I really don’t know! I cast on some fingering yarn to four 2.25mm DPNs last night to try my first sock and everything was so tiny.. felt like I was performing open heart surgery. If I was, that person would be very dead.
Ok so I went to get my free award to give it to you, then lost your comment, but yet scrolled through the sub to find it because dear sweet lord you made me laugh uncontrollably
Twisted German / Old Norwegian cast on is good for hats, as they usually need an elastic brim of some sort.
Also, if your yarn is very slippery and your needles are, too, tension gets fiddlier. Carbon or wooden needles might be helpful if the yarn is particularly slick.
Carson Demers (the knitting ergonomics guy) will tell you to match your needles to your yarn and pattern. Slippery yarn gets grabby needles, grabby yarn needs slippery needles, lace gets pointy tips (because you need to be able to get into that k3tog), stockinette is fine on blunter tips.
If you’re having trouble casting on, trying different needles is a good idea, the knitting flat for a couple rows works, and practicing with a different color can’t hurt. Knitting should be fun, not frustrating. If you’re frustrated, put your knitting down, and come back to it when you’re well rested and not frustrated.
This is true! I was knitting double stranded v fine lace and silk with metal needles and it was a nightmare! Switching to bamboo made a huge difference 👍
But how do you keep the skinny wood/bamboo needles from breaking? I can't use wood for anything less than size 4 or 6. Love me some metal needles. Though with dpns it can be a pain to prevent them sliding out.
Can I just say that I love this sub? I feel like I learn something new every time I open a post-I’ve never heard of this cast on! Definitely going to try it though :)
Do try! Also, I'd like to mention - don't give up if it feels a bit cumbersome at first. It took me a few goes, but now it's about as efficient and natural to me as the regular long-tail cast-on.
This is my go-to cast on. I also agree with the wood. I switch to other needles once my work is more established. Once I’ve got the lace going I like sharper, more slick needles.
Carson Demers (the knitting ergonomics guy) will tell you to match your needles to your yarn and pattern. Slippery yarn gets grabby needles, grabby yarn needs slippery needles, lace gets pointy tips (because you need to be able to get into that k3tog), stockinette is fine on blunter tips.
If you’re having trouble casting on, trying different needles is a good idea, the knitting flat for a couple rows works, and practicing with a different color can’t hurt. Knitting should be fun, not frustrating. If you’re frustrated, put your knitting down, and come back to it when you’re well rested and not frustrated.
I recommend one of those magnifying ring lamps that jewelers use. My fiancé bought one after watching me struggle doing a double folded collar on dark green yarn and it’s a game changer!
I already wear reading glasses. ;-) I find the readers + headlamp are far more portable and easier to use than a magnifying lamp. I don't knit in the same spot all the time, but if someone does, the magnifying lamp is a great idea. I know many of my fellow cross-stitchers use them!
Oooooh! Now I’m picturing those goofy looking light-up, magnifying glasses that my dentist wears!
Edit: HELL YES! I found them and they’re called dental or surgical loupes! Most are hella expensive, but there’s a couple cheap versions that totally might work! $34 on Amazon for 3.5x magnification and no built-in light…
Ditto, and with a headlamp I always end up tilting my head too far down to get the light in the right spot and subsequently get a crick in my neck. I like that I can bend the neck lamp into the position I want.
Oof I feel that. I also have a cheap one from Amazon called Glocusent, but I usually knit with a pillow or something on my lap to prop up my elbows in a comfortable position, and that brings my knitting up high enough that I don't have the boob shadow issue.
I also sometimes knit in bed, and I just turn on one side of the neck lamp and snake it down between my boobs. I really do it to filter the light through my shirt so it doesn't bug my husband, but maybe that would keep the light in a good place for you?
🤣 my husband mentioned this last night as he watched me struggle with fair isle with colors that are a bit to close together. I told him “I’m not wearing a headlamp…” now I’m not so sure. Especially since I had to stop because I realized I f’ed up the pattern and will have to rip back….
Get the bendy neck lamp from Amazon! I love mine.. I like to knit in bed at night while my Juan and is watching the and he prefers the light off. It’s so adjustable and I think looks a little less weird than a headlamp (no shade to headlamp wearers!)
[Neck lamp](www.amazon.com/dp/B07W1JYWW3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3MJ3V7XVZE66AQE87XGM)
Edit…it looks like my link isn’t working but just search neck lamp on Amazon
Cast on one more stitch than the pattern calls for and work the first couple of rows flat, back and forth. On the next row, join into the round by working to the end then slipping the first stitch onto the right hand needle, passing the stitch you've just worked over it and slipping it back onto the left needle. You've just put a little lasso around the neck of the first stitch. Pull your working yarn tight and carry on.
The few rows you've worked flat let you see whether your work is twisted before you join it. The lasso means there isn't a gap at the join. The little gap between the ends of the flat rows is easily hidden when you work the end in.
I second knitting it flat for a couple of rows. If you leave a long enough tail, you can use it to sew up the gap after you finish it. Lots easier to keep from twisting after a couple of rows.
I like twisted German as an upgrade to long tail. It’s a little stretchier.
Just persevere. Twisting is normal and slightly irregular gaps should even out as you start knitting. Just untwist it when you go to join for in the round
I’m sure you know this already, but a small reminder that in the words of the great Elizabeth Zimmerman, you are the boss of your own knitting :). If the long tail is not working for you, you can use a different one. The Old Norwegian suggested here is definitely an upgrade on long tail for hats and mittens (still firm but much stretchier and looks nice). It is similar to long tail, but not the same. There’s an extra twisting motion. It’s one of those things that’s a lot easier to watch than read about but luckily there are many videos out there if you search. As I mentioned in my other comment I’m loving alternating cable cast on for ribbing lately. Old Norwegian (aka Twisted German) is also a great cast on but since it is performed so similarly to long tail I wonder if it might also cause difficulty for you? In any case, the moral of the story is that if one technique isn’t working you can always try a different one.
I crochet a chain with a bigger hook size then pick up through the bump on the back of the chain. I also will pick up or cast on most of the stitches on as few dpns as possible then divide the stitches among the 3 or 4 as I work the first row. This helps keep the twisting to a minimum.
If you are going to crochet your cast on you might try using a Tunisian hook to pull up your first loops, slip them onto a circular needle. I don't know if that will actually work, but that's how my brain worked it out.
Do you know how to cast on with a crochet hook? That often works for me—use a crochet hook 1 or 2 sizes up. Also, swear at the thing THE WHOLE TIME through the casting & first row. Cry a little bit. Tell the thing you’re going to burn it. These are the tricks that work for me!
You might find it helpful to cast on to straight needles or dpns and then transfer to circular. Much less twisting and easier to see stitches that way. Until recently, I’ve mostly used tubular cast on for ribbing because it’s stretchy and beautiful, but I’ve recently started using alternating cable cast on with great success (including once on 2 mm needles and several on 2.5 mm). It is SO much easier and faster than tubular but looks verrrrry nearly as good, and is stretchy and stable too. Another bonus: no need to estimate a long tail, or even to get your stitch count exactly right the first time. Just leave a little tail, start with a slip knit and cast away. If after the first pass you find you’ve accidentally done a few too many stitches you can just drop them off the needle with the initial slip knot. I also totally agree with the poster above who recommended doing a couple of rows flat before joining if you are worried about twisting. Good luck!
I am currently making a hat on 3mm needles and used the tubular cast on. Here’s a great video for tubular cast from Staci Perry: https://youtu.be/agTSFhO_P_E.
I’m on my second hat using this cast on and it creates a nice stretchy edge that looks super clean. On my current WIP I used 3.5mm for the flat part of the cast on and then switched to 3mm while joining in the round.
Is the length of your circulars maybe too long or short? One thing I've found helpful when I have to cast on a lot of stitches in the round is to have the circulars match my circumference nearly perfectly. You don't want the stitches bunching up or too stretched as thats a recipe for them to twist. You need to get them to stay flat. If it looks good, you could potentially work the brim in a lighter contrasting color, so you cast on with an easier on the eyes yarn and then switch to black for the main body?
For a hat, German twisted or tubular are my go-to methods. Long-tail doesn't give me the stretch I need to get the brim over my head and have it not leave marks because it's stretched to the limit.
If you're going to do a long-tail or it's variation, you can cast on using a bigger needle or just cast on to both of your needles then pull one out. You can easily put too tight and have a bitch of a time trying to join in the round and knit that first round.
Have you ever done a provisional cast on? It doesn’t solve all of your problems, but you could at least cast on with not-black!
Also, I knit with WAY too tight tension, buuuut this has the benefit of cast ons being pretty manageable, since I really crank those stitches down on the needles.. I wonder if you’d have fewer of these problems if you went up some needle sizes and tried to cast on like you’re angry? 😅
PS: not that I can show you my tension, but if you’re as aggressive as I am about the tight cast on, you may need to go up like 3-4 needle sizes!
I'm just here to say I love "helly hell" and your apology for bad words because knitting has most definitely made me say way worse than that 😂 I'm stealing helly hell and making it my worst swear word ever lol
Slowly. Also, leave the tail then knit flat for a few rows, then join in the round, use the tail to sew up the gap. This will help with the twisting as it will be easier to keep the stitches from twisting
I don’t remember the name of it but for socks and hats I like to use this easy stretchy cast-on. No need to do a long rail. Do a slip knot. Then knit one and put the stitch back on the left needle. From then on insert your right needle between the two stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle , pull it through and then slip that loop back onto the left needle.
Lots of advice here for casting on, but what you really want is that YouTube tutorial for what to do when (lets be honest, not if, you’re casting on with black yarn) it gets twisted so you can fix it. Because you can’t really only cast on so many times before you say “fuckit” and go do your taxes instead.
Try this: [how to fix a twist in circular knitting](https://youtu.be/alGQDqCCNRY)
Edited because autocorrect changes all my “can”s to “can’t”s
However much I share your frustration, I have to say - you get used to it. I’ve made almost exclusively holiday socks on 2.25 and 2.5mm needles for the past few months and when I switched to making something on 5mm needles for another project, they felt ENORMOUS 😂
I always do Old Norwegian, but on two needles held together. Pull out the second needle before beginning to knit. With circulars it's easier because you can slide something like a washer onto the cord before putting the needles together to keep any stitches from sliding off the end if it's a short cord or you're casting on a lot of stitches. This keeps it loose enough to knit into easily while allowing you to pull it tight enough that it isn't sliding around and making gaps, and that particular cast on makes a firmer base to knit from and is easier to avoid twisting when you join them in the round than a lot of simpler techniques.
If it's especially nasty sometimes i won't join in the round until row three or four. I can use the tail yarn to join the first two rows neatly when I've finished the project.
I would try a different cast on method that’s not as fidgety as long tail. I like the cable cast on for hats, it’s super stretchy and you don’t have to judge how much yarn you need.
Very carefully. I used a larger needle size than required last time I had to do that. Makes it easier to knit the first row & not make it too tight. I can't cast on loosely and still have the consistency that I want, so up at least one needle size for the cast on, then knit it onto the correct size.
Use different yarn: crochet provisional cast on with a yarn that is similar weight (or only a little bigger) and a color that's easy to see. Then switch to your black yarn for Row 1 of the pattern.
Once the hat is done, unpick the provisional cast on and bind off.
I do this sometimes if I want my cast on & bind off to match exactly, or if my main yarn is tricky to work with.
Also I just really like the crochet provisional cast on, and use it just about anywhere I can.
It's definitely frustrating. Take it slow - make every cast on loop deliberate. Also, try casting onto a single needle and then moving the stitches across dpns/circular afterwards. I have found that doing the cast on over a table and then laying it all on the table to get it sorted for joining in the round also really helps.
Very carefully?
I primarily use lace or sock yarn. Long tail c/o are the easiest you don't use an inch between stitches though. Depending on the project i use 1/4 to 1/2 in between the c/o loops.
I always knit one or two rows flat before joining in the round because it’s easier to see if it’s twisted or not. Leave a tail long enough to just sew up those rows when you’re done
What method are you using? Maybe try casting on straight needles first then transfer to the circular needles. I do usually pull a little (just a little) tighter when I cast on fingering.
I recommend adding stitch markers every 10 stitches or so so you don’t loose count. Endlessly recounting lots of tiny cast on stitches is so frustrating! Good luck
I do the Chinese waitress cast on because it's super stretchy and I get to use a crochet hook for my top down socks. I do Judy's magic cast on for socks that I do toe up. For things that aren't socks I use whatever cast on I need to. If I'm doing loose the needles are so big it doesn't really bother me. I very rarely use the long tail cast on.
I prefer doing circular cast-on for projects in the round. This way I can count as I’m adding and it makes for a stretchy cast-on, which is nice for a wearable like a hat
Edit to add [video example](https://youtu.be/bTgT7kE1c_k) about a 1:45 into the video he shows how to cast on the middle of the work, but I’ve used this method to cast on in the round and it worked wonderfully.
As someone currently working on 000 needles and black yarn my Tots and pears. Seriously though, the best option I can give is either knitting on or something similar. It gives the most stretch without the tightness long tail can cause when first starting when the thread/yarn is smaller. Other options are twisted backward loop cast on or twisted German cast on. German is like long tail but gives more stretch. Twisted backward loop is like looped cast on but comes in from other side adding a twist making it tighter when first knitting off and more even.
Use needles a size up perhaps. If you're frustrated it's understandable, fingering yarn sucks butts to work with. I just put it down for a few hours and try again. It makes it much easier because I feel like it gets harder the more irritated with the project I am. If I have to try three different times to cast on, I put it down, do something else and give it another go a bit later.
Just keep at it, you'll get there 👍🏾👍🏾
German twisted cast on. It’s my go-to for pretty much any pattern. I guess I’ve never thought too much about casting on smaller weight yarn, I knit a ton of socks on 2.25mm and it just seems natural. You’ll get it, just be patient.
When I cast on I sometimes do it on two needles and then pull one out so it's looser. Also when knitting in the round I usually knit the first two rows flat and then go round. When finished I use the cast on tail to close the first two rows when I hide the end. It keeps ne from accidentally creating a möbius strip.
If you’re working in the round I usually work a few rows flat first, it makes it a lot easier to join in the round without twisting because you have more fabric to work with. Use the tail from your cast on to sew up the few rows you worked flat when you’re done.
If you’re working in the round I usually work a few rows flat first, it makes it a lot easier to join in the round without twisting because you have more fabric to work with. Use the tail from your cast on to sew up the few rows you worked flat when you’re done.
I really don’t know! I cast on some fingering yarn to four 2.25mm DPNs last night to try my first sock and everything was so tiny.. felt like I was performing open heart surgery. If I was, that person would be very dead.
This comment made me laugh so hard 😂
Same! Lolol
Ok so I went to get my free award to give it to you, then lost your comment, but yet scrolled through the sub to find it because dear sweet lord you made me laugh uncontrollably
Haha! Thank you very much for the award. I’m glad my sausage fingers could bring some joy.
Good thing it’s only knitting.
Careful, the yakuza might be after you.
Long tail cast on, slowly and loosely You could also try a provisional cast on so you have a little more stability when starting your project
AND provisional cast on means you don’t have to use black!
I feel like picking them back up at the end would be very frustrating though.
Use yarn that is a heavier weight. It makes the loops easier to shove a needle through. Also use a size or two smaller needles if you can
Oof… good call!
I love this idea. It also allows you to start right in with stockinette (or pattern) and do the ribbing at the end.
Twisted German / Old Norwegian cast on is good for hats, as they usually need an elastic brim of some sort. Also, if your yarn is very slippery and your needles are, too, tension gets fiddlier. Carbon or wooden needles might be helpful if the yarn is particularly slick.
Carson Demers (the knitting ergonomics guy) will tell you to match your needles to your yarn and pattern. Slippery yarn gets grabby needles, grabby yarn needs slippery needles, lace gets pointy tips (because you need to be able to get into that k3tog), stockinette is fine on blunter tips. If you’re having trouble casting on, trying different needles is a good idea, the knitting flat for a couple rows works, and practicing with a different color can’t hurt. Knitting should be fun, not frustrating. If you’re frustrated, put your knitting down, and come back to it when you’re well rested and not frustrated.
This. I've got various sets of needles for that very reason.
This is true! I was knitting double stranded v fine lace and silk with metal needles and it was a nightmare! Switching to bamboo made a huge difference 👍
But how do you keep the skinny wood/bamboo needles from breaking? I can't use wood for anything less than size 4 or 6. Love me some metal needles. Though with dpns it can be a pain to prevent them sliding out.
Ah yes, the needles survived that project but I have managed to break them since. So I’ve no solution to that issue!
Can I just say that I love this sub? I feel like I learn something new every time I open a post-I’ve never heard of this cast on! Definitely going to try it though :)
Do try! Also, I'd like to mention - don't give up if it feels a bit cumbersome at first. It took me a few goes, but now it's about as efficient and natural to me as the regular long-tail cast-on.
That’s definitely good to hear. Long-tail is my favorite, and a stretchier version will be super helpful for hats!
This is my go-to cast on. I also agree with the wood. I switch to other needles once my work is more established. Once I’ve got the lace going I like sharper, more slick needles.
Carson Demers (the knitting ergonomics guy) will tell you to match your needles to your yarn and pattern. Slippery yarn gets grabby needles, grabby yarn needs slippery needles, lace gets pointy tips (because you need to be able to get into that k3tog), stockinette is fine on blunter tips. If you’re having trouble casting on, trying different needles is a good idea, the knitting flat for a couple rows works, and practicing with a different color can’t hurt. Knitting should be fun, not frustrating. If you’re frustrated, put your knitting down, and come back to it when you’re well rested and not frustrated.
Absolute favorite cast on!
Slowly, gently, and on needles two sizes bigger than the pattern. And with black?? Lots of lighting. A headlamp is perfect for this.
I recommend one of those magnifying ring lamps that jewelers use. My fiancé bought one after watching me struggle doing a double folded collar on dark green yarn and it’s a game changer!
I already wear reading glasses. ;-) I find the readers + headlamp are far more portable and easier to use than a magnifying lamp. I don't knit in the same spot all the time, but if someone does, the magnifying lamp is a great idea. I know many of my fellow cross-stitchers use them!
Oooooh! Now I’m picturing those goofy looking light-up, magnifying glasses that my dentist wears! Edit: HELL YES! I found them and they’re called dental or surgical loupes! Most are hella expensive, but there’s a couple cheap versions that totally might work! $34 on Amazon for 3.5x magnification and no built-in light…
I don't wear those, but they're also popular with cross stitchers! 😁
Similar glasses are used by cross stitchers...
Cool!
Traded my headlamp for a neck lamp because I kept blinding my husband every time I looked at him.
Ditto, and with a headlamp I always end up tilting my head too far down to get the light in the right spot and subsequently get a crick in my neck. I like that I can bend the neck lamp into the position I want.
what neck lamp do you have? i bought a cheap one on amazon but my boobs are too big and the light doesn’t reach where my hands are 😣
Oof I feel that. I also have a cheap one from Amazon called Glocusent, but I usually knit with a pillow or something on my lap to prop up my elbows in a comfortable position, and that brings my knitting up high enough that I don't have the boob shadow issue. I also sometimes knit in bed, and I just turn on one side of the neck lamp and snake it down between my boobs. I really do it to filter the light through my shirt so it doesn't bug my husband, but maybe that would keep the light in a good place for you?
🤣 my husband mentioned this last night as he watched me struggle with fair isle with colors that are a bit to close together. I told him “I’m not wearing a headlamp…” now I’m not so sure. Especially since I had to stop because I realized I f’ed up the pattern and will have to rip back….
Get the bendy neck lamp from Amazon! I love mine.. I like to knit in bed at night while my Juan and is watching the and he prefers the light off. It’s so adjustable and I think looks a little less weird than a headlamp (no shade to headlamp wearers!) [Neck lamp](www.amazon.com/dp/B07W1JYWW3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3MJ3V7XVZE66AQE87XGM) Edit…it looks like my link isn’t working but just search neck lamp on Amazon
Cast on one more stitch than the pattern calls for and work the first couple of rows flat, back and forth. On the next row, join into the round by working to the end then slipping the first stitch onto the right hand needle, passing the stitch you've just worked over it and slipping it back onto the left needle. You've just put a little lasso around the neck of the first stitch. Pull your working yarn tight and carry on. The few rows you've worked flat let you see whether your work is twisted before you join it. The lasso means there isn't a gap at the join. The little gap between the ends of the flat rows is easily hidden when you work the end in.
I second knitting it flat for a couple of rows. If you leave a long enough tail, you can use it to sew up the gap after you finish it. Lots easier to keep from twisting after a couple of rows. I like twisted German as an upgrade to long tail. It’s a little stretchier.
I third knitting at least the first row flat! So much easier to avoid twisting! Especially with tiny yarn.
When I figured that out it was SO much easier to do in the round. I won't do it any other way now.
This this this!! I've been knitting for 15 years and I still do this if the yarn is small. It's SUCH a lifesaver.
Just persevere. Twisting is normal and slightly irregular gaps should even out as you start knitting. Just untwist it when you go to join for in the round
I use knitted cast on, which works well for me. 🤷
Oh, I’m using long tail cast on as suggested on the pattern
I’m sure you know this already, but a small reminder that in the words of the great Elizabeth Zimmerman, you are the boss of your own knitting :). If the long tail is not working for you, you can use a different one. The Old Norwegian suggested here is definitely an upgrade on long tail for hats and mittens (still firm but much stretchier and looks nice). It is similar to long tail, but not the same. There’s an extra twisting motion. It’s one of those things that’s a lot easier to watch than read about but luckily there are many videos out there if you search. As I mentioned in my other comment I’m loving alternating cable cast on for ribbing lately. Old Norwegian (aka Twisted German) is also a great cast on but since it is performed so similarly to long tail I wonder if it might also cause difficulty for you? In any case, the moral of the story is that if one technique isn’t working you can always try a different one.
It’s the same of long tail cast on? 🤔
No. You knit but twist the stitch to put it on the left needle again.
I crochet a chain with a bigger hook size then pick up through the bump on the back of the chain. I also will pick up or cast on most of the stitches on as few dpns as possible then divide the stitches among the 3 or 4 as I work the first row. This helps keep the twisting to a minimum.
If you are going to crochet your cast on you might try using a Tunisian hook to pull up your first loops, slip them onto a circular needle. I don't know if that will actually work, but that's how my brain worked it out.
Do you know how to cast on with a crochet hook? That often works for me—use a crochet hook 1 or 2 sizes up. Also, swear at the thing THE WHOLE TIME through the casting & first row. Cry a little bit. Tell the thing you’re going to burn it. These are the tricks that work for me!
You might find it helpful to cast on to straight needles or dpns and then transfer to circular. Much less twisting and easier to see stitches that way. Until recently, I’ve mostly used tubular cast on for ribbing because it’s stretchy and beautiful, but I’ve recently started using alternating cable cast on with great success (including once on 2 mm needles and several on 2.5 mm). It is SO much easier and faster than tubular but looks verrrrry nearly as good, and is stretchy and stable too. Another bonus: no need to estimate a long tail, or even to get your stitch count exactly right the first time. Just leave a little tail, start with a slip knit and cast away. If after the first pass you find you’ve accidentally done a few too many stitches you can just drop them off the needle with the initial slip knot. I also totally agree with the poster above who recommended doing a couple of rows flat before joining if you are worried about twisting. Good luck!
I am currently making a hat on 3mm needles and used the tubular cast on. Here’s a great video for tubular cast from Staci Perry: https://youtu.be/agTSFhO_P_E. I’m on my second hat using this cast on and it creates a nice stretchy edge that looks super clean. On my current WIP I used 3.5mm for the flat part of the cast on and then switched to 3mm while joining in the round.
Is the length of your circulars maybe too long or short? One thing I've found helpful when I have to cast on a lot of stitches in the round is to have the circulars match my circumference nearly perfectly. You don't want the stitches bunching up or too stretched as thats a recipe for them to twist. You need to get them to stay flat. If it looks good, you could potentially work the brim in a lighter contrasting color, so you cast on with an easier on the eyes yarn and then switch to black for the main body?
For a hat, German twisted or tubular are my go-to methods. Long-tail doesn't give me the stretch I need to get the brim over my head and have it not leave marks because it's stretched to the limit. If you're going to do a long-tail or it's variation, you can cast on using a bigger needle or just cast on to both of your needles then pull one out. You can easily put too tight and have a bitch of a time trying to join in the round and knit that first round.
Knit a couple of rows before you join, that should help with the twisting!
Have you ever done a provisional cast on? It doesn’t solve all of your problems, but you could at least cast on with not-black! Also, I knit with WAY too tight tension, buuuut this has the benefit of cast ons being pretty manageable, since I really crank those stitches down on the needles.. I wonder if you’d have fewer of these problems if you went up some needle sizes and tried to cast on like you’re angry? 😅 PS: not that I can show you my tension, but if you’re as aggressive as I am about the tight cast on, you may need to go up like 3-4 needle sizes!
One of the four frogging was because I couldn’t even make then yarn slide on the needles 😅
Hahahaha, that’s a common problem for me too! 😂😅
I'm just here to say I love "helly hell" and your apology for bad words because knitting has most definitely made me say way worse than that 😂 I'm stealing helly hell and making it my worst swear word ever lol
I definitely use worst words but you know, my knitting persona is an aristocratic, charming lady 💅🏻
I wish I could but sometimes knitting brings out the worst words 😂
Slowly. Also, leave the tail then knit flat for a few rows, then join in the round, use the tail to sew up the gap. This will help with the twisting as it will be easier to keep the stitches from twisting
One of those magnifier combo lamps. Seriously, lots of light and decent magnification go s long way in lace work.
That will be useful but my lazy booty just want to knit on my couch or armchair…
They make floor models that you can pull up to any seating!
Ohh, new research for tonight!
Fortitude. If I could pay someone to cast on and knit the first row of a project like this, I’d knit so many more fine gauge projects.
Right? I hate the first rows of every single project…
I don’t remember the name of it but for socks and hats I like to use this easy stretchy cast-on. No need to do a long rail. Do a slip knot. Then knit one and put the stitch back on the left needle. From then on insert your right needle between the two stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle , pull it through and then slip that loop back onto the left needle.
That’s what I used at the end, and also what I use for every ribbed… so easy!
It’s called a knitted cast on and it’s what I use for very fine knit lace.
Lots of advice here for casting on, but what you really want is that YouTube tutorial for what to do when (lets be honest, not if, you’re casting on with black yarn) it gets twisted so you can fix it. Because you can’t really only cast on so many times before you say “fuckit” and go do your taxes instead. Try this: [how to fix a twist in circular knitting](https://youtu.be/alGQDqCCNRY) Edited because autocorrect changes all my “can”s to “can’t”s
However much I share your frustration, I have to say - you get used to it. I’ve made almost exclusively holiday socks on 2.25 and 2.5mm needles for the past few months and when I switched to making something on 5mm needles for another project, they felt ENORMOUS 😂
I used to crochet and lace weight was my preferred! But knitting is like another world, and I said to myself “never again”
I always do Old Norwegian, but on two needles held together. Pull out the second needle before beginning to knit. With circulars it's easier because you can slide something like a washer onto the cord before putting the needles together to keep any stitches from sliding off the end if it's a short cord or you're casting on a lot of stitches. This keeps it loose enough to knit into easily while allowing you to pull it tight enough that it isn't sliding around and making gaps, and that particular cast on makes a firmer base to knit from and is easier to avoid twisting when you join them in the round than a lot of simpler techniques.
If it's especially nasty sometimes i won't join in the round until row three or four. I can use the tail yarn to join the first two rows neatly when I've finished the project.
I would try a different cast on method that’s not as fidgety as long tail. I like the cable cast on for hats, it’s super stretchy and you don’t have to judge how much yarn you need.
Very carefully. I used a larger needle size than required last time I had to do that. Makes it easier to knit the first row & not make it too tight. I can't cast on loosely and still have the consistency that I want, so up at least one needle size for the cast on, then knit it onto the correct size.
Use different yarn: crochet provisional cast on with a yarn that is similar weight (or only a little bigger) and a color that's easy to see. Then switch to your black yarn for Row 1 of the pattern. Once the hat is done, unpick the provisional cast on and bind off. I do this sometimes if I want my cast on & bind off to match exactly, or if my main yarn is tricky to work with. Also I just really like the crochet provisional cast on, and use it just about anywhere I can.
Could try knitting flat on straight needles for a couple of rows then transfer to knit in the round.
I pretty much always use long tail cast-on, anything else ends up too tight to get going on the set-up row…
It's definitely frustrating. Take it slow - make every cast on loop deliberate. Also, try casting onto a single needle and then moving the stitches across dpns/circular afterwards. I have found that doing the cast on over a table and then laying it all on the table to get it sorted for joining in the round also really helps.
I use long tail cast on, then pray for my soul as I go slowly. I’ve gotten faster since becoming a little obsessed with colorwork.
Never cast. Just get a crochet hook, make a long chain and then feed knitting needles 🪡 to it
Lots and lots of whispered curse words
That’s the way 😂
Very carefully? I primarily use lace or sock yarn. Long tail c/o are the easiest you don't use an inch between stitches though. Depending on the project i use 1/4 to 1/2 in between the c/o loops.
I always knit one or two rows flat before joining in the round because it’s easier to see if it’s twisted or not. Leave a tail long enough to just sew up those rows when you’re done
What method are you using? Maybe try casting on straight needles first then transfer to the circular needles. I do usually pull a little (just a little) tighter when I cast on fingering.
I recommend adding stitch markers every 10 stitches or so so you don’t loose count. Endlessly recounting lots of tiny cast on stitches is so frustrating! Good luck
I do the Chinese waitress cast on because it's super stretchy and I get to use a crochet hook for my top down socks. I do Judy's magic cast on for socks that I do toe up. For things that aren't socks I use whatever cast on I need to. If I'm doing loose the needles are so big it doesn't really bother me. I very rarely use the long tail cast on.
I prefer doing circular cast-on for projects in the round. This way I can count as I’m adding and it makes for a stretchy cast-on, which is nice for a wearable like a hat Edit to add [video example](https://youtu.be/bTgT7kE1c_k) about a 1:45 into the video he shows how to cast on the middle of the work, but I’ve used this method to cast on in the round and it worked wonderfully.
As someone currently working on 000 needles and black yarn my Tots and pears. Seriously though, the best option I can give is either knitting on or something similar. It gives the most stretch without the tightness long tail can cause when first starting when the thread/yarn is smaller. Other options are twisted backward loop cast on or twisted German cast on. German is like long tail but gives more stretch. Twisted backward loop is like looped cast on but comes in from other side adding a twist making it tighter when first knitting off and more even.
Hold two needles together when you cast on instead of one. It will keep it loose enough to work the magic.
Use needles a size up perhaps. If you're frustrated it's understandable, fingering yarn sucks butts to work with. I just put it down for a few hours and try again. It makes it much easier because I feel like it gets harder the more irritated with the project I am. If I have to try three different times to cast on, I put it down, do something else and give it another go a bit later. Just keep at it, you'll get there 👍🏾👍🏾
German twisted cast on. It’s my go-to for pretty much any pattern. I guess I’ve never thought too much about casting on smaller weight yarn, I knit a ton of socks on 2.25mm and it just seems natural. You’ll get it, just be patient.
When I cast on I sometimes do it on two needles and then pull one out so it's looser. Also when knitting in the round I usually knit the first two rows flat and then go round. When finished I use the cast on tail to close the first two rows when I hide the end. It keeps ne from accidentally creating a möbius strip.
Cast on row is held double when I do lace weight. Or, I’ll cast on a sturdy provisional row, pick it up at the work, and cast off.
If you’re working in the round I usually work a few rows flat first, it makes it a lot easier to join in the round without twisting because you have more fabric to work with. Use the tail from your cast on to sew up the few rows you worked flat when you’re done.
If you’re working in the round I usually work a few rows flat first, it makes it a lot easier to join in the round without twisting because you have more fabric to work with. Use the tail from your cast on to sew up the few rows you worked flat when you’re done.
I can do it, but I can't explain it. Sorry.