To cast-on stitches on the knitting needles is the first step of any knitting project whether you knit back and forth or round. It is the first stitch of the row or round on your knitting needles whether you work with single-pointed, circular, or double-pointed needles. You must have heard the proverb; “A good start makes the rest easier”. and that is why it is important to have the right way to cast on knitting and lay the foundation of your project. In your knitting practice, someday you might come across the instruction to cast on with two needles. To help you do that in this blog post we’ll walk you through the steps on how to cast on knitting with two needles.
The craft of knitting is like the knitters, diverse and unique. There is no right or wrong method to cast on stitches. If you are following a knitting pattern you may be given instructions on how to go about it but many times it will be left to your choice. The method to cast stitches depends on the project. Socks require a stretchy edge while a sweater or a blanket would be requiring some other way. It also depends on the fact that every knitter is different, each one has a different style of tensioning the gauge.
Why Cast on with two needles?
There are many reasons to use two knitting needles to cast stitches. It may be the design or the knitter's comfort. The result is generally a much stretchier edge. This is particularly amazing for lace projects, 2×2 or 3X3 rib stitches, and similar patterns. In comparison to the basic methods, it’s a bit more complicated to do worth investing the extra time and effort.
If the purpose is to cast on with two needles is design then both needle tips will have the stitches that will be worked in the next rows or rounds. It is recommended to choose circular needles for the purpose. You can cast stitches on the needles at the same time by making loops with the cable of the needle.
If the two needles are used for a knitter’s comfort in getting loose gauge then you treat the needles as one. Once you have the number of stitches (do not forget to count the slip knot as the first stitch) carefully remove one needle from the arrangement and start working the first row or round.
Before you cast on, first gather your supplies
- Knitting needles: Choose any needles according to the pattern recommendation or the project. Use any pair of single-pointed or circulars if you are going to knit back and forth. For knitting in rounds, use a set of double-pointed needles, one-circular or even two-circular needles. Make sure to work with the right needle size as you may require to work with two different sizes or the same size.
In case you just want to practice, use needles that are easy for you to work with. We recommend using sizes such as US 6 (4mm), US 7 (4.5mm), or US 8 (5mm) in lengths according to the number of cast-on stitches you need.
- Yarn: If you are following a pattern you will have the information; if not, go for yarns that allow you to see stitch formation. Try 4-ply DK yarn or anything that you have in your stash.
Cast on with Two single-pointed needles
Now if you’ve got two STNs make sure to hold them as one. You can use the same size or use a different size. Once you have made the loops, remove the single-point needle from the yarn.
Cast on with Two Double-Pointed Needles
DPNs are used to knit in the round so use both needle tips as one. Here you need to be extra cautious as the stitches might slip. It is recommended to use needles of different sizes. Remove the smaller needle and then divide the stitches into the rest of the three or four double points.
Cast on with One Circular needle
When working with circular needles you can either make seamless tubes or knit back and forth. If you are knitting back and forth then simply remove the needle length in a way that the loosely cast stitches can sit comfortably on the cable. And, if you are knitting round then too remove the tip and join the stitches.
Cast on with Two Circular needles
Two Circular needles can make it easier to work the smallest circumferences or two socks at one time. Here the needles will have individual cast stitches that you will be working on in the first round.
Now whatever knitting needles you use, the steps will be to make a slip knot. This can be on both needles as one or individual knots on both needles. Then make loops on the needles that you will work on the next row or rounds.
With this, you can successfully try to cast on your knitting with two needles according to the pattern or as your project demands.
Happy casting!
Source: https://www.zupyak.com/p/3478376/t/how-to-cast-on-knitting-with-two-needles
