How to Do an Invisible Cast on

An Invisible Cast On, also known as a Provisional Cast on or a Looped Cast On, is a great way to create a sturdy edge for single ribbing. This article will use a piece of contrasting yarn when casting on, leaving a row of live stitches which can be used to seamlessly knit up your work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yarn
• Long piece of contrasting yarn
• Knitting needles

1. Cast on half the number of stitches required using the cabled cast-on method. You will need an even number of stitches. If necessary, cast on another stitch to create an even number.

2. Start with a purl row and work two rows of stockinette stitch using the contrasting color.

3. Work four rows of stockinette stitch using the main yarn.

4. For row seven, purl one stitch. Then, using the right-hand needle, pick up the loop directly below on the first row of the main yarn. Transfer the loop to the left-hand needle and knit it. Repeat along the whole row until there is one less than twice the original number of stitches.

5. Work the required number of rows for the ribbing.

6. Draw the loose end of the contrasting yarn up tight and cut it to release the first few edging stitches. Repeat until the contrasting yarn has been removed.