Long-Tail Cast-On
((Also known as Double Cast-On or Continental Cast-On))
It creates an even, stretchy edge that works well for stockinette stitch or for ribbing. It's easy to knit from, easy to pick up stitches from, and is also the fastest cast-on I know, once you get the hang of it. It's even faster than Single Cast-On when you take into account that this method creates an already knitted row (technically, anyway...but patterns don't count this row).
Tip: When a pattern calls to "cast on loosely" (like sock cuffs and turtle necks), I will do this cast on over two needles held together as one. Results are a cast on that is literally as stretchy as your ribbing.
I usually give myself 12" of tail for every 20 stitches, more generously if it's bulky yarn. Do what works for your tension. (1/2-1" of tail per stitch.)
I specify to dangle the tail from your thumb for two reasons:
1) Your tail length will not fluctuate with the needle size, so it's easier to estimate yarn.
2) The yarn on the thumb side will tend to "untwist" as you go, but since it's not attached to the ball end it's easy to reintroduce the twist as you wish.
It creates an even, stretchy edge that works well for stockinette stitch or for ribbing. It's easy to knit from, easy to pick up stitches from, and is also the fastest cast-on I know, once you get the hang of it. It's even faster than Single Cast-On when you take into account that this method creates an already knitted row (technically, anyway...but patterns don't count this row).
Tip: When a pattern calls to "cast on loosely" (like sock cuffs and turtle necks), I will do this cast on over two needles held together as one. Results are a cast on that is literally as stretchy as your ribbing.
I usually give myself 12" of tail for every 20 stitches, more generously if it's bulky yarn. Do what works for your tension. (1/2-1" of tail per stitch.)
I specify to dangle the tail from your thumb for two reasons:
1) Your tail length will not fluctuate with the needle size, so it's easier to estimate yarn.
2) The yarn on the thumb side will tend to "untwist" as you go, but since it's not attached to the ball end it's easy to reintroduce the twist as you wish.