Achieve Seamless Tubular CO with Jogless Ribbing

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Step 1: Provisional Cast-On
4. Step 2: Splitting Stitches onto Needles
5. Step 3: Starting the Tubular Cast-On
6. Step 4: Knitting the Tubular Rounds
7. Step 5: Transitioning to Knit-Purl Ribbing
8. Step 6: Finishing and Removing the Provisional Cast-On
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Work a Tubular Cast On in the Round

The tubular cast on is a technique used in knitting to create a neat, stretchy, and professional-looking edge. It is commonly used for projects that require a ribbed brim, such as hats, socks, and sweaters. In this video tutorial, we will guide you through the process of working a tubular cast on in the round. We will cover all the necessary steps, from the provisional cast-on to finishing and removing it, so you can achieve a polished and seamless edge for your next knitting project.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather the materials we will need for this tutorial:

• Crochet hook
• Waste yarn or working yarn
• Two circular needles (24-inch length)

Step 1: Provisional Cast-On

To start the tubular cast-on, we will first work a provisional cast-on using the crochet method. This method involves casting on half of the total number of stitches needed for the project. In our example, we will cast on 20 stitches. We will use the waste yarn and one knitting needle to create a slipknot and make chain stitches. Then, using the crochet hook, we will alternate between making chain stitches and sliding them onto the knitting needle until we have the desired number of provisional stitches.

Step 2: Splitting Stitches onto Needles

Once we have the provisional stitches on the knitting needle, we will divide them onto the two circular needles. In our example, we will have ten stitches on each needle. This step is crucial for working in the round and ensures that our tubular cast-on is seamless and symmetrical.

Step 3: Starting the Tubular Cast-On

Now that we have our stitches divided onto the needles, we can begin working the tubular cast-on. We will use the working yarn, which will be the white yarn in this example. By knitting into each stitch and then creating a yarn over, we will double the number of stitches, resulting in twice as many as the provisional cast-on. We will continue knitting and creating yarn overs until all the stitches on both needles have been worked.

Step 4: Knitting the Tubular Rounds

The tubular cast-on is worked in a two-round pattern. In the first round, we will knit the first stitch, bring the yarn forward, and slip the next stitch purl-wise. We will repeat this sequence across the round. In the second round, with the yarn in the back, we will slip the previously knit stitch straight over, bring the yarn forward, purl one stitch, and repeat this sequence across the round. These two rounds will be repeated to create the tubular effect.

Step 5: Transitioning to Knit-Purl Ribbing

After completing the tubular rounds, we will transition to knit-purl ribbing. This can be done by simply continuing to work in a standard knit one, purl one ribbing pattern for several rounds. This transition adds elasticity and texture to the edge of our project.

Step 6: Finishing and Removing the Provisional Cast-On

Once we are satisfied with the length of our ribbing, we can proceed to finish and remove the provisional cast-on. We will locate the end of the provisional cast-on and carefully pull out the chain stitches, allowing the live stitches to be revealed. This process will create a clean and seamless edge, with the stitches elegantly rolling over the cast-on edge.

Conclusion

Working a tubular cast on in the round can elevate the look of your knitting projects and provide a professional finish. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can master this technique and achieve a polished edge for your next knitting project. Practice and experiment with different yarns and stitch patterns to create unique and eye-catching designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different cast-on method for the tubular cast on? A: The tubular cast-on is specifically designed to create a clean and elastic edge. While other cast-on methods may be suitable for different projects, the tubular cast-on is recommended for ribbed brims to achieve the desired stretchiness and seamless appearance.

Q: Can I use the tubular cast on for flat knitting? A: The tubular cast-on is primarily used for projects worked in the round, such as hats and socks. However, with slight modifications, it can also be adapted for flat knitting. The main difference lies in the way the stitches are split and joined on the needles.

Q: How do I choose the appropriate yarn for the tubular cast on? A: The ideal yarn for the tubular cast-on is one that is smooth and has good stitch definition. This allows the stitches to roll over the edge cleanly and creates a professional-looking finish. Avoid using fuzzy or textured yarns, as they may not yield the desired result.

Q: Can I use the tubular cast on for projects with a different stitch pattern? A: While the tubular cast-on is most commonly used for ribbed brims, it can also be adapted for projects with different stitch patterns. However, the number of stitches and the pattern of the tubular rounds may need to be adjusted accordingly to ensure a balanced and cohesive design.