What is provisional cast on used for in knitting?
Provisional cast on is a way of having cast on stitches you can get rid of later.
How to make a provisional cast on?
Using a crochet hook (matching the size of your knitting needles) you make stitches directly onto the knitting needle.
This type of casting on is also called ‘crochet cast on’.
What is the provisional cast on method used for?
- The piece of knitting will be attached to anther piece later but you don’t want this to show.
- When finishing your project you will have to pick up stitches to make the edge. This is a seamless way of doing it.
- You have figured out how to do the body of your garment but you are yet undecided on how to finish it. This method gives you time to think about it while you knit the body and decide later.
This video shows you how to make a crochet provisional cast on.
Important Note:
the video does not mention that your stitches will be loose when you remove the provisional thread. Make sure you are ready to slide the loose stitches back onto your knitting needle. In other words, the needle will replace the provisional thread.
Here is a free knittng pattern which used this method on Ravelry (you will need to be logged into Ravelry to access this page, it’s free):
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/come-cover-me#
Below is a selection of books and DVDs for knitting techniques, from beginner to advanced knitter level.