Knitting Tutorial: Provisional Crochet Cast On

For many years I avoided learning how to use provisional cast ons, like the provisional crochet cast on, in my knitting. I thought they looked too complicated and I didn't understand just how useful they can be. They are not well suited for every project, but work nicely for some hems and decorative edges, scarves knit from the center to the ends and some toe up socks.

Before You Begin

First, let me demystify exactly what a provisional cast on is and why you would use it.

Quite simply, a provisional cast on is a temporary cast on that's worked around a piece of waste yarn. It allows you to work some of your knitting in one direction. Then later, you can pull out the waste yarn and pick up live stitches to work in the opposite direction.

Provisional Crochet Cast On

Thanks to Skacel for providing the addi FlipStix needles and Zitron Trekking Sport yarn. These products are available locally at many yarn shops and online at Makers' Mercantile.

Recommended Pattern

If you'd like to make the 'Beekeeper Socks' shown in the video tutorial, the pattern is available in my shop.

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