How To Knit The Alternating Cable Cast On for 1x1 Ribbing! (My Favorite SWEATER KNITTING Techniques)

Knitting sweaters is one of my favorite things to do... and I want to share my absolute favorite sweater knitting techniques starting with the Alternating Cable Cast On! In this video, I show you how I knit the alternating cable cast on and tell you why it's my favorite way to start a top-down seamless sweater (and so many other projects too!).
This video describes this cast on for 1x1 ribbing. To see how to work this in 2x2, I have linked an article by Wooly Wormhead below.
Video Chapters ------------------------------------------------------------
Why I Like This Cast On: 0:50
How To Knit The Cast On: 1:25
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If you enjoyed this video on how to knit the alternating cable cast on, be sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss videos I post in the future!
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Additional Resources ------------------------------------------------------------
How to knit in Magic Loop: • Knitting Help - Gettin...
How to work the alternating cable cast on in 2x2 ribbing: www.woollyworm...
Otte Sweater (shown with color work chart and in a version with just stripes): brooklyntweed....
Otte Sweaters knit in Brooklyn Tweed Tones: brooklyntweed....
Little Wave Sweater (only a sleeve was shown): brooklyntweed....
Little Wave knit in Harrisville Designs Highland: harrisville.co...
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#knitting #howtoknit #sweaterknitting

[@Kasperkima]

After hours spent trying to figure out long tail tubular cast on, and being unable to ever have the patience to estimate the right amount of yarn for the tail, this method and tutorial has improved my life 10 fold. SOOOO glad to have found this. Thank you for a great video and a lovely alternative to the long tail tubular method. 🔥🥰❣️

[@Kasperkima]

Also, the tip to only set down the needles after a knit cast on stitch. Brilliant!

[@kittenkorleone2918]

Great camera angle and closeup!! I can't stand tutorials when you can't see exactly what's happening. The fact that I could see daylight coming from between the stitches is aces, dude!

[@priscillabandy3452]

i come back to this tutorial time and time again when i dont have the motivation to do tubular cast on! thanks!!

[@katherinemurphy801]

Fantastic video! Thank you for the clear images and slow, calm, thoughtful presentation.

[@ΗρακλήςΠαύλου-σ1η]

Absolutely loved this cast on on a neck warmer i knit just a week ago. I tried finding a way around the jog created after working in the round by casting on an extra purl stich, knitting the first row flat, and passing the slip knot cast on over the last purl stich. After tightening the pass over with the tail end i could barely notice the start! Such an easy seamless cast on!

[@valeriaswanne]

I prefer this join method as well 😊

[@karennewton2044]

Excellent tutorial! I've looked at about a dozen videos to do this method and yours is 'THE BEST". I've been knitting for over 40 years and never had the occasion to use this method in the past. Your instructions are extremely clear and precise. Also, I think there will be less twisting of stiches especially knitting in the round. Happy Knitting!

[@Mspurrier88]

This was a timely discovery for me. I just started a sweater “commissioned” by a neighbor (imagine trying to make a living making a sweater). The designer recommended a tubular cast-on for the bottom up piece. I did my gauge swatch with a 1x1 rib border to give it a try and I believe this cast-on looks better for a gentleman’s garment than the tubular version, which seemed a bit more frilly. I won’t lie, I struggled a bit to figure what to do carrying the working yarn in the right hand, as I do, but eventually came to the conclusion that it’s easier to render that way than in the Continental style.

[@sherierodrigues1569]

Hello Caleb, I don't believe it, you have only been knitting since 2019. You are amazing. I thank you so much for this tutorial. This is how I used to cast on, if Caleb uses it, so do I. Caleb, you are not just a very handsome face, but very talented. I'm 72, and can't wait to see what you are going to teach me. Sherie Rodrigues from Australia. Thank you, your time is so appreciated.

[@goblinspoons]

I really appreciate all your videos, I hope everything is going ok for you.

[@kerrinkilmartin9306]

Wow! I’ve been knitting for over 40 years and have never seen this, thank you so, so much! I’m about to start a sweater for my son and I will definitely be giving this cast on a go.

[@ReginaDubbe-Heise]

This is such a clear explanation. Thank you so much . Kindest regards

[@decorgirl9716]

Thank you for the lesson! Isn't knitting so exciting?? It's rare that I've not learnt something new everyday!

[@DrowninginYarn]

You're so welcome! And it really is... always something new to learn and I love that!

[@catherinemelnyk]

The cable cast-on is my go-to cast on for most things that don't start in cable. This is excellent. Thanks so much!

[@DrowninginYarn]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@knitcrochetwhatever8177]

You have a nice teaching voice.

[@Sophira1]

This is a great little little tutorial Caleb. This is the way my Mum taught me to cast on but only in the knit pattern. Have not seen the rib version before but I love it. Anything to avoid the tubular cast on for the rest of my life is a winner for me! Thank you!

[@fionaphonzi6307]

Great video, you are a wonderful teacher!

[@caroleattard9148]

Same here. Going to try rib.

[@sandraarnold7528]

Me too lol! My Nan taught me and I didn’t realise you could do knit and purl cast on this way! By the way - a long tail cast on is so alien to me 🤣🤣🤣

[@katedavy6272]

Nice refresher. This was the way I was taught to cast on for socks n stuff.

[@fionascheibel977]

Yep love it. I learnt cable cast on as a child. But never knew the name until recently

[@petrakondas]

This is such a great technique! I've been struggling with casting on for days, but this finally worked out. Thank you so much! :)

[@mariagiannousi3127]

Thank you, thank you, thank you always!!!!!!

[@janicerafuse-crowe470]

Great tutorial. I will try this cast on with my next project

[@es-8542]

Awesome…I can do this! Great video easy to understand ( but then I AM a visual learner😊) I’m going to try this on my cuff down sock cast on.

[@prezgrounds6170]

Love it! Those are my favorite needles Thank you!

[@JennJennGG]

Working one row before joining in the round is brilliant!!

[@onesweetlife2469]

Thank you so much for this! You just saved me half the morning casting on this way!!

[@tomjtreat]

Hey Caleb! Great video. I have done the cable cast on but NEVER heard of the alternating version. LOVE IT!! For a finished/invisible cast on, I like the Italian cast on. Also German twisted gives a nice edge for 1x1 ribbing. I can't wait to try this one -- I might have a new favorite. As a knitting "dinosaur", I absolutely LOVE your videos because I often learn something new. And because your passion for knitting shines through which reminds me how much I love yarn and knitting! I'm so happy to see your channel grow. You are exactly what the world needs right now.

[@nz-nz]

Oh thanks for the clear tutorial! I saw my aunt used this method when I was a child… I’m now 60 🙄 Shows that you are never too old to learn!!

[@Janice-r1f]

Great video with an extra thanks! This was the cast-on method my mother taught me long ago (she was a beautiful knitter) and I had forgotten all about it. Nice to revive this memory and will certainly be using it in my future projects 🤗

[@beckygreenberg4283]

really smart method, and very well done video. Thank you.

[@Top-g919]

Thank you Caleb.😊

[@kathwhit6462]

Often wondered about the stretchability of the neckline stitches.Thank you so much for this clever approach: 1 x 1 ribbing.This video is invaluable to me

[@morningdewdymond1083]

Thank you!!! I am beginning to work on my first knit sweater. I thought that I knew how to cast on an such, but I didn't. This cast on is just what I needed. Thank you!!

[@simplymerry]

Thank you! I struggled with this for a few hours last night, and written and video tutorials just weren't making it click for me. Now it finally makes sense! And thank you for having the close-up video be so clear and easy to see what is happening.

[@soohoonyeo7901]

Excellent tutorial, slow and clear. So. Much easier than tubular cast on. ❤

[@susanwingblade1799]

Caleb. I've been watching videos on the cable cast on. Your video by far has the best demonstration and your explanation is so clear. I was actually able to do it correctly after watching this. Thank you so much! I love your channel and really enjoy watching!!!!

[@annpapadopulo]

This cast on was the way I was taught over 50 years ago - it is my favourite way to cast on stitches !!!!

[@DrowninginYarn]

Have you ever used it for socks? I haven't but i'm curious!

[@katedavy6272]

This makes all kinds of sense because it dedicates each stitch to what it will be. Seems like the best way. Thanks

[@rosenbergbenadretti]

This all seems very challenging but I think I'll give it a try

[@scrapbagstudios]

Cable cast on is my normal method of casting on so this will be an easy way for me to achieve that invisible cast on that looks so much nicer. Thank you so much for sharing this. 😀

[@fridomsnowbird6678]

I have been using the Cable cast on as my go to cast on for over 35 years. I am a continental knitter and I slide my working needle between the two stitches before I tighten with my left hand. This creates a perfect guage.

[@meganbrenner9359]

Wow what a great cast on! I love it. I never want to put in the effort for a tubular so this is a great alternative

[@margaretlee6669]

Thanks Caleb, I’m SO glad to learn this and not have to estimate a length of yarn for a long tail cast on, which has been my go-to for years! I’m a thrower (rather than continental) and find this cast-on easier to control than what Caleb demonstrates continental style. I also found a good way to keep track of whether the next stitch is a knit or purl is the same as I’ve been taught when knitting: if there’s a bump you purl, if there’s no bump, you knit. This will now be my go-to cast on for ribbing!

[@soohoonyeo7901]

Wonderful tutorial. Clear and slow which I can follow fully. Thank you Caleb.

[@christenagervais7303]

Thank you for sharing this video! Much easier than tubular cast on! It looks so neat.😊

[@justbewvl7280]

Thank you. You explained and showed how to do this extremely well. I got this. 😊

[@JimPater]

Caleb, thanks so much for this enlightening technique. I love the look of a tubular cast-on but hate the process of working it. I tried this technique out and it works perfectly. My only change was that when I knit back (after the initial cast-on), when I came to a knit stitch, I knit through the back loop (TBL) so that the knit stitch wasn't twisted. It worked out just fine. My next test is to see if this would work as a 2x2 rib. So, cast on 2 purls, 2 knits, 2 purls, 2 knits, etc.

[@JimPater]

I just tried this cast-on method for a 2x2 rib and it works just fine as well. I did pay attention to which way the stitches were oriented on the needle while knitting back on that first row. I found myself knitting into the back loop of every other stitch to keep it from twisting. I suppose if you didn't want to worry about avoiding twisted stitches on that first row, the twisted stitches would make for a little bit of a tighter first row.

[@wandab3843]

This is an excellent tutorial. I can get my head around this knitted-on version of the alternating cast on better than the long-tail method. Thanks!

[@ginasheehan5993]

Thank you Caleb for an easy 1x1 ribbing cast on tutorial, especially for someone like me that has just gotten into knitting garments.

[@marshasemple7108]

This is a cast on I’ve never heard of so thanks for sharing! Recently did my first tubular cast on with good results after watching Ysolda’s KZbin tutorial. I was casting on for a hat and her tutorial has a section specifically for tubular cast on in the round.

[@DrowninginYarn]

No problem! The tubular cast on gives great results… it’s just one of those things I’d rather not work too often. Haha. I’ll still do it every now and then though.

[@vectra9880]

Excellent tutorial. Learned the cable cast on recently and this tutorial just helps polish that edge a bit more. That tip about joining in the round is going save me from future heartbreak

[@dianem7563]

I've never heard of this cast on, but. I absolutely love the look of it! Thanks you, Caleb.

[@jacquelinesanders2539]

I have been knittng for most of my life. I am 72 now and have still not mastered the art of end weaving successfully. Can you make a video showing your method. Also joining new yarn in the round I would love to see. You are such a neat and accomplished knitter that i love to watch.

[@gnat127]

I love this cast on. I saw a great tip once that is just the slightest difference and it is to place the right needle between the stitches and then tug the working yarn to take out the slack. Such a small thing makes a big difference to me. Thanks for the video!

[@isabellemichaud6926]

Hello there, Greetings from Laval,Québec, Canada I was starting the Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guérin and she recommended using the...alternating cable CO! After a search on KZbin Université, your vidéo was the first one to appear. I watched and I put it in my "Knitting tutorials" for further reference. Then I went on a knitting retreat in Chicago...where I proceeded to make a complete fool of myself trying to CO the sweater's collar. I looked like I didn't know how to knit 😂 But I am a firm believer that if you're not worth a few chukcles, you're not worth much, so I persevered...all morning! You mention in your vidéo that this is a bit fiddly to start. I second that motion. But I must say that the result is spectacular, so much so that I chose to use it for the CO of my Florencia tee by Eweknit Toronto, and I believe that it will be a regular in my Rolodex of knitting tricks. I also managed to convert my friend Noëlle. She's one half of the Knits and Pieces podcast, and she's been telling 5k of her closest friends how this method is a game changer. So, thank you for taking the time and spending the energy to explain this great method via a tutorial It was much appreciated 🧶

[@goblinspoons]

Starting my first sweater and so glad to have found a good cast on instead of my standard german twist method.

[@csikomas8910]

Me too! The photos really are telling. Much nicer looking edge!

[@anneellison8188]

Thanks Caleb! This is a very useful video to show the cast on. I have done the cabled cast on and I do like it. I haven't tried this alternating one. Its looks really nice. I would love to see you knit an entire sweater in parts. Cast on, neck, yoke, shoulders etc. That would be great!

[@balancedskein]

I'm officially sold on the alternating cable cast-on! I have a seething hate for the tubular lol, so this is a welcomed alternative. Thank you!

[@donnadalelio5625]

I like that type of cast on. I use a crochet hook to cast on the stitches.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Oh interesting! I’ll have to give that a try! Thank you!

[@laurielarson7255]

I have done this cast on before. I never took knitting as serious as I do now tho. Like all the different cast on etc. I watched this video, and used it to start a sweater for my grand daughter. I can't believe how awesome it looks. I'll try send pics. Thanks Caleb

[@Top-g919]

Thank you for such clear instructions Caleb

[@wandaeubank]

Awesomely complete instructions. Thank you.

[@michaagnes3141]

Thank you so much. Appreciated how you explained this and showed this technique so clearly. Especially the shared wisdom on how to ‘read’ which stitch you are up to, and how to join. Everything I needed and was hoping for Caleb - cheers!🌟

[@mvoss2382]

started knitting this week and this is very easy to follow thx

[@LordRubino]

Beautiful! You make it look so simple. I'm always overwelmed by the amount of work to do for compleat a sweater. That is why i never started one. I might try this time! I wish i could sit there with you and learning directly from you. Very inspirational. Bravo and thank you for the amazing tutorials. Grazie

[@Noah-rq2ek]

That's exactly how I cast on! Usually... I hold my yarn in the right Hand so it's a bit different but yeah..I also do the long tail cast on but what I don't like about it is that you have to measure how long you want your tail

[@lindasebek7409]

I really enjoyed this video and couldn’t wait to try it out. So I picked a small project, a doll knit hat for my granddaughter’s doll. It turned out really nice, so I will be using it very often now. I switched to continental knitting about 4 years ago and I find it’s much easier on my old fingers and joints. However, I have always struggled with the purl stitches. It helped me seeing how you brought the yarn down with your other finger. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you!

[@carrieklumpar258]

Very helpful video. My sweater cast-on looks much better now. Thank you.

[@DrowninginYarn]

You’re so welcome! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@leighbelless9034]

I really enjoyed this video. I was taught this method but only for a knit stitch. I appreciate knowing this way to include the purl. When I was taught she taught me to put my right needle in to pull up another stitch before tightening it onto the left needle. That way there is no need to worry about getting it too tight. Just a thought for you to try.

[@DrowninginYarn]

I’ll definitely give that a try. Thanks for the tip!

[@rebeccabilly7466]

That's what I do as well.

[@lindarose712]

Yup. I use a crochet hook to make each cast on stitch (for me it is just a bit quicker than using the needle). And before snugging a new stitch, insert hook (or needle if using a needle) as though ready to make the next stitch, then snug the stitch loop just made; that helps me with even tension. ( Phew- a video is worth 1,000 words 🧶)

[@sandrathomas6445]

Thanks so much for the clear instructions. Had to go through some others first!

[@shellykelly4947]

I've done this cast on for years and never knew what was called! My best tip for making this easier is to use a crochet hook in my right hand. It pulls the stiches through so easily!

[@sarahrossignol4554]

Fantastic technique. Thanks so much Caleb.

[@theknittystew]

Thank you so much! This is a perfect alternative to a tubular cast on yay!

[@jennycarver1206]

I love the look of this cast on. Thank you Caleb, for a very clear and informative video!

[@omaam1005]

Hi! What! This was perfectly up close and each thing clearly explained. Loved it! Just found you. Hope to be watching more of you in the future. Thank you.

[@greenpurl8482]

I think I could learn how to anything from you! Will try this on my next sweater.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Oh wow! That is a huge compliment. Thank you :-)

[@kimsechrest2202]

This video was great! Easy to follow and I will indeed be using it on my first bottom-up sweater. Thanks Caleb.

[@QueenBaha]

🌴☀️ I’m back again…I sure do miss you ☀️🌴

[@lindapollaerts5168]

Thank you for the tutorial, i never heard of this way to cast on,i am going to try this way with my next cast on👍👍

[@phylliscaunt6197]

This was a new cast on for me. Thank you! I have seen tubular and cable cast ons but not combined!

[@antoniomartinazzo5847]

Excellent tutorial!! Thank you. I love the yarn you are using, by the way.

[@TwistedStitchesShow]

The co edge looks great this way, I’ll give it a go next time. Thanks bunches 💚

[@DrowninginYarn]

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy working it!

[@celeste514]

Thank you! Your work is beautiful.

[@michaeldinter3144]

Thanks Caleb, this is an excellent tutorial!😊

[@christinaapostolopoulos1865]

Hello, I really found this video helpful. I was having trouble keeping track of what my last cast on stitch was. The part where you explain how to identify whether your last stitch was a purl vs a knit was a eureka moment for me. Thanks very much for your tutorial.

[@zoedoodle9824]

You are a great teacher. Clear and concise. Like Leslie, I use the knit knit only version of this cast on and yes, it is fiddly but sooo very worth it. I look forward to using this variation the next time I do some ribbing!

[@rosemaryfrew5571]

Thank you so much.

[@mscatherinemccoy]

Thank you Caleb. I've been scouring youtube for clear instruction for this and yours is very easy to understand. About to start that First BT Raglan Sweater. And PS.... BT should use your tutorial because it's way better lol.

[@MaisieStirfry]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you! I typically use Elizabeth Zimmerman's cast on, which is similar but doesn't incorporate ribbing, so this feels very comfortable--like you say, it just adds a bit of polish :) I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@francesjackson2511]

Thanks so much for this excellent tutorial. This is a new technique for me, and I've been knitting for many years. it's beautiful, and I'm looking forward to using it in my next sweater.

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Caleb, I have just subscribed and wanted to tell you how much I appreciated this video. Your images are a great quality and so clear as well as your description and details!! Great work!!! Looking forward to catching up on all your videos. Regards, Roxanne.

[@lorihadley5370]

i've been wondering how to do this. Thanks!

[@DrowninginYarn]

You're welcome :-)

[@susanp8568]

Thanks for sharing an informative tutorial. Very well done. 🧶🧶

[@Kaylabarss]

I’m about to knit my first sweater! I usually use the long tail cast on for projects but I was worried that it wouldn’t be stretchy enough. Excited to try this method. Thank you!

[@lfhaneman]

This is a great technique for more stretch, but also I am always looking for alternates to the long tail cast on method! Thank you and see you next video.

[@pattinel957]

Perfect timing on this video! I am making 3 sweaters for Christmas gifts and I am definitely going to use this cast on! Thanks for another great video.

[@DrowninginYarn]

You are so welcome!

[@bridgetreilly6384]

That looks fun.

[@DrowninginYarn]

I enjoy it!

[@pamelajenkins752]

Great tutorial! I'm going to use this on a sweater I'm fixing to make. I love your videos. I have learned a great deal from them and I always look forward to the next one!

[@karensmith2204]

Hi friend, thank you so much for this tutorial video on a polished cast on method

[@עיריתעפר]

Thank you so much!!!

[@lindanewcomb3941]

Wow! Awesome technique…new to me.

[@debpennington638]

Thank you for the great tutorial. I'm definitely going to use this on some top down sweater patterns that I haven't started yet.

[@DrowninginYarn]

You're welcome! I hope it works out well for you!