[KnitFreedom] Italian Cast-On in the round - Perfect Invisible 1x1 Rib Cast-On

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The Italian cast-on makes a stretchy invisible edge that blends perfectly into 1×1 ribbing. The trick is the stitches that are used in the cast-on.
With a normal long-tail cast-on, the stitches that go on the needle are knit stitches, with a chain of stitches around the bottom to hold them together.
With the Italian cast-on, you actually cast on a knit stitch and then a purl stitch (I show you how in the video), thereby avoiding any line or separation when you start ribbing.
The trouble is, even though the Italian cast-on makes a perfect edge for ribbing, it's not very sturdy on its own. It's just one strand of yarn, like the backwards-loop cast-on.
So in order to make a gorgeous edge, the Italian cast-on needs reinforcement.
To Protect The Cast-On Edge, Add Tubular Set-Up Rows
For whatever reason, that's what they're called, and they are the perfect partner for the Italian cast-on. They add sturdiness and strength to the edge by creating a reinforcement of alternately slipped and knitted stitches.
Know how when you slip a stitch, the working yarn makes a little ladder across the back of the stitch?
On projects like Fair-Isle sweaters, the unused colors "float" across the back of the work, adding strength and warmth.
When we use that same technique on the Italian cast-on, the little floats pull the knitting together while the slipped stitches reinforce the columns of the ribbing and make the knit stitches stand out.
Use This Cast-On For Projects With Worsted to Bulky Yarn
Anytime you have a project that starts with highly-visible ribbing, you can add a nice edge using the Italian cast-on.
I especially recommend it for projects using bulky yarn, like my bulky-weight mitten pattern.
The reason for that is, the thicker the yarn, the more visible the cast-on edge.
Tip: Brioche projects are a great opportunity to use the Italian cast-on.
Brioche knitting is just ribbing at heart, only stretchier, so you do need to use a special cast-on like this one to make sure that the edge doesn't look funny.
In the video, I use a bulky-weight yarn to demonstrate the technique. You can see what the edge is supposed to look like and how nice it looks, especially on thicker yarns.
Tubular Set-Up Written Instructions:
Cast on an even number of stitches using the Italian cast-on. Turn work.
Row 1: K1, sl 1 wyif, move yarn to back. Repeat across row. P last 2 sts together. Turn.
Row 2: K1, sl 1 wyif, move yarn to back. Repeat across row. P last st.
Abbreviations:
● sl 1 wyif - slip 1 with yarn in front
Are you going to try this technique out? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
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• [KnitFreedom] Italian ...

[@brigitt8149]

You make it so much easier with starting straight away with Italien cast on and then close the round only after the second row of knitting. Wonderful and many thanks.

[@basil01845]

Liat, you're videos are by far the best for clear knitting instruction and you have the most calming voice. Allows me to stop, start, rip, and start again, but in the end I always get it...always! Thank you.

[@liatgat2445]

Thank you so very much!!!!

[@lindaparnell1546]

First time trying this, thank you for such clear instructions. This gives a really nice cast on edge

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you for the lovely feedback!! I have a whole video course full of cast-ons like this that you will love. knitfreedom.com/shop/cast-ons. Happy knitting!

[@liorahgolomb7405]

Thank you for the great video. Another thing I really liked about this method was that it made it easier to avoid twisting when I joined to knit in the round. I watched a lot of videos on different methods of casting on in 1-1 ribbing and most of them were really frustrating, so I very much yours.

[@TheCodeCobalt]

This looks really nice, and amazingly stretchy, without being floppy. And thanks for showing the right handed/throwing style, too!

[@Knitfreedom]

You bet! Thank you for such nice compliments!

[@samohtar]

The best tutorial videos! Visually clear, candid (including little errors and corrections), easy to follow instruction. This Italian Cast-On method appears in a lot of other videos, but this video is the clearest to me. Many thanks.

[@klytning]

I am so grateful for your knitting videos - your knowledge, sense of humor and calmness combined with your obvious skill and patience are much appreciated. Thank you.

[@ctapley5409]

Thank you for this wonderful cast on. And thank you for getting the camera close so that the stitches are actually defined

[@rebeccaglaab9398]

Very clear! Thank you. I also love that you show us or tell us about your little mistakes and how you recover. That is so helpful.

[@marcoshuster1642]

Hello👋 I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love💞 all over the world🌎 I am from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@marypatmcgurk8794]

Love your video and clear explanation. I always select a needle size at least 2-3 sizes smaller and continue knitting my rib with the smaller needle. This cast on is looser than one would expect. I've tried using circulars but prefer to use straight needles for the cast on and the next two set up rows. If I don't, the stitches roll and sometimes I get a twist at the bottom edge. I can see and manage the stitches better. After the two set up rows, I slip the stitches to a circular needle and join. I find myself returning here to your video each time I knit a hat. Thanks!

[@madcrochetervc]

Thanks, Liat, for another clear, concise video. This will make my next project look really professional. I'm hoping to impress my teenaged son and ex-husband and I think this technique will do the trick. Thanks again!! Please know that I'm always spreading the word about you as a teacher and about KNITFreedom and your great videos (and your Rav group). I love your teaching style!!!

[@georgegoertzen4723]

Great video. Nice and slow so I don't have to keep going back and repeating the video to learn how to do it with a senior brain. Really appreciate the time you take and the number of repeats! I ripped out what I spent over an hour trying to learn this from someone else's video and did it your way, right! the first time. Thank you.

[@phf3238]

You taught me magic loop, socks and a hundred other things. Now this! I had been waiting. Thank you. Very clear.

[@michelleenzenroth8162]

I find your videos extremely helpful! I could not catch on to the Italian Bind-Off until I found your tutorial. And now that I want to learn the Italian Cast-On I came looking for one of your videos. You break things down in a way that is so easy for me to catch on to. And I find your voice very soothing and confidence-boosting while I am trying to learn. Thank you!

[@kathyplasski4628]

The best knitting tutorials! I have learned so much from Knit freedom, thank you!

[@JS-wg4px]

Thank you for this clear and concise video that gets right to the point.

[@MrCassandrax8]

Quante volte ho riguardato questo preziosissimo tutorial! Grazie Roxanne 😊

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🏼

[@Verrucca00]

Thanks for this! I learned this cast-on from this video many years ago, and I found it again today.

[@claudiab.878]

Great Tutorial! I really like these setup rows! They give the cast-on a finished look.

[@galleylama]

Thank you for a nice, clear, calm introduction to Italian tubular cast on!

[@Patricia-it7uu]

Thank you so much ❤😊 it's so simple and beautiful the best process i find. A révélation for me. Excuse my english i'm french. 👍☀️🥰

[@Knitfreedom]

Merci beaucoup! Il me plait apprendre que je vous ai aidé. Pardonnez-moi mon francès, ça fait longtemps que j'ai pas pratiqué! :D

[@Patricia-it7uu]

@@Knitfreedom It's perfect ! Merci encore.

[@kathleen6836]

I've tried and failed the Italian cast on so many times before this video. This one finally helped and I'm well on my way with my project! Thank you :)

[@Knitfreedom]

Hi Kathleen, I'm so glad it helped!

[@suzieharrison861]

Lovely demonstration, adding it straight to my reading list. Thank you!

[@desireeross9651]

Thank you so much Liat. I am so glad I found your tutorials and that you knit in continental. So easy to follow. In fact I was knitting a stocking stitch sleeve and when I got to the end of row realised I have a row of slipped stitches and knitted stitches. That will teach me to multi task

[@lovelycristina7]

You are my favorite to watch. Thanks for sharing 🌹

[@357Jesser]

I know its very late coming but can I just say you have one of a very few KZbin voices that I can actually listen to!! You totally have a new subscriber.

[@nancyr6850]

Thank you so much for explaining slowly, and repeating several times! This is a difficult stitch to learn, and I’ve already watched other videos, trying to get in the rhythm. They are usually a bit too fast and short, and I have to keep rewinding. Your idea of knitting back and forth before the actual ribbing also makes this a lot easier.

[@pattybishop8900]

I also would like you to know you have a great voice.. so clear and precise. Your instructions are very clear to hear and understand.

[@sheenahocking]

Thank you. This is a wonderful technique, sympathetically taught.

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you!! Please don't keep me a secret - please tell your knitting friends about KnitFreedom

[@dagneeitutyte5623]

Thank you thank you ! finally I understood - this is the best demonstration I've found on youtube :)

[@KagooKaty]

Thank you soooo much. I'm just starting a top down sweater with a big turtleneck where I'm instructed to use the tubular cast on. I find your video and explanation much easier to follow than others - also nice and slow so I only had to pause the video a few times to catch up (I'm casting on 106 stitches rather than your 20!!)

[@phf3238]

Certainly the best knitting teacher on the web!

[@Knitfreedom]

You are too kind Patricia! We're so glad these videos are so helpful :) If you're ever looking for more instruction, visit us as www.KnitFreedom.com

[@lisashaw9049]

I was so happy to see that you recorded this video, Liat Gat. Your videos are the easiest for me to follow and I really appreciate them. Thank you!

[@dignitywoo2955]

Very nice explanation, I was a bit lazy to learn a new cast-on, but suddenly I wanted to start my hat with it and now I know how to do this. Thanks!

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you so much! I'm glad we could get you started on a new hat with a new skill under your belt. Check out KnitFreedom.com for more new knitting skills :)

[@debbiedebonair5148]

Liat you are a BORN teacher! This is spot-on! Thankyou!

[@Khamomil]

I've done this cast-on several times for hats. It's essential to keep the loops aligned right from the beginning and it's easier to do that with straight needles because on a cable the stitches can turn out of alignment.

[@DJ-kg6wy]

Thank you omg..so easy after watching 3 other long videos.

[@Wildevis]

Very easy and comprehensive video explaining clearly what to do. I am starting a top down pullover and want to start the polo neck with this cast on

[@rebeccamandabach7517]

You make is so Easy Liat!!! I've been knitting for a lot of years and this is great!!!

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you Rebecca!! I really appreciate this. Don't keep me a secret - please tell your knitting friends about KnitFreedom!

[@sarahpeterson1492]

my knitting savior!

[@reemara]

thanks for your soooo clear videos.. i would like to ask you for another one, of how to finish the ending invisibly also.. thanks again, for everything you share..

[@tijuanahill6104]

Reemara Abdul q

[@Implodexplode]

If you do this stitch and knit in the round with a circle needle it will probably be seamless.

[@amandaedwards3501]

Liat, I agree with you. Work those extra two rows. I, being stubborn, tried to do this cast on without the two sturdifying (dont ask me. Its 1 am and ive been up since 6 am) rows, and it looks TERRIBLE without it. I wanted the stretchy cast on for a sweater for my nephew, and this is the best explained video to show me how to get a beautiful cast on edge for this.

[@TheSukiebapswent]

Thank you!!! Scared of this until today xx

[@artistpw]

This is a great video - I never liked how loose the regular tubular cast on seemed, and the setup rows are so helpful. I got rid of the extra yarn loop at the start by using a safety pin to hold the start of the yarn instead of putting it on the knitting needle. If I get a chance, I will do a video of it. Hope this might help anyone.

[@fridaconcepciongonzalezvil8786]

It is a great video, you have a very nice photo, never lost the focus, your voice give me peace haha, and make me feel anything is possible¡¡, I will try¡ Thanks a lot¡

[@sarahpeterson1492]

+Frida Concepcion Gonzalez Villegas it is possible i just did it!

[@peachesfireside178]

Thank you for a great clear tutorial teaching how to do new knitting techniques and for making mistakes first so we can also learn what NOT to do as well!😊 I subscribed.

[@anitasenyszyn5314]

You made this so easy to follow. Thank you so much x

[@Knitfreedom]

So glad we could help Anita! If you're ever looking for more clear knitting tutorials, visit us at KnitFreedom.com :)

[@AmyKnits]

This does not look hard at all! I am pleasantly surprised! This is so neat! Thank you!

[@mildredsmith9351]

You rock! Thanks for this very clear and easy to follow video! You are one of my favorite teachers for knitting on KZbin!

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Thank you so much. What a great tutorial - couldn't believe it worked perfectly for me on my first attempt. Think next time l'll start on straight needles , which l find easier to manage, and knit the last 'set up row' onto circulars.

[@maryamsukaynah559]

Nicely explained. I followed your instructions and knitted a nice edge.

[@Knitfreedom]

So glad to hear that Maryam! If you ever need any other knitting help, visit us at KnitFreedom.com :)

[@SrebrnaAkacja]

At last I found a tutorial which was really helpfull! Thank you 💜

[@janerobinson7078]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for this video!!!!

[@vivc4082]

Dear Liat, your videos are always so amazing! You’re my favorite teacher :) viv

[@liatgat2445]

Aw, Viv, thank you so much! That means so much to me. Thanks for sticking with me all these years!!

[@pascaleboyer4800]

Very nice stretchy edge for mittens and top-down sock or any ribbing edge that needs to be stretchy. It Worth the try and you will adopt it.

[@jajjas7963]

Thank you, this cast on fitted my knitting project so well! Thanx xoxo

[@sandrapolichino8806]

You're precious !!! L love your tutorials !!!

[@christianahoch3186]

Some fun trying this for the first time with my crazy "Knit Collage" bulky yarn....but it looks like just the ticket for my k1, p1 beanie. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

[@JanetJenkins]

Beautiful demonstration!!

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you!!

[@ranakareem1077]

It was impossible to understand it tell i saw your video... Thank you so much. You make it easy to understand

[@neesiedavis4062]

Awesomeness!!!! Thanks!!! I've been knitting for more than 40 years and never saw that set up! REALLY really nice! Blessings, Neesie

[@heatherhammersmith8997]

Just wanted/needed to let you know you're my awesome sauce! You're soothing to listen to, very clear in your instruction and so sweetly encouraging. THANK YOU

[@jpeood32]

nice presentation and I will be able to follow this for sure. I really like tubular cast on appearance the best

[@twentynineteen4687]

This is really clear. Thank you.

[@MaryJF49]

Thanks. This the first time it’s made sense. I’ve watched videos before that I didn’t understand.

[@skyejameson2100]

Yay!

[@tamarafaurot]

Very nice! Thank you!

[@Knitfreedom]

Of course Tamara! :) If you ever need any more knitting tips, feel free to join us at KnitFreedom.com

[@Knitfreedom]

You are SO sweet. I'm so glad that this cast-on was just what you needed! :) You'll have to let me know how your hat turns out.

[@tarielalaindon8766]

Easy to follow tutorial. Thank you

[@pennyfoster4590]

love the easy explanation. Thanks!

[@eviehammond9638]

Beautifully filmed, and beautifully demonstrated! You don't twitch the work around, as so many do, and you don't keep backing up, or stopping and starting. You demonstrate continuous, straightforward movement, so we can learn the correct procedure visually. And you don't subject us to a torrent of rambling -- calm, clear, succinct instruction of what you're showing. Lovely! I wasn't as delighted with the choice of yarn -- a little too roving and fuzzy for us to see the interaction clearly. Especially with this technique, it's crucial to see how each stitch is a loop being held in place by the other strand. For that purpose, I would also suggest that you move your right hand back a little to show us the stitch on the needle after it's casted on.Just for future videos.

[@ImGinaMarie]

You've got to be kidding?!

[@homeiswonderland]

Life saver, as always. Can't wait to get started on my Graham! :D

[@TheKnittinShihTzu]

Best videos n knitting I’ve seen. ……..subcribed!

[@Knitfreedom]

Yay! Thank you!

[@infohemskapat2340]

Very good tutorial

[@Knitfreedom]

Thank you so much! I'm so stoked you love my videos - your comment makes me happy. :)

[@sarahpeterson1492]

YOU ARE AWESOME

[@SuperSandrinec]

Great pacing thanks. I may get the hang of this yet.

[@jodyhynek3415]

How would you set this up for a 2x2 ribbing

[@Knitfreedom]

It is definitely not easy to multi-task while you knit! :) I'm glad I could help you fix that troublesome row.

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks for sharing ❤️🌹

[@Knitfreedom]

Definitely give it a shot. :) You are very welcome.

[@meowyimeow]

I love how this looks but I have found it to be unstable. For my first project I accidentally twisted the slipped stitches. It's only noticeable on the wrong side and it actually provides stability. But when I started another project using the same method I slipped the stitches correctly and the ribbing does not recover; in other words, when you stretch it it doesn't spring back. I used the same yarn for both projects (Cascade 220).

[@nicklenz8658]

Yours is a lot easier than the other sites. It is a beautiful edge. I have knitted for over 50 years and have never come across this cast on. I do wish it was shown slower. I had to keep keep going back to the first few stitches to get it.

[@SanSteigen]

If you click on the gear icon on the video, you can choose to play it at half speed.

[@playhooky]

+Savanah Steigen (San) omg - thank you so much for teaching me about that! On a great majority of (other people's - not Knit Freedom necessarily) videos I wanna speed it up cause a lot of people are way too chatty/talk way too much and take forever to get around to telling you what they really said they were gonna teach you; and then there are sometimes when I do when slow it down and see the repetitive motion. Thanks!!!!~!

[@candidacosta59]

fantastico!!!Thanks!!!!

[@lisageary5779]

Thank you!

[@redredwine1277]

Awesome 🎄

[@RareCandeh]

THANK YOU

[@jenniferwhitson4491]

Thank you for this video. The only thing that throws me is if we did a video together I wouldn’t be able to tell our voices apart

[@Knitfreedom]

Hi Jennifer, That's too funny!

[@Knitfreedom]

I really like garter-stitch brims for my hats, too - like the Aspen Ice hat. The cast-on will pretty much be invisible if you do a long-tail cast-on and then start with a knit round - that will put a purl round right at the bottom of the hat and it will blend right into the garter-stitch brim. I don't think there's a way to do this cast-on for only knit stitches, but I think my suggestion will still accomplish what you need. Happy Knitting!

[@susans3976]

So you knit into the half hitch you use to secure the yarn at the end of the cast on row?

[@annfield7356]

Should the tail be on my thumb or my fore finger so I can be sure to use the “ measured” amount of yarn when casting on

[@lidiasilveira9192]

Show!!! Obrigada. Parabéns.

[@kathymcneill84]

What do I do when my pattern calls for an odd number cast on?

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

I love this! I hate the longtail one, I think it looks ugly, usually I use the half hitch cast on or J's magicsl, but this one might not unwind loose yatns, think lettlopi.

[@tm13tube]

She has another video using a long tail cast on with a larger size needle for elasticity. I think this one gives a nicer transition from cast on to brioche stitch.

[@m.almotawaqtr4843]

Is it ok if I did not divide stitches and continue my knitting regularly for a hat I mean thanks for this video believe me this was great but I'm just a beginner I hope you can help me

[@akaMSMEOW]

yes as little no as your circulars are short enough. Dividing is to make a magic loop if your circulars are too long.

[@Loostyc]

Plain Italian cast on is difficult to join in the round. Your way is easier. Thanks

[@JanetJenkins]

How do you feel about using a smaller needle to do the set up to help the setup stitches and the ribbing stitches match in size? I don't like the first stitches to "flare" at the edge.

[@Knitfreedom]

Yes! Great idea

[@ImGinaMarie]

This is very clear except I don't understand why at 6:45 you purled the last stitch instead of slipping it since the previous stitch was a knit. Was it because it was the last stitch and you couldn't make it a knit stitch because the previous one was a knit, maybe? 💁Thanks in advance for your help and your great tutorials!

[@Knitfreedom]

Great question! It's purled so that you are set up to do the knit stitch on the next row to continue the K1, P1 pattern. Thanks for watching our tutorials, and if you ever need more give us a visit at www.KnitFreedom.com :)

[@ImGinaMarie]

@@Knitfreedom Thank you, yes, I did check out your website, its awesome and I will be frequenting it!! Its tough for us crocheters to understand the versatility of knitting and changing the normal progression of a pattern to fit the way you want it to...not sure if you understand what I mean by that though..basically in crochet you don't typically change the stitches to fit your needs..lol LOVE YOUR TUTS!

[@meredithdowning4983]

Is there a trick to using this cast-on for 2-at-a-time knitting?

[@Frisby0]

This was awesome. Thanks for the clear cut instruction on this. My only question is; do you recommend pulling out the cast on yarn running through tube at the end prior to joining or not at all? Thanks!

[@linzjan4276]

I wonder if there would be any value in doing additional set up rows, I think I may have heard on one of the videos that it’s ok

[@Knitfreedom]

Yes, normally you would do 2 or 4 setup rows. More rows make the edge more rounded. You can do a small swatch and see for yourself. I usually find 2 enough but 4 would perhaps be sturdier? -Liat

[@ruinedart]

Thank you ;) Is it too late to ask which yarn/colorway that you're using in the vid? Probably, but Ima take my shot anyway...