I was surprised to learn that many knitters when asked to do a provisional cast on simply did a regular cast on with scrap yarn and then knit with the working yarn. It is fairly easy to then pick up the stitches but a real pain to remove the waste yarn, usually resulting in use of scissors. However there is an easier way, read on......
Provisional Cast On
A simple cast on using a simple loop method and a length of scrap yarn. The scrap yarn can be later removed to reveal live stitches that can be grafted or knit in the opposite direction for a seamless join. This cast on should be done very loosely.
A simple cast on using a simple loop method and a length of scrap yarn. The scrap yarn can be later removed to reveal live stitches that can be grafted or knit in the opposite direction for a seamless join. This cast on should be done very loosely.
Step 1 - Make a slip knot with the working thread and place it on the needle. Lay the length of scrap yarn alongside and below the working thread.
Step 2 - Bring the working thread downwards in front of, then underneath the waste yarn.
Step 3 - Now bring the working thread up and over the needle
Step 4 - Bring the working thread downwards in front of, then underneath the waste yarn.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have the required number of stitches on the needle. End by moving the working thread in front of and under the waste yarn. Make sure you have an equal number of stitches around the waste yarn as you have on the needle.
This is what it will look like after a few rows. Note we have picked up the stitches with a small double point needle to better show the live stitches. You will do this when you are required to work these stitches in your pattern. The waste yarn can simply be slipped out from the cast on stitches with no effort.
