Some knitting methods are amazingly versatile. With or without minor adjustments, they can help us in many different ways.
Tubular cast on (and its simplified variation – Italian cast on) is one of those methods. It is perfect for casting on stitches for regular 1×1 ribbing (here’s a tutorial that shows how exactly it happens), and it works remarkably well for forming invisible cast-on edges in projects worked in double knitting, corrugated rib, and two-colour brioche.
All we need to do is use two strands of yarn in different colours as we form the first set of stitches on our needles.
The difference between the Italian and the tubular cast-on methods is in the setup rows. Italian cast on does not need them, but when we want to make the edge slightly rounded and keep it from stretching too much, we work two setup rows before we work the first row or round of the main fabric.
These setup rows form a tiny tube, turning a simple Italian cast-on edge into a more elaborate tubular one.
Because we slide stitches to the other tip of the needle after we work the first setup row, use double-pointed or circular needles if you plan to give your edge a tubular treatment.
Let’s see how we can use this method to make a sleek two-colour edge.
Whether you choose to work the setup rows or not, you will see that the cast-on edge seamlessly blends in with the main fabric, making your project fully reversible.
Read the full step-by-step version of this tutorial:
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“Matching Cast Ons and Bind Offs, Part 1” Book
Discover six pairs of cast on and bind off methods that form identical edges on projects worked flat and in the round.
“Matching Cast Ons and Bind Offs, Part 2” Book
Discover six more pairs of cast on and bind off methods that form identical edges on projects worked flat and in the round.
“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!
