Casting on

Learn through doing

So once you get the hang of it knitting is quite easy, and at the moment it is all the rage! So there are lots of great video tutorials and patterns out there for free. As I previously mentioned in my first post, my nan taught me but if you have not got a nan handy and would like to take up the craft here are a few tips :)

First off, I am unable to upload a basic how to vid, this is partly because I do not have a good webcam and partly because I have a cold at the moment and my voice sounds like a Dalek... a snotty one. So if you arent sure on the basic steps look to this video. I did when I forgot how to make a certain stitch and nan was not about.

Although, I can give an alternative cast on method, that I find oodles easier. This is a family heirloom as it was invented by my great nan... apparently. I like to believe so.

I am using number 8 needles, 4mm. These are perfect for beginners as they are not small and fiddly but are not so chunky that you have trouble holding on to them.

Make a slip knot with a tail long enough to allow for the desired number of stitches. This usually involves a bit a guess work! But I'm sure there is a tried and tested method out there somewhere, when I find it I'll let you know. But at any rate, leave more then you think you should, just to make sure.

Thread your needle through the knot, and gently pull to tighten.

 Now, before I start this next step, do not laugh at the thumbs! They are very small and chubby, I know. In fact one is smaller than the other. Now that's out of the way... wrap the wool anti-clockwise around your thumb.





Insert the needle under the loop of wool around your thumb.Nice and easy. Don't get used to that! It starts to get a little bit tricky after this point.

 Make sure the long end of the wool is at the back (behind your thumb) and bring it forward, so it is in between your thumb and the needle.

 Using the needle, push the wool underneath the loop that is wrapped around your thumb. It will start to look as if you have a loop on your needle. This is not as complicated as it sounds. With a little bit of practices it'll be easy peasy.

 Now slip your thumb out, and you will be left with a lose looking knot underneath your loop and needle.

Simply pull both strands of wool, to tighten. And bing, bang, bosh! You have made your first stitch!







It does sound tricky, and there are lots of casting on methods out there that you can try. But, out of all of them I found this the easiest.

Happy stitching Jelly Beans!