Stretchy Short-Tail Cast-Ons
Alternating Cable Cast-On
The Alternating Cable Cast-On is a very stretchy and almost invisible cast-on for any combination of knit and purl stitches.
As with the alternating long-tail cast-on, the “knit version” of the alternating cable cast-on is the regular cable cast-on you’ve learned, and the “purl version” is the opposite movement.
You can alternate 1 knit and 1 purl to prepare for 1×1 rib, or you can alternate 2 knits and 3 purls to prepare for 2×3 rib, etc.
Slipknot (Buttonhole/Jeny’s Stretchy Slipknot) Cast-On
The Slipknot Cast-On is a reversible and very elastic short-tail cast-on that can be used to add stitches to stockinette or ribbing.
This cast-on is simply a series of slipknots done with the working yarn.
Tillybuddy’s Cast-On
Tillybuddy’s Cast-On (invented by Tillybuddy on Ravelry) is a very sturdy and stretchy short-tail cast-on that can be used for 1×1 or 2×2 rib.
The cast-on uses loops and twists to create pairs of stitches on the needle.
Chinese Waitress Cast-On
Chinese Waitress Cast-On
The Chinese Waitress Cast-On is a beautiful, reversible, and stretchy short-tail cast-on.
It was taught to knitting author Cap Sease’s friend by a waitress in a Beijing restaurant, hence the great name.
Not only is this cast-on very stretchy, it also doesn’t curl on stockinette, and it creates a reversible double-chain effect along the bottom edge that is very pretty.
I recommend this cast-on for Garter stitch as well.
For an in-depth guide to this great cast-on, including shortcuts, crochet and continental versions, and matching bind-off, see the {REAL} Chinese Waitress Cast-On Masterclass.
