Provisional Cast On
When starting your next knitting project you will have a plethora of choices for how to start. There are so many different cast on methods at your finger tips. My go to method is the long tail cast on. Sometimes that isn’t the best method for the project that you are going to be working on. Learn about a provisional cast on, how to do it and when to use it.
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Provisional Cast On
Learn 2 Ways To Knit Provisional Cast On with a Crochet Hook. This is a very useful technique and one that I uses all the time.
Perfect for a beginner knitter to learn and an advanced knitter to be reminded of.
The purpose of the provisional cast on is to allow the stitches you cast on to be live once again (after you remove the crochet chain) and you can then knit in the opposite direction. It is often only used when a pattern indicates for it.
Method One
Method one will start with a crochet chain and we will work out first row of knitting into these stitches.
Chain 5 stitches, chain the number of stitches you need for your project, chain 5 stitches to make your crochet provisional cast on chain. Mark the end of the chain. You will need to know that this is the side WITHOUT the knot for when you remove the cast on later.
Turn the chain upside down and use your knitting needle to pick up the bump on the back of the crochet chain. You should be starting in the 6th chain from the end. Stick your needle through the bump, yarn over and pull the yarn through the bump for each of the stitches needed for your pattern.
Once you have picked up the number of stitches you need for the pattern you will ignore the rest of the chains (5 chains) and continue working on your project. When you are finished with this section of knitting you will remove the provisional cast on so that you can pick up the live stitches.
Starting with the end that is marked unzip your crochet stitches to reveal the live stitches. Watch the video tutorial to see exactly how to do this.
Method Two
Method two allows you to work the chain stitches directly onto the knitting needle. Start by chaining 5 stitches.
Wrap your yarn around to the back and work a chain stitch over the needle. This will put the chain stitches directly on the knitting needle. You will NOT need to pick up these stitches for your first row like you did in method one. Once you are done with the number of stitches you need for the pattern you will add another 5 stitches to the end.
Mark the end of the chain. You will need to know that this is the side WITHOUT the knot for when you remove the cast on later.
Work your first row of knitting just as you would with any other cast on method. Continue working the pattern until you are ready to remove the cast on edge. When you are finished with this section of knitting you will remove the provisional cast on so that you can pick up the live stitches.
Starting with the end that is marked unzip your crochet stitches to reveal the live stitches. Watch the video tutorial to see exactly how to do this.
Video Tutorial
5 Knit Patterns
- Lime Verbena Shawl
- Ebb and Flow Chunky Knit Hat
- Rib and Lace Scarf & Cowl
- My First Socks with Marly Bird
- Snowboarder Knit Chunky Hat
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a provisional cast on?
So here’s the thing… a provisional cast on is a super handy knitting technique that lets you cast on stitches, knit a section, and then unravel the cast on edge to reveal live stitches. This means you can then knit in the opposite direction, which is pretty neat!
When would I even use a provisional cast on?
Honestly… you’ll usually use it when a pattern specifically tells you to, but it’s especially great for projects where you might want to join two knitted pieces together seamlessly or knit from the center outwards. It gives you a lot of flexibility!
Can you explain the two methods for a provisional cast on?
Yes! Method one involves making a crochet chain first and then picking up stitches into that chain with your knitting needle. Method two is similar, but you work the chain stitches directly onto your knitting needle, so you don’t have to pick them up later.
How do I get rid of the provisional cast on when I’m ready?
Oh, that’s the fun part! You just need to find the end of the crochet chain that doesn’t have the knot. Then, you can simply “unzip” or unravel those crochet stitches, and poof… you’ll have live stitches ready to go!
Is this a difficult technique for beginners?
Not at all! The page mentions it’s perfect for beginner knitters to learn, and honestly, with a little practice and maybe watching the video tutorial, you’ll be a pro in no time. It’s a really useful tool to have in your knitting bag of tricks!
