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Knitting Cast Offs
from: Deb St. George, Publisher, Tapestry-Crochet.comCasting off is a method by which you can create an edge which will not ravel. In knitting cast offs has great importance, it is because of this technique that, our sweaters and other knitted objects do not destroyed. This is basically the final stitch that gives your project strength.
The basic technique of knitting casting off involves, passing the final loop of a wale, over the loop of an adjoining stitch. You can create variations in this technique to create simple casting off, knit casting off, purl casting off; sewn cast offs and so on. These different types of casting offs can be used to provide strength, durability and comfort along with quality to your project.
In simple knitting cast offs, a loop is passed over the adjoining stitch; here the yarn is passed through the final loop, to fasten everything in place. This method produces a tight edge with a little elasticity. Unlike other casting offs, the bounds do not undo due to tension. Hence this technique is used in shoulder seams. Another convenient thing of this bounding is that it does not need a knitting yarn nearby and can be done in any direction.
Another version of the simple knitting cast offs in the knit cast off. Here every loop is knitted before passing over the other loop. You have to start with knitting two normal stitches and then pulling the first stitch on the right needle over the second the stitch.
Knit the next needle on the left needles and continue till the end with this cycle. You can make your casting offs loose or tight by applying the appropriate tension. To create loose cast offs use a needle that is two sizes bigger than the required project needle.
Knitting cast offs like purl wise, sewn casting offs and so on can be used to create variations and elasticity. The purl wise casting off can be used create rib patterns. While the sewn casting off involves the use of a tapestry needle attached with a long tail of yarn. The most popular form of this cast off is from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s book “Knitting without Tears”.
This bound produces an extremely elastic edge, which is perfect for the top of a sock. The technique is simple, use the long yarn and the needle to pull through the two front loops, and then pull it back through the first stitch. After dropping the first stitch repeat this method till the end.
If you are looking for a strong, stitch to join your front and back of your sweater, then try using the three needles casting off. This method of knitting cast offs creates a strong seam. Hence this bounding provides strength and durability to your sweaters. In this method two needles are held parallel, with the right sides of the knitting facing each other.
The knitting cast offs used for socks and neckline edges is the tubular bind off. This bound produces a stretchy edge. Hence it is very useful, when you create surprise gifts for your loved ones.
For creating good knitting cast offs, you can use crochet hooks, this makes creating bound offs easy for beginners. A crochet hook acts like a right hand needles, this hook is useful in creating loose, elastic bounds. The bounds created using a crochet hook retain their elasticity for a longer time.
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