I know, I know. Most knitters dread techniques that can be somewhat fiddly, and this tutorial combines two techniques that are well known for being somewhat of a pain: not only is this an i-cord tab cast on, but it’s also a provisional cast on. Yikes, right?
I promise it’s not as bad as it sounds. Plus, it’s really pretty!
This cast on is my favorite for asymmetrical shawls knit on the bias because it gives you a continuous i-cord edge that is sturdy, stretchy, and polished. I use it in my Hearthfire, Hearthstone, and Frostfall (to be published in late November) patterns.
If you’ve never done a provisional cast on before, I encourage you to look at this video tutorial from Purl Soho or this one from Sister Mountain. I plan to add a photo tutorial of my own here eventually but, as you can see, my blog is still in its infancy.
Note: The tutorial below uses the stitch counts needed for Hearthfire and Frostfall. You may need to make a shorter/longer tab and pick up fewer/more stitches along the i-cord depending on your particular pattern’s instructions; however, the overall technique is the same.
Step 2: With yarn in back, slip all stitches purl-wise back to your left needle. Then, knit those three stitches.
Repeat Step 2 four more times (you will have worked Step 2 a total of five times).
You will have a total of seven stitches on your needles.
You will have ten total stitches on your needles.
I’ll admit that it is a bit fiddly the first time or two, but it gets much easier and faster with a bit of practice. And just look at how pretty the beginning of Frostfall is!
Are you making the Frostfall shawl? Here are a few more tutorials you may find helpful:
Lakebound Knits 