How to Cast on to a Knitting Machine

Knitting machines are an alternative to hand knitting. Users cast yarn onto the knitting machine, and the machine knits the yarn in the programmed pattern, allowing the user to complete all kinds of knitting projects with little manual work. There are 2 basic kinds of machines. One is manual and necessitates the knitter use a punch card to create the pattern. The second is a computerized or electronic machine which allows you to choose and/or store patterns in the memory. Knitting machines take a bit of learning curve; setting up the machine is no exception. With a little practice, you'll get the hang of it. Consult the manual that came with your machine for specific instructions, but most machines use something called the "e-wrap" cast on.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting Machine
• Whatever Amount of Yarn the Pattern Calls for

Instructions

1. Bring out the number of needles you need for the swatch. Hold the yarn between the first 2 needles on the left.

2. Start with the needle on the left. Hold 1 end of the yarn with your left hand, and use your right hand to wrap the yarn around the 1st needle. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise. Bring the yarn up under the next needle and wrap it around again counterclockwise.

3. Repeat these steps across the row until you reach the last needle by the carriage. Return the yarn inside the gate. Close the gate lever.

4. Make sure the carriage is set to knit with back needles in the forward position. Make sure the carriage panel buttons are not pushed in. Make sure the yarn is in its slot. Hang the cast-on comb to weigh down the cast-on yarn.

5. Set the row counter back to zero. Knit across this row moving left to right. You are ready to continue knitting your pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure not to loop your yarn too tightly around the needles or it will be difficult to knit.