Date: Mon, 5 Jun 1995 08:47:02 -0500
From: Leeann6@aol.com
To: Multiple recipients of list <knit@geom.umn.edu>
Subject: KNIT: Invisible Cast On Made Easy - Really!


What a breakthrough!  I cannot tell you all how I have
struggled with invisible cast-on in the past!  Just
couldn't get the hang of those two yarns in the left
hand, and maneuvering the right-hand needle up and
down, in and out... too frustrating!

So here's a fool-proof way (albeit a bit slower), which
I discovered this weekend while watching Meg Swansen's
"Dubbelmossa" video.  

(If I am infringing on any sort of copyright thing, I truly
am sorry - though I doubt that is the case.  After all,
cannot one pass on a knitting tip regardless of its
original source?)

To begin, take a crochet hook appropriate for the weight
of your yarn and work a chain.  Work slightly more
chain stitches than the number of cast-on stitches needed.
(i.e. if you need 50 cast-on sts., work 58 or so chain sts.)
It may be helpful to work this chain in a contrasting color
yarn.

Now, look at the chain.  On the "right" or "top" side you
will see the little "v" stitches.  If you turn it over to
the other side, you will notice that each chain stitch has
what looks like a little bead or "purl" on its back.  It is
into these little purls that you will now insert your knitting needle and
pick up
the stitches needed for your cast-on.  One stitch per
"purl".  Do *not* start picking up at the very end
of the chain.  Go in a few chain sts. first.   (That is
why you chained slightly more than you needed.)

Work your knitted piece as necessary after picking
up these stitches.  When it is time to knit from   the
invisible cast on edge,  simply *pull* on the tail of your
chain stitches.  The chain will unravel beautifully,
leaving a nice edge of live stitches!  (Meg also
suggests unravelling that first row of live stitches
and working off the second knit row to ensure nice,
even stitches.)

This works so well!  

(And I can highly recommend the video.  Full of wonderful
tips - not to mention two great-looking projects - including
the jogless circular knitting technique which has been
mentioned on the list recently.)

Lee