How to knit the Italian cast-on - perfect for ribbings [plus slow-motion video] (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cast on for knitted ribbing? ›

Simpler to work than a tubular cast on, the 1x1 Rib Cabled Cast On is a great choice for any ribbed edge – the alternating knit and purl stitches of this cast on blend smoothly into your ribbing, giving a more polished appearance than a standard long-tail cast on.

Why? Unlike the German twisted cast-on or, say, the knitted cast-on, the Italian cast-on doesn't create a very stable first row. So, when you want to join things in the round, it can be extremely difficult to avoid your edge getting all twisted.

Here is a quick and easy tip that helped me achieve what I wanted: use a larger size needle when casting on! It is that simple! If the tension of the cast on is too tight, your knit will tend to pull at the edge. To avoid that extra tension, use a larger needle size only for the cast on.

Using Slip Stitches for Crochet Ribbing

Slip stitches in back loops do a great job of pushing the stitches forward and create the most springy fabric out of all the crochet ribbing stitches. The important thing here is to work the stitches quite loosely.

The long tail cast-on is one of the most popular methods of casting on stitches onto your needle. Often referred to as the double cast-on or continental cast-on, this method offers a stretchy and sturdy stitch which is not just simple but fast to make as well.

The tubular cast-on is the neatest way to cast on for ribbing and gives your projects a beautiful finished edge. It's a stretchy, elastic cast-on method that's ideal for hats, socks and neckbands. A tubular cast-on is characterised by the way the edge looks rolled over, without a defined beginning.

The Italian Tubular Cast On, also called “long-tail tubular cast-on” is an easy technique that creates a stretchy, beautiful edge.

If you need a very stretchy ribbed cast-on then the Italian Cast-On is what you're looking for! This versatile method is easy to learn, and it's perfect for a wide range of knitting projects. This is the ideal cast-on for Brioche as it perfectly mimics the brioche rib.

Hold it like the fish you caught—tight enough to control it but not so tight you kill it. Your thumb will impart the power of the cast, so placing it along the spine of the rod will keep the power where it needs to be. The thumb points where the rod tip will go, and where the rod tip goes is where the line will shoot.

Is tubular cast on only for ribbing? ›

However, with one extra step it can be modified for 2×2 ribbing. There is a video near the end of this tutorial to show you how but I encourage you to go through this entire tutorial before watching it. The Tubular Cast On is worked flat, but can be used for flat or in-the-round projects.

best bind off for 2×2 rib in the round

Tubular bind off is probably the best way to close stitches of ribbing. It forms a neat edge without a ridge and with the same elasticity as the rib fabric. The edge looks as if it doesn't end, but rather flows to the other side of the work.

Ideal for clothing, ribbed material is typically made of cotton fibres, rayon fibres or a blend, and feels thicker due to its texture.

Double Selvage works great with 1x1 ribbing. The best way to use it is next to the purl stitch on the right side - this way the selvage will blend in with the main pattern and will look like a continuation of the ribbing.