Wondering? I do not like the "knot" on beginning of the casy-on row.

I have seen a video where there is no "Knot" when making the long tail cast on and I find I like this look 1,000 percent better than the long tail cast-on with knot.

May I change it?

David

If your instructions simply tell you to use the long-tail cast-on, I don't see why you couldn't do it without the slip knot. You could then add a note in your explanation or discussion of the swatch.

If your instructions tell you to begin with a slip knot, I would follow those directions.

You don't need to do a slip knot if you don't want to. Experimentation is how you find techniques you like best.

Arenda

Thanks Arenda,

I have never used the long tail cast-on. I seem to have gotten into a rut with cable cast-on and that is all I have used.

I like the speed of the long tail cast-on but not the knot on the cast-on row.

Thanks,

David

David: I too don't like the knot at the beginning - but, I've not seen how to start without the slip knot. You mention a video. Is it something that is on the web? If so, would you mind sharing where it is located. I'd like to learn this method.

Thank you in advance,

Ruby

Ruby -- I begin my long tail my simply laying my yarn at my starting point across the top of my needle. I do the long tail with one hand with the tail yarn around my thumb and the working yarn around my index finger.

In one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, she shows a way to cast on two beginning stitches at once. No knot.

Here is the video:

Knittinghelp.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75v-grTENJ4

I am not doing this course but had to comment.

I used to use the cable cast on often but stopped when I used it for a sweater and it doesn't have the stretch that a sweater should have in the ribbing. No matter what cast on I use I do not have a knot. It works out just fine. A video clip I am sure will show how to do a knot-less cast on easier than trying to explain it in words.

Thank you so much - I'll look at the videa and try it!

Ruby

I tried the knot-less cast on and I love it! No knot to destroy the smoothness of the cast on. Thank you for sharing.

Ruby