Special Shapes
Each cast-on in this section is specifically designed for a certain type of project. The moebius cast-on is the only way to start a moebius scarf or bag, and the two-at-a-time cast-on is the easiest way to start knitting two open tubes at once.
Moebius Cast-On
The moebius cast-on was invented by Cat Bordhi as a way to start a loop with one twist in it.
The cast-on itself is similar to a provisional cast-on, but then setting up the moebius and checking it to find the twist make the endeavor more complicated.
Working the first round can be a little slow and confusing – I’ve demonstrated the cast-on all the way through knitting the first round so that you won’t get stuck.
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Tips:
1. Looking for the twist in your moebius is probably the hardest part of the cast-on. Just follow the cable of your circular needles with your eyes and fingers, gently moving the stitches if needed, until you see the spot where the cables cross each other.
2. Be aware: the crossing may be at or near your needle tips, where you might not be expecting it. This is perfectly fine.
3. As you knit into the cast-on, insert your needle tip from front to back into each “triangle” as it presents itself.
4. You will need to use your fingers to massage the stitches and push them around the moebius and up onto your left-hand needle. Don’t worry, it’s only like this at the beginning.
5. Wondering how I made such a tiny moebius for the photo? Thought it was impossible to make a tiny moebius without felting? Wrong. Magic Loop to the rescue again. That’s right – with Magic Loop you can knit anything in the round, of any diameter – even a moebius. I won’t pretend it wasn’t a pain in the butt, but it can be done.
Liat’s Limitless Cast-On for Two-at-a-Time Anything
Liat’s Limitless Cast-On for Two-at-a-Time Anything is a top-down cast-on I invented for two-at-a-time knitting in the round on Magic Loop.
It’s the easiest way to get started knitting two tubes that are open on the end, like top-down socks.
Liat's Limitless Cast-On For Two-at-a-Time Anything
To Do the Two-at-a-Time Cast-On:
Download an illustration of how to do the Two-at-a-Time Cast-On here.
Tips:
1. You can use any type of long-tail cast-on with this technique, and I encourage you to experiment.
2. Don’t tighten the first stitch of each tube too tight – you’ll regret it when it comes time to put the stitches back on your needle tips.
3. You can learn more about two-at-a-time knitting in my course on two-at-a-time top-down socks.
More Info:
You’ll need a long circular needle (47 inches [120 cm]) and two balls of yarn.
Tip: Knitting into this cast-on will be much easier if you are proficient in Magic Loop knitting.
For two-at-a-time toe-up socks, try Judy’s Magic Cast-On for two-at-a-time.
Congratulations!
I’m so proud of you for making it all the way through this course. Your knitting is going to improve so much as you experiment with using these cast-ons in your projects. You’ll improve doubly if you show a friend how to do them, too!
Thank you for being my student and for being willing to try and mess up, and being gentle with yourself when you do. Your curiosity about knitting and your demand for good knitting videos lets me fulfill my purpose in life: teaching you to become a Knitting Superstar.
