Tubular Cast-On
The tubular cast on is, to put it mildly, a gorgeous way to cast on for working ribbing and has been praised for its loveliness all over the knitting blogosphere.
Choosing contrast yarn
Use a yarn that is the same weight as the project yarn to work the contrast rows of a tubular cast on. The contrast colour makes it easy to see what needs unpicking once a few rows have been knitted.
Choosing contrast yarn
Use a yarn that is the same weight as the project yarn to work the contrast rows of a tubular cast on. The contrast colour makes it easy to see what needs unpicking once a few rows have been knitted.
Method 1
- Using a contrast colour yarn and the cable method, cast on half the required number of stitches. This must be an even number, so if necessary add one extra stitch then work two stitches together when the rib is completed. Cut the yarn. Using the project yarn and holding it at the back, knit one, *bring the yarn forward, knit one with the yarn going over the needle to make an extra stitch. Repeat from * to end of row.
- *knit one, bring the yarn to the front between the needles, slip the next stitch purl-wise take the yarn to the back between the needles, repeat from * to the last stitch, slip this stitch. On the following roe, bring the yarn to the front, *slip one, take the yarn to the back, knit one, bring the yarn to the front, repeat from * to the last stitch.
- work these two rows once more then work in single rib. After you have completed the rib you can remove the contrast yarn at the bottom by carefully unpicking it.
Method 2This is an alternative version of the tubular cast on. It is also ideal for the rib and produces a particularly neat edge.
- using a contrast colour yarn and the cable method, cast on half the required number of stitches and then cut the yarn. Using the yarn needed for the project, purl one row and then knit the next. Repeat the last two rows once more. For the next row, the wrong side of the work will be facing you.
- *purl the first stitch, insert the tip of the left-hand needle into the back of the first stitch of the project yarn (which is between the first two contrast colour loops). Slip this stitch onto the left-hand needle and, with the yarn at the back, knit it through the back loop. Repeat from * to the last stitch.
- purl the last stitch, pick up the half loop in the main colour at the very edge of the row and knit it through the back loop. Remove the contrast yarn by carefully unpicking it. Continue working the project in rib.