One of the easiest ways to make a stretchy cast on edge is to use Latvian cast on. It is very similar to the well-known long-tail cast on, but with a little tweak.
Just like the regular long-tail cast on, Latvian cast on creates a sturdy edge. At the same time, this edge is elastic. These properties make Latvian cast on perfect for hats, mittens, sweaters and top-down socks.
The stretch is achieved not by making the edge looser, but by arranging stitches above and below each other like checkers. This arrangement creates a pattern similar to fluting inside the corrugated cardboard. It becomes especially evident when we use this cast on to start the ribbing.
Now that we know how the edge is formed, let’s see how we can make this elastic edge step by step.
If you are a visual learner, watch every step in this short video tutorial.
SET UP
Leave a tail that is at least 3 times longer than the length of the future cast on edge.
For example, if you plan to cast on stitches for a piece 10 cm / 4″ wide, the tail should be at least 30 cm / 12″ long. I usually leave a tail even longer than that to ensure I don’t run out of tail later on.
Then place this tail on your left thumb and the working yarn on your left index finger. Hold the tail and the working yarn with the other left fingers.
Take one needle in your right hand. Place the tip of the needle on top of the strand located between your left thumb and index fingers.
STEP 1
Insert the tip of the right needle from the bottom up into the loop on your thumb.
Pick the strand that lies on your index finger (do it from right to left).
Pull this strand through the loop that sits on your thumb.
Slip the loop off the thumb and pull the tail to form a new stitch.
STEP 2
Take your left thumb from under the strand formed by the yarn tail, and insert it under the same strand from right to left. Watch how to do it.
Insert the tip of the right needle from the top down into the loop on your thumb.
Pick the strand that lies on your index finger (do it from right to left).
Pull this strand through the loop that sits on your thumb.
Slip the loop off the thumb and pull the tail to form a new stitch.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to cast on as many stitches as you need for your project.
Then work in any stitch pattern you like. This cast on works well with most stitch patterns.
If you make a flat piece and you want to keep the “bumpy” side of the cast on edge at the right side of the work, start working with a wrong side row, or simply purl all stitches in the first row.
Remember to treat each strand on the needle as a separate stitch. Even though these strands seem to be grouped in pairs, they are separate stitches. Don’t work them together unless you want to get a flared edging.
If you want to turn this cast on edge into a decorative detail, use a double-stranded tail as explained in this tutorial. This little element is the only major difference between Latvian and Bulgarian cast ons.
If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
