Alternating Cable Cast On in the Round Tutorial

Alternating cable cast on in the round is a great way to make 1×1 ribbing with a rolled edge, similar to tubular cast on. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to master the technique.

Supplies

• Double pointed knitting needles or circular knitting needles
• Yarn required for the pattern

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

1. Make a Slip Knot:
   • Take a length of yarn and create a loop.
   • Pull the yarn through the loop to make a knot.
   • Tighten the knot to create a slip knot.
   • Place this slip knot on your right-hand needle.
   • Remember, you only need a tail long enough to weave in later.

Step 2: Insert Left-Hand Needle

2. Insert Left-Hand Needle Knitwise:
   • Insert your left-hand needle into the slip knot knitwise (as if you are going to knit).
   • Hold the working yarn (the yarn connected to the ball) in your right hand.

Step 3: Pull Yarn Through

3. Yarn Over and Create a New Loop:
   • Wrap the yarn over the left-hand needle.
   • Pull the yarn through the slip knot to create a new loop.

Step 4: Place New Loop

4. Place the New Loop on the Right-Hand Needle:
   • Carefully slide this new loop over to the right-hand needle, next to the slip knot.

Step 5: Start the Repeat – Insert Left-Hand Needle Purlwise

5. Insert Left-Hand Needle Purlwise:
   • Insert your left-hand needle between the last two loops on the right-hand needle purlwise (as if you are going to purl).
   • Wrap the yarn over the left-hand needle from front to back.

Step 6: Pull Yarn Through

6. Create a New Loop:
   • Pull the yarn through to create another loop.

Step 7: Place the New Loop on the Right-Hand Needle

7. Slide the Loop Over:
   • Carefully slide this new loop over to the right-hand needle.

Step 8: Insert Left-Hand Needle Knitwise

8. Insert Left-Hand Needle Knitwise:
   • Insert your left-hand needle between the last two loops on the right-hand needle knitwise.
   • Wrap the yarn over the left-hand needle from back to front.

Step 9: Pull Yarn Through

9. Pull Yarn Through for New Loop:
   • Pull the yarn through to create another loop.

Step 10: Place the New Loop on the Right-Hand Needle

10. Place Loop on Right-Hand Needle:
    • Slide the new loop over to the right-hand needle.

Step 11: Repeat Steps 5-10

11. Continue the Pattern:
    • Repeat steps 5-10 until you have the required number of stitches.
    • To keep track of which stitch you last worked:
      • If your working yarn is in front, it’s a purl stitch.
      • If your working yarn is in back, it’s a knit stitch.
    • When examining your stitches:
      • Stitches that resemble a twisted “v” sitting forward are knit stitches.
      • Stitches with a straight across bump sitting a little behind are purl stitches.

Step 12: Join in the Round

12. Join in the Round and Place Marker:
    • Carefully join your work in the round by knitting the first stitch together with the slip knot.
    • Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of your round.
    • Note that the first stitch will always be a purl stitch to maintain the ribbing pattern.

Step 13: Ribbing Pattern

13. Work the Ribbing Pattern:
    • Continue in a p1, k1 (purl 1, knit 1) rib pattern around.
    • Repeat p1, k1 until you complete the desired length for your project.

Tips for Success

• Tension: Keep an even tension as you cast on to ensure the edge looks uniform.
• Marker: Use stitch markers to help track the beginning of your round.
• Counting Stitches: Regularly count your stitches to ensure you have the correct number for your pattern.
• Practice: If you are new to this cast on method, practice a few times to get comfortable with the technique.

By following these expanded steps, you’ll achieve a neat and beautiful alternating cable cast on that sets the foundation for a professional finish to your knitted projects. Enjoy your knitting!