Cat Bordhi demonstrates Judy Becker's Magic Cast-On

[@chevydude658]

I really resent the snotty comments about this video. If you're so put out by it don't watch it. I have purchased Cat Bordhi's books and every time I have needed help or had questions she was more than willing to help and was very generous and kind with her help. She's a master knitter and I've learned a lot from her. I'm sure she doesn't need me to defend her, but that doesn't change the fact some of you are so rude and ill mannered!

[@WarisitaBoricua]

Hi. Cat I love your creativity in this little tutorial. Thankyou so much. Great Technique

[@KarinCoppernoll]

Thank you for making mystifying written instructions into something very easy to do. I love your storytelling method because it really helps me remember how to do it without needing the video at my fingertips. Thank you for your repeats, your clear speech, and using large needles and colorful yarn. It helps to see what you are doing. Many, many thanks!

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hi pretty

[@dianefairbanks9373]

Thank you Cat Bordhi for making this so easy to remember. I watched it twice and then cast on with no problems. Your instructions are clear, complete and amusing!

[@theastewart6721]

Thank you for making this video where all of the stitches are oriented correctly. Much appreciated!

[@jeanclink8199]

Thank you, Judy Becker, for taking the time to figure this out without that magazine from 1942, and all those grandmothers who knew about it already! And thank you, Cat Bordhi for the time and money it took to make this video, and we get to watch as many times as we need to learn from your experience for free. Because this video was nine minutes - it gave me more time to fully observe what is going on. Thank you again.

[@funbrillo]

This really is the best explanation of that cast on I have ever heard. The story made it so easy to remember too.

[@genevieveM7258]

I love the story and rhythm that see uses to show this cast on. Brilliant. now I can try it for my next pair of sox! Go Judy, Go Cat, very cool.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hi pretty

[@gerriecl]

I wondered why you called it a "provisional cast on". I love this method and have used it for "normal" toe-up socks. But then I wanted to try doing a short-row toe, because I hate the "triangle look", and want to try for a "round" toe. After researching what a provisional cast-on is, I used this method for exactly that, and successfully did a short-row toe:) I love that I can go back and watch it whenever I need to!

[@bejai1962]

You make learning this fun! It brings out my inner child! HELLO hello HELLO hello

[@Jenger69]

Thanks Cat for the great lesson. I watched a different one, but that method left one needle's stitches seated backwards. I prefer your method. I remember the motions and directions through the story and voices you use. They may seem silly to some, but they work and they stick in my memory. Thanks for your help! I own 4 books that you wrote and will be back to watch more videos as I knit my way thru them.

[@angelayarnivoregirl5009]

I laughed so many times but I did it! I will always remember top to thumb! First time I have done this cast-on without feeling overwhelming and getting confused on where I was in the process.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hi pretty

[@Llanegwynedd]

Having bought Cat's book (on new pathways to sockknitting), I needed a video explaining how to do Judy's magical cast-on. I don't think any written words can describe this as simply as this video although some may find it a bit silly. I have now made several socks using this technique and everyone agrees the toes are really seamless: good enough for the many diabetic feet I knit for :-)

[@susanjacomb9614]

Such a great explanation! Especially because you get to see the rythm as you go a bit faster!!

[@deleanabadger4037]

Best example of Judy's cast on I ave ever seen. I can finally do this.

[@moflygirl]

What a great video! My daughter, who is 4, sat and watched with me and now wants to learn knitting. The stories were great for her to remember how to move her hands/fingers. Would love to see more that would help me teach her since I am a complete beginner.

[@barbaraharris9354]

This is the video I go back to every time I need a refresher on this technique. Thanks.

[@jambaby1234]

I just used this technique on 2 at a time socks on one circular. The only difference was that the instructions said to wrap both top and bottom to center. This produced a twisted stitch on the 2nd row. Not too much of a pain but this is so much better! A great cast on, Cat, thanks so much!!

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@000Jewelz000]

The demonstrations were clear and the technique is great! I found the video seems to get a little caught up on the metaphors and looses track of what we're actually trying to learn here. I did however get the technique down pat from this video, so I appreciate that!

[@dgrendahl]

Yes, I to agree with your assessment. I feel like she's treating me as a child. I think that sort of presentation could be eliminated. But, thanks for the technique.

[@Carriet5350]

Thank you so much, Cat! I sat with my yarn and needles and watched your video over and over until it clicked for me. You're the best!

[@Stephseiden]

Haha, I love the crazy voices and stories. This is exactly how I remember things and your video was far from boring. A fellow raveler posted the link to this an I am always looking for new techniques. Looking forward to trying this method next time I need a provisional cast on.

[@samcatbear]

Thanks Cat! I couldn't get this from written instructions but now I won't be forgetting it!

[@majormom2u]

I totally agree with you!.... I'm a left handed knitter wannabe and this presentation, as silly as I first thought it was (for about two seconds only!), it was very helpful (not to mention I found myself imitating her "hello index... hello thumb..!" and laughing hysterically at myself in the process!). Thank you for the lesson... and the laugh!....

[@statesidenme]

Thank you for doing this video. I watch your video each time I need to cast on for toe up socks. Presenting it as a story with voices really helps me follow the technique and it keeps it fun and lighthearted. Fun and lighthearted are great especially when you are trying to fiddle around with such small needles like sock needles. For those that dislike this method of teaching, why leave such rude comments just go watch something more in line with the way you learn.

[@isis425]

I just starting sock knitting so all this is great. Two circulars seem great but I still love my sock stix.

[@swimmingABCs]

Fantastic! I love the stories and voices, it helps when I actually sit to do this. I hear the voices and don't get lost as I would when I feel I know how to do it, then sit and try and can't get it.

[@britynickole0624]

I found myself laughing hysterically at your descriptions, but darn it - I actually understood this! Thanks so much!!

[@phonella1188]

The tick-tock, bottom-top, top-bottom really clinched this technique for me - - thanks very much!

[@wellsmug]

Thank you so much Cat - it's great to see it in action, just makes it all much more accessible. I don't know what all the fuss is about your "strange descriptions" - it was light-hearted and fun with memory aids - what's not to like - some people need to lighten up and enjoy life more! You are a star, thank you. Melissa

[@caravantea]

This is a great video for demonstrating a great technique. But I have to say that it's REALLY entertaining after a few too many glasses of wine. "Hello Thumb!"

[@jmarylastone]

there is an X in the upper right hand corner - there is also a search bar at the top of this page - if you do not like the video you are watching please feel free to use either one - no one will know but you

[@FarnhamArts]

I can't belive you just squaked like a bird. LOVE IT!!! it is those little things you do that help me remember all these techniques... I just ordered 3 of your books. Keep the video tuts coming... I'm more of a visual learner.

[@Sorka9]

I had a great time at your class on Saturday! It's great to have this video to refer to if I need it! Thanks for the great instruction!

[@railbunny]

Cat uses metaphor because it works. Its also kinda cute the way she does it too! Peoples brains like this sort of explanation. It gives peoples brains something tangible to work with. She could do it dryly and scientific but that would be harder to catch on. I prefer blondes, necklaces, birds etc as it makes sense(short rows,super stretchy bind off etc). I find Cat's explanations very helpful. Thank you Cat!

[@NewUkeNewYork]

Beautiful! Thank you, Judy Becker! And thank you, Cat, for the demonstration in video!!

[@JosieHenleyEinion]

it's astounding! thanyou so much for this. I saw the written instructions but thought it looked far too complicated. This vid makes much more sense! love the tick tock thing. Really quick cast on!

[@KellyDannemann]

Thank you for making it so much simpler to understand. I am excited, now i can do the sweaters that required dpn's, never used dpn's, only use circulars.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@allisonlong]

Cat, I love you! You bring so much joy to our lovely obsession. Who's to say we're crazy? We're... exhuberant, creative, radiant... Thank you on behalf of all of us Knit-sibs.

[@pheonixphire]

@catbordhi yay! im gonna try it now. im just learning to knit and i have been practicing the knit and purl stitch so now i am moving on to my first major pattern!

[@stekatta]

I appreciate this video very much, although I would have liked to see the whole cast-on in fast(er) motion w/o narration to see what it looks like, because it was hard to follow with all the starts and stops.

[@rbechen]

I really enjoyed watching this. Does anybody know of any patterns for toe up socks? This & your knitting on 2 circular needles are a great adjunct to your book. Have you thought of making these available on Itunes?

[@valeriawicker8437]

I'm only sad I didn't know this gem of a knitting instructor before she winged her flight from this earthly realm!

[@susypgoins]

WOW! I have read the instructions, but your tutorial clarified it to me. Thank you! I can now knit toe up socks. Woo-hoo!

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hi pretty

[@kateoden]

Thanks a million for this! Just what I needed: watched it a couple times with the sound on (essential!) and a week later I can still remember (when starting another pair of slippers!) "Bottom to index finger! Top to thumb!" I am a fan.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hi pretty

[@heidi637]

After watching this video I am now ready to knit socks from toe up. Great video.

[@carolthomas6347]

Easy to learn visually. If you find the narration annoying turn off the sound. I've learned several knitting/crochet skills from tutorials in languages I have no grasp of.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@kaystarr98]

i love cat bordhi b/c she's crazy and she makes every knitting procedure she explains make sense... in a crazy 'hello, index finger!' 'hello, thumb!' kinda way. thanks, cat!

[@Hatethehater]

Thank you Cat Bordhi...you are a great teacher! Ang

[@penelopekc]

@knittahoochee I wish you had phrased your comment more tactfully. There is no need to be insulting, especially when you don't understand the presentation. We knitters are a funny lot, and most of us are tolerant, and kind and try to be persuasive. It gets us further than spending the time to post thoughtless comments.

[@bonniemoore3736]

A fun and clear way to learn a new cast on skill. I enjoy the silly narration since it helps me remember the steps. My one critique is that the video could be a little better focused.

[@judalea17]

this is great. I was able to sit and do the cast on with the video, going back to clarify. Yes, the story may be annoying, but it may also be the thing that gets you to remember how to do it without the video or instructions to refer to. I'm using it to knit a bottom-fold-up marsupial pouch. How about to work pouch-pockets that then get inserted into the fronts of a cardigan?

[@rhaazz]

I've only ever knit with one needle having the "old" stitches. I'm having toublr imagining what to do with the second needle. Could you just leave it dormant at the bottom of the piece and then use it at the end to cast off, or complete a different edging? Isn't that more work?

[@blaqpearl]

Hi Cat...Great video. I looked thru all the comments for an answer and couldnt find it. Is this only for socks? I need a provisional cast on for a loop scarf that will be joined later. Would this work? If I need to cast on 22 stitches would that be 11 on each needle or 22 on each? Also, I would need something thing to hold that first row of stitches until I am ready to join, correct? Sorry for all the questions...=)

[@lindablanchet3935]

Thank you for the great learning experience. I was wondering if you can use this method for yolk sweates? Hope to hear back :)

[@haptotrope]

Shiny~ So the tip needle wraps inside to outside, and the lower wraps outside to inside? And essentially this is same role as the "kitchener?" in a toe? Thanks for this!!

[@MaevePotter]

Why do you use 2 circular needles? I didn't know anyone did that. I am new to knitting. Thanks!

[@osmia]

This is great! Gonna try this one.

[@justducky48]

Cat, Thank you for the great video! I love the bird, clock and udders! I will remember that for sure!

[@kathleenbrady9087]

This looks like a great way to toe-up socks, but why do you say it is provisional? I thought provisional cast-ons were removed?

[@bruismenaught]

Girl, you are crazy! But, you make it so easy to understand! Thank you!

[@blaqpearl]

Thank you so much!!

[@Halalsilks]

YAY THANK YOU CAT!! TELL JUDY SHE IS A GENIUS! blessings, grace

[@DesiLoopbySSK]

my grandma used this cast on and she taught me almost 20yrs back.

[@123rocked]

@catbordhi Can you explain it to me how to use this cast on in only one circular needle? does it replace the magic loop? thank you

[@pheonixphire]

is it possible to do this cast on on one circular needle?

[@tanasay]

This is my 100% favorite video on this technique. I think it is hilarious, and easy to follow. But--I already knew how to do it when I watched it, so maybe I am not the best judge of easy.

[@suegray60]

I love your tutorial videos :)

[@jaimeletarte]

i love this and the syle its presented in, makes me remember it :) can this be used for flat pieces?

[@stekatta]

It doesn't matter. I still would like it to be shown in faster motion. (And no, speeding it up with the cursor doesn't do it for me.) I just feel like the narration slows it down for me a bit. That's all.

[@dvleilj5734]

I am fine with the clock to left and so, after the bird say "hello" ... I get lost😦

[@jayanncox]

I love the stories! You are the good kind of crazy, Cat!

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@Simpawknits]

Thanks so much! I've always wondered, "Who is Judy??"

[@SheepBanks]

I need the written version of Cat's sweet tomato heel.

[@nicoleevans6623]

Thanks! As you knit, are the socks inside out?

[@jeanclink8199]

I think if she had continued on, you would have seen that for socks, one just knits round and round. If you use the method in order to have live stitches at the bottom of your piece, you just knit on them in the opposite direction.

[@MeadowLandss]

Missing your wisdom in our community Cat!

[@pretywtch]

Is the story and voice seriously annoying enough to make a crappy comment? No. The video is informative and clear, which is exactly what it needs to be. And, if you have ever seen some of Cat's whimsical designs and watched this video anyway, you should have expected some whimsy. However, her designs are also technically intricate and proficient. Thanks for the demo!

[@pamb1531]

#CatBordhiAppreciationDay

[@lyndamccaskill9518]

what is you want to knit 2 purl2

[@debt3994]

Hmm. Judy Becker didn't invent this cast-on. It's in one of my war-time knitting books, dated 1942. :)

[@deleanabadger4037]

I did not know her full name - Judy Becker - until today.

[@caseygallant461]

I'm sorry, I just couldn't last past the bird. Is there another tutorial out there? Something in better resolution? I'm sure this lady is perfectly nice and people learn different ways, but I need something a little more straightforward and clear.

[@elizasea]

Um. One of the needles is darker than the other. So the light and dark and the blonde and brunette comments kind of make sense.

[@claudiosouza8364]

why are people so nasty? i love your videos and your patterns.

[@canada83100]

in italiano grazie

[@HikikomoriHime]

Then, by the way you are explaining it, there are three ways to explain it. The way she does, which is off-putting for people who just want the info so they can be done with it; a dry scientific way in which one also explains which muscles work in which way to get the job done (as well as explaining to us the molecular composition of the yarn!); then a way that's straightforward, simple, but not 'dry and scientific'. Because seriously, I found myself cringing & jumping through this vid.

[@alisonsouthward8595]

For goodness sake - get on with it and cut the waffle!

[@linvallier2269]

I found this very difficult to follow, too many distracting voices. A simple demonstration of the technique would have been helpful. Wow.

[@jabariwest1]

this is all over the place. changing needles and excusing oneself just ruins the flow

[@puglover3015]

Really? I feel like I've been sent back to kindergarten. If I didn't already know how to do this, I'd be totally distracted and confused by this demonstration.

[@meisie41]

This is how my grandmother cast on occasionally for different projects. It's not all that new. As for invented ??? I doubt that. not sure why you need a nine minute video to get to the point?

[@SpindriftFarm]

The production quality leaves a little to be desired. Recommend, at the very least, using a light colored solid yarn with a darker background.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@dgrendahl]

I like using this technique but do believe that you could leave out these stories as they really don't help.

[@ooohlaa13]

maddening condescending mixed metaphors!

[@mysteryladies]

you know, she is very informative and very knowledgeable, and seeing that she is an author, she clearly writes for very young children. I just commented it was very painful listening to this, not that it was not informative. I am sure very good for an audience of young children.. Again, very talented lady, just hard to take in 10 minutes of birds talking when just simply casting on yarn...didn't mean to be rude, just posting a comment

[@elaineflo01]

I must agree with knittahoochee - really Cat really overuses her metaphors and analogies...I don't think she's negative, she just has a different opinion than some of the posters.

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@sharonthompson2884]

I CANNOT SUFFER THROUGH THIS STUPID VIDEO LONG ENOUGH TO LEARN THE DAMN METHOD.

[@NotQuiteACharm]

for the love of all things holy!!! HURRY UP AND TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!! FORGET THE BLONDS AND BRUNETTES AND THE CLOCKS AND THE JUNGLE AND THE STUPID CLOCK!!!

[@Dixiered03]

Could not follow this, too much going on, just get to the "point".

[@kacperrobert4047]

Hello there

[@cmhuscher]

This is not very helpful with all this talking and story telling. This is not the first time I have been disappointed when an "expert" makes a video. This could have been very helpful but it is very distracting and annoying. Maybe I can find another one that actually teaches the cast on.

[@cmhuscher]

This is not very helpful with all this talking and story telling. This is not the first time I have been disappointed when an "expert" makes a video. This could have been very helpful but it is very distracting and annoying. Maybe I can find another one that actually teaches the cast on.