Cast On, Bind Off (20 page)
Authors: Leslie Ann Bestor
Drop the yarn from your thumb and pull on the ends to snug the stitch.
Repeat steps 2â6 for the desired number of stitches. Note that this sequence makes 2 stitches: the first a yarnover and the second a knot.
Getting It Right
On the first row of knitting, knit the knots and purl the yarnovers. At the end of the first row, treat the two strands of the slip knot as 2 stitches. This creates an even number of stitches. For an odd number of stitches you may use the slip knot as 1 stitch (though this can be rather bulky) or decrease/increase 1 stitch in the first row of knitting.
a.k.a. Buttonhole, Jeny's Stretchy Slip Knot
This cast on is simply a string of slip knots
lined up on your needle. It creates a very elastic edge that is great for the tops of socks, the ribbing on sleeve cuffs and mittens, and other places where you want a lot of stretch. When followed by ribbing, the cast-on edge looks great â it makes neat little accordion folds that follow the stitches. On stockinette, however, the edge looks unfinished, and I would reserve its use for edges that will be seamed. Additionally, it is great for adding on stitches at the end of rows.
CHARACTERISTICS
⢠Very stretchy edge
⢠Neat in appearance when followed by ribbing
GOOD FOR
⢠Adding stitches at end of row
⢠Buttonholes
⢠Any very stretchy ribbed edges
Make a slip knot, leaving a short tail, and place it on your needle. (If you are casting on at the end of the row, skip this and start with step 2.)
With the working end of the yarn, make a loop around your left thumb. The yarn goes from the needle, between the thumb and forefinger, and wraps around the outside of the thumb, with the working end of the yarn then going underneath and to the right of the needle.
Insert the tip of the needle into the thumb loop.
With your right hand, wrap the working yarn around the needle tip as if to knit.