Crochet Cast On

Why use a Crochet Cast-On?

A crochet cast-on provides a clean edge for knitting projects and can be useful when adding stitches in the middle of a project. It is especially useful when completed with waste yarn for a provisional cast-on edge – see below for further information about working the crochet provisional cast-on.

Using a hook one or two sizes larger than the knitting needle will provide the best results for a crochet cast-on, ensuring an edge that is firm, but not too tight.

Step 1

With working yarn, create a slip knot loop around the crochet hook.

Step 2

Hold the hook in the right hand and knitting needle in the left hand.

Step 3

Bring yarn behind the needle and over the hook.

Step 4

Pull yarn through loop on the hook. 1 stitch cast on.

Step 5

Repeat steps 3–4 until one less than the desired number of stitches have been cast on.

Step 6

Transfer the final loop from the hook to the needle. Pull working end of yarn to tighten loop around needle.

Step 7

Crochet cast-on complete

Step 8

Begin knitting as instructed in the pattern.

Crochet Provisional Cast-On

The crochet cast-on can be used for a quick and convenient provisional cast-on. The provisional variation is worked in the same way as the crochet cast-on, using waste yarn, with the following differences:

Before casting stitches onto the knitting needle, chain a few stitches with the crochet hook to make the waste yarn easier to manage.

Cast on the desired number of stitches, then chain a few stitches on the crochet hook. Break yarn and pull through the final loop.

Join working yarn and continue as instructed.