Cast On, Bind Off (31 page)

The Figure 8 Cast On
is easier to learn and commit to memory than Judy's Magic (
page 84
). It makes a serviceable beginning for socks, though it can be tricky to keep it tight and neat. It also creates a slight gap in the center between the first two rows of knitting.

Extras
Two same-size circular needles

CHARACTERISTICS

• Invisible beginning

• Can be loose and sloppy

GOOD FOR

• Beginners

• Toe-up socks

• Bags

• Top-down hats and mittens

Hold two needles parallel in your left hand.

Wrap the yarn in a figure 8 around the needles as follows. (Note that you work from left to right.)

• Leaving a short (6″) tail, hold it against the front of the bottom needle and bring the working yarn between the needles, behind, and over the top needle.

• Now bring the yarn from above the top needle, between the needles to the back, and wrap down and under the bottom needle, and back to the front again.

Continue wrapping a figure 8 around the needles until you have the desired number of stitches cast on. The yarn always goes between the needles from front to back. End with a bottom loop: You will have an equal number of stitches on top and bottom needles.

Pull the bottom needle so that the bottom loops are on the cable of the needle, allowing the tips to dangle. Knit across the stitches on the top needle.

Rotate your work so the bottom needle is now on top and turn to knit across the needle. Slide the loops of the top needle to the tip, ready to knit; slide the bottom stitches onto the cable of that needle.