A Beautiful Double-Edge Cast On for Every Knitting Project
Cast on with a single strand, work three quick slip stitch rows, and you get a soft, rounded double edge that makes any border look shop-bought.
The first row of a project is the first thing people see, so it's worth making it beautiful. This cast on gives a rounded, double-layered edge that looks like ready-made knitwear, and it's easy once you've done it once. It stands out beautifully in dark colours too.
What you'll need
- I used 4-ply acrylic yarn, but any wool, cotton or merino works
- Knitting needles to suit your yarn
Step 1: Cast on with a single strand
Cast on the number of stitches you need using a single strand of yarn, with no long tail. I cast on 40. If you prefer, you can use a long-tail cast on or any method you like.
Step 2: Three slip stitch rows
These rows separate the stitches into a front layer and a back layer, which is what makes the edge double.
- Row 1:
Knit the first stitch. *Bring the yarn forward, slip the next stitch purlwise, take the yarn back. Turn the needle around the next stitch from the back, bring it round, and knit it through the back loop.* Repeat to the last 2 stitches. Slip 1, yarn back, knit 1 through the back loop, then purl the last stitch.
- Row 2:
Knit or slip the first stitch. *With the yarn in front, slip the purl-looking stitch; take the yarn back and knit the knit stitch.* Repeat to the last 2 stitches. The stitches you knitted last time get slipped this time. You can knit the knit stitches through the back loop so the edge doesn't curl. At the end, slip 1, yarn back, knit 1 through the back loop, knit the edge stitch.
- Row 3:
Slip the first stitch. *Slip the purl stitch (yarn in front), knit the knit stitch.* Repeat to the end, finishing with slip 1, knit 1, purl the last stitch.
Step 3: Rib or garter border
Now you can knit whichever border you like, and you'll still get the double edge at the bottom.
- 1x1 rib: Slip the first stitch, then purl the purls and knit the knits. From now on nothing is slipped. Work 2 rows of rib, or more if you want a longer border.
- Garter ridges: I followed my rib with garter stitch. Slip the first stitch purlwise and knit every stitch, on every row. I worked 4 garter rows; knit 6 for a wider border.
After the border, start any stitch pattern of your own. I tried this edge in several colours, and it looks neat on every one of them.
- cast on
- tubular cast on
- double border
- knitting technique
- 1x1 rib
- garter stitch
- hand knitting
- acrylic yarn
