German Twisted Cast On and how to seamlessly join it when working in the round
This Cast On creates an edge that is both elastic and firm, and it’s great when used for corrugated ribbing as it helps prevent the lower edge from curling.
I use this Cast on in hats, socks, basically any trim where you need extra stretch but firm edge.
This Cast On is also called:
Twisted German Cast On / Twisted Cast On / Elastic Cast On / Old Norwegian Cast On / Old Norwegian Sock Cast On / English Cast On / Twisted Half Stitch Cast On / Twisted Loop Cast On
HOW TO:
Leaving a long enough tail, make a slipknot and place it on the needle (if working flat) or just wrap the yarn around the needle (if working in the round, watch the video for details). Hold the needle in the right hand with both strands in the left-hand fingers. * Insert the left thumb and index finger between the strands, spread them apart, and turn them up to wrap the tail around the thumb and the working yarn around the index finger. Hold both ends with the remaining fingers of the left hand.
Insert the needle under both thumb strands.
Bring the needle up, over the back thumb strand, and down into the thumb loop, and then forward, under, and up over the front thumb strand.
Swing the needle back and over the near index-finger strand.
Catch the index finger strand and pull it forward. At the same time, bend the left thumb down and away from you to open up the thumb loop.
Bring the needle down through the thumb loop, and then forward and up. Remove the thumb from the loop, insert it between the strands, and pull both tails to tighten the stitch. Repeat from *.
IF WORKED IN THE ROUND
To create a seamless join, keep the yarn tail and working yarn at the back of the work, slip the first stitch off the right needle onto the left needle, and pass the second stitch on the left needle over the first stitch. Slip the first stitch off the left needle onto the right needle, and bring the yarn tail from the back of the work to the front. Slip the first stitch off the right needle back onto the left needle, and bring the yarn tail to the back of the work by wrapping it around this slip stitch. Slip the stitch off the left needle onto the right needle. tighten up the working yarn and the tail, and continue working in pattern.
Check out the video on German Twisted Cast On and the seamless join when worked in the round:
