the desired number of stitches for cast on edge. Important: This is the side that resembles purl stitches. It is opposite the side with the “V”s that resemble knit stitches. Be sure to only pick up these bumps or your provisional cast on will not easily come off!! The back of the chain looks like this:

When the crochet stitches are on the needle it will resemble a needle with a privious row of knitting. Make sure that the sts are situated properly on the needle and that it doesn't resemble a row of twisted stitches. This would happen if you inserted your knitting needle from front to back through the stitches.* 

4.  Knit into these stitches with the working yarn in the normal way.

Your cast-on is complete.

When it is time to remove the provisional cast on, locate the end of the chain with the knot and pull to release live stitches. It is best to release a few stitches at a time and put them on a needle as you go to prevent dropping them.

*If your crochet chain stitches are situated backwards (twisted) on the needle, you may knit through the back loop.