How to cast on: Making a provisional cast on

How to cast on: Making a provisional cast on

This knitting tutorial covers how to knit a provisional cast on using a crocheted chain as the foundation. This crochet technique of making a provisional cast on edge is one of my favourites; it's easy to remember, makes a nice cast on edge to pick up later, and works every time.

You will need a crochet hook and some smooth scrap yarn. The scrap yarn should be as thick or a little thicker than your working yarn.

Begin by making a crochet chain about 6 stitches longer than you need to cast on. You can see a refresher on making a crochet chain in Learn to Crochet: Foundation Chain. Crochet the chain a little loosely. Cut the yarn, and remove the crochet hook, leaving an open loop. If you're worried about the chain unravelling, you can slide a safety pin through it.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on

Then, look at the back of the chain. (The front is the side that has a series of V-shaped links). On the center back of each crocheted chain stitch, you will see a bump.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on

Starting at the loop end of the chain, put your knitting needle through the first bump, from bottom to top.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on

Wrap your yarn around the needle, just as you would to knit.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on

Pull the yarn through the bump, just as you would to knit.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on

Repeat on each bump, moving leftward, until you have the desired number of cast on stitches. You are know ready to begin knitting from this provisional cast on. When you are ready to pick up your provisional cast on and work in the opposite direction, or graft, see How to cast on: Working from a provisional cast on.
Tricksy Knitter: provisional cast on
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