Knitting Help - Judy's Magic Cast-On

Instructions for working a sock toe using this cast-on can be found on knitty.com:
knitty.com/ISSU...
Information on things you'll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin behind me is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial:
verypink.com/20...
The pattern for the sweater I’m wearing (not my design, in a discontinued cotton yarn) can be found here:
knitty.com/ISSU...
The circular needles I use for demonstration are Knitter's Pride Dreamz interchangeable needles:
www.amazon.com/...
The green yarn I use in the video is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in color Avocado.
The nail polish I’m wearing is Julep, color “Maddy”.
refer.julep.com...

[@standard888]

OMG, it's 8 years later, and your video is still changing lives! Yes, that sound dramatic, but man, have you unknotted my stomach. Thank you!

[@blutgeist13]

I've learned so many things from you but this is the one that made my jaw drop as I watched my hands do the right thing for the first time. Thanks so much!

[@Caloci76]

I have used this cast on several times for toe up socks and my Nuvems. However, I wrap the top needle from bottom to top and then I don't have to worry about twisted stitches or knitting them through the back loop. I find it is easier especially for newer knitters who might not recognize twisted stitches as easily. Great video Staci!

[@iesika7387]

that makes this so easy, thank you!

[@dennaneff3261]

Yes, thank you, Staci. That saved me on 112 sts for each top & bottom.

[@mothmanswife928]

staci is at it again, saving my entire knitting life

[@deniseking8019]

Courtney Hancock me too!

[@bonniecallahan925]

I've watched a few different tutorial videos, plus looking at the Knitty photo tutorial, and I've never understood how to do this cast on. I was getting frustrated, and had almost completely resigned myself to never being able to have lovely seam-free toes. Your video has changed that. I feel a little silly, considering how easy this actually is to do, but I'm so glad I can now do it. So thank you so much. I can now knit all the toe up socks I want. I'm so excited!

[@shanemedley3375]

I use this video every time I cast on toe up socks. Clear and informative as always. Thank you for your videos! -KM

[@meghancriss5626]

Thanks for your video! This cast on is perfect for those who do toys....casting on 8 stitches and "joining in the round" is done with this: just cast on 4 stitches on each needle, and knit around. They're joined and a leg/arm/body blooms out of the cast on. Perfect.

[@-ANDREA--]

Ok, Stacie, you deserve a Knitting Oscar, you are the best !!!!

[@cathygregg8991]

Your videos are so excellent - video is close enough to be able to clearly see what you are doing. I'm a beginner and can follow your instructions perfectly!

[@ritatrafford1255]

It is the best!!! I watched 4 others which made me almost give up :-) - I am a beginner knitter and your tutorial is super clear and easy to follow - HUGE thanks xx

[@verypinkknits]

Lindsay Green - this cast-on is essentially in-the-round, if you watch the video on how subsequent rounds are worked.

[@SewardWriter]

I like to use this cast-on for bag bottoms. It saves me a frustrating seam, and gives the final product a tidy appearance (about the only thing about me that's tidy).

[@alexsomerslahr8359]

You really are the best teacher! (And I say that as a 20 year veteran high school math teacher). Thank you!

[@cinna8474]

This was so helpful! Thank you! I have never knit before and I got excited and started with socks and NOW I kNOW HOW TO DO THE PERFECT CAST ON !

[@Toriology]

Just yesterday I searched for a video by you on this!! Your videos are at a different level than the other knitting tutorials, and I prefer them!! Thank you & I really like the background in the last few videos!

[@aussiechickonaboat4187]

I love this cast on, I started using it on all my sock patterns as it's so easy. I often substitute other cast-on's for this one and once you have mastered it and short rows for heels (VeryPink Knits has a tutorial for this too) you can just make easy no pattern socks. Love your video's!!

[@jayalmonte]

Staci, as always, you make the most complicated concepts simple and easy-to-understand! Thank you!

[@lesmessbucilova2732]

Great demo. We really needed this video. We can see clearly and the fact that you go slow it really does make it so much easier to practice with. Thank you bunches.

[@originalmahgwet]

Thank you, I can't wait to try this! I'm tired of mutilating the Kitchener stitch and want to try knitting toe-up. Thank you for your wonderful videos. 😊

[@LourdesParara]

. Thanks for sharing. Whoever is reading this comment, I wish you success, health, love and happiness!

[@irinasawatzki4534]

Great video, I know this kind of cast on from double knitting books in Germany,. Your video is a great reminder! Greetings from Germany!

[@joyharbeson1266]

This is the best Judy's Magic cast-On I've found! JoyHarbeson

[@lindas5964]

So easy! Thank you. I normally prefer DPNs but found magic loop WAY easier for this cast on. Then it’s easy to switch back to DPNs later. 😊

[@lornapowell9383]

Thank you so much. I had learnt the basic cast on from another video but had no idea what to do with the stitches once they were cast on. Your demonstration was great as always

[@ChadlyRN]

LOVE your videos. They’re so easy to follow and see things close up. Thanks!! 🧶

[@karenjohnson3406]

I live in Australia and am 56 years old. I was taught to knit when I was very young by my great grandmother. My mum, grandmother, aunts and great aunts all knit. And we all use this as a method of casting on and always have so I don't know why it is called Judy's cast on. Know of other friends who use it as well.

[@chonk_fox89]

It's simply because she was the one who popularized it on the internet. It doesn't mean she's the one who invented it as she likely learned it from someone else but using her name simply allows it to be easily referenced.

[@patriciabr4686]

Amazing explanation! Love it, the way you explain it makes it so much easier! Thank you!

[@laetitias2312]

Thank you for your tutorial! I love the poncho behind you ❤️

[@chevydude658]

Another GREAT video! I have learned so much from you. And, what I forget, I come back to remind myself of.

[@catherinenoble8091]

Thanks for showing this technique. It looks much less scarey than unravelling a provisional cast on crochet chain. :-)

[@mkbm71]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Very clear and simple to follow. I do find that the first slip stich leaves an 'ear'. I then went to check out Judy Becker's tutorial (which I found to be less simple than yours) and she just lays the yarn over the first needled hence eliminating the 'ear'.

[@onajourneylife2242]

Can you explain this please for a brand new knitter

[@lottied8198]

Thank you for this tutorial, really simple and easy to understand!

[@darnellagarry9874]

Can you please show it with two colors with Judy magic cast on. Trying to make a scarf knitting on both sides. I'm a big fan of your videos, and your step by step instructions. Have made knitting easier for me to pick up.

[@chrisdarry-roseelrod4481]

That was easier than I thought it would be. Thank you.

[@LIVEINPEACE2023]

Thank you for taking the mystery out of this cast-on!!!!! And I luv your specs.

[@florenna]

Interesting - I've done about the same as this, unknowingly, as in the pattern it was called a "Turkish cast-on"! ;D Odd. Only with very slight differences, like it was done on 2 DPN's, and the slipknot was tossed off needles when starting to knit, so not counted as a stitch.

[@lizkimber]

If you do the top needle middle to out instead out outside to middle you dont end up with the twisted stitches

[@moniqueverschuure791]

Thank you, your video was very helpfull for me, greetings Monique from the netherlands

[@ANNFISCH]

Great! This looks so much easier than the Magic 8

[@viviank.3273]

Thank you so much! I always know that if I'm struggling, I should just come find one of your videos.

[@brucemooney1277]

Cant believe I acheived this on first try, on US1 9" circular, in a dark purple and (almost) lace-weight yarn, at night under only a dim light. 🤯 it was a nightmare 😂

[@debracomer6864]

if you eliminate the slip stitch you'll get rid of that problem spot on the Toe. :)

[@jvallas]

If you wrap both top and bottom yarn purlwise, they'll both mount properly. I also use this with DPNs, though I admit it's a little counter-intuitive.

[@eviedun]

Wow! That was pretty amazing. I just want to try it now. Thank you for a great tutorial.

[@verypinkknits]

+Emily Kim - yes, always! :)

[@theblindknitter6995]

Ahhhhh. I wondered why mine always came out wonky. I was going from inside out instead of outside in. Thank you!

[@mariar8025]

Just finished my 2 at a time toe up socks (toes) and used Judy's magic cast on BUT i forgot to knit every other round after the increase round hahaha ooops. I really don't want to start over again. Learned my lesson - incr rnd then knit rnd. thanks for the video

[@tdawgson]

thanks for another helpful tutorial, breezing along on my first toe up sock.

[@mcruz2187]

Thanks for this simple explanation.

[@vex6669]

this video saved me omg thanks so much

[@verleell4904]

Very clear directions, thank you so much

[@MariaDalila]

You're just amazing! Hugs from Argentina!

[@alexandralovell5803]

I've found if having problems with the tension when increasing you can substitute the m1 for kfb

[@peggybork5623]

Love watching your videos !

[@katefromcana1894]

I'm confused, not because of this tutorial it's really clear and thank you! I watched the original Judy Becker video and she uses two circulars to do this cast on, and also some other tutorials use two circulars which really has me wondering why and how they get rid of the second circular after doing this magical cast on. Do you have an explanation as to why that technique is used when it doesn't really make things any easier. If anyone knows I'm all ears. Thanks!

[@charlesfrueh8927]

Is this, "Judy's Magic Cast-On" the same thing as the so-called, "Turkish Cast-On" ? Thank you! and excellent teaching video!

[@clarissam3458]

Thank you so much for your clear tutorial! Is there a way to convert this technique for knitting in the round, so that you could effectively knit a tube from each side of the cast on?

[@juliesellars969]

Thanks for this - I've just started knitting socks after years of knitting. I have a question though - normally, I use magic loop method and pull the top needle to knit (if that makes sense). It seems to me that with this cast on, I will have to pull the bottom needle. Is that the case? Any way around that - I'm afraid I will forget in the mindless part of sockinette stitch and mess it up. Thanks.

[@livdamnit6998]

I am very new to knitting and hoping to make sock. However i don't understand do continue to flip the needles?

[@phopanda12]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Where should I put my stitch marker for the start of the round and at the end of this tutorial has only 1 round been completed?

[@knittingdyke]

I'm knitting a scarf with stranded colorwork, so it's in the round. I want to close both ends as if it's closed with kitchener, and I thought this would be a good option. Why can't you use this method to cast on for that very purpose?

[@coffeebeen65]

Hi. This is totally a rookie question. With this cast on, one must continue to knit with the bottom needle into the top? This is backwards to the top needle working the bottom. Am I thinking correctly?

[@BrandilynEsquivel503]

Stacie, help!...I am about to start this, it'll be my first magic loop and first toe up sock.....I've been watching lots of magic loop tutorials and had in my head "pull the back needle long" and now all of a sudden on this we will be "pulling the front needle long"....do you knit the whole sock like that?...so it will be essentially inside out as I'm knitting it? That seems like the patterns would be backwards if it were lace or something...I don't get it...when I knit it with the front needle long the purl bumps will be on the outside all the way up correct?

[@verypinkknits]

You may want to contact the pattern designer with your question, I can't imagine why you'd need to pull the front needle long. None of my magic loop patterns do that!

[@BrandilynEsquivel503]

+VeryPink Knits it is the Judy's magic cast on method that has me pulling the front needle....

[@Sandileina]

Don't worry, I get what you mean - it's cool, after you've finished all the steps in this video, just turn your circular needles upside down and then start pulling the back needle long like all the patterns/video tutorials call for! That works for me.

[@PoohBah]

Is the Kitchener stitch the only way getting a bind off the same as the cast on ? Magic bind off so to speak for closing a tubular scarf .

[@danellem6325]

It would seem to me that kitchener is the best match to Judy's magic caston. I bet you hate kitchener, but Staci has a great newer (2018) video on "Knitted Kitchener" - I didn't believe it, but it really does make it so easy!

[@clarec9121]

Super clear, thank you!

[@emily_kim]

I am so glad! I love your videos! Thank you for posting all the time.Keep at it! :)

[@lynneguillemette2260]

Love love your videos. Always very well explained. One question though. With magic loop, you usually pull the back needle through (working yarn is at the back). This method, we pull the front needle through (working yarn is at the front). Is this just for the cast on or do I pull the front needle throughout the sock pattern?

[@verypinkknits]

Just the cast-on.

[@TheShadowcreator]

Super easy to follow thanks!

[@claytonchadbourne824]

I really you had a video for reversible adult 2aat magic loop mittens. Just can't find one. One for Dummies would be fantastic.

[@JenLunny]

Hi Staci - Thanks for the clear tutorial! I am using this cast on for a neckline that folds in half. An I-cord runs though the hem. I'm fairly new to reading patterns. It says cast-on 40 using Judy's Magic Cast on. Any guesses if that be 40 on front and back (so 80) or 40 altogether? When it then says Knit Row 1, I'm again confused - is that Row 1 on the back or the front or both? Is there any standards for patterns using this type of cast on?

[@verypinkknits]

Jennifer Lunny - I've run into this question myself in patterns. You can look at the gauge (stitches per inch) - would 40 stitches make a good neckline size, and would 80 stitches be far too wide? If you can't judge by that, you should probably contact the pattern designer directly for clarity. Ravelry message is a good way to reach most designers.

[@emilyr1870]

I'm so used to magic looping by pulling the back needle long . . . can you ever get back to this method when using this cast-on?

[@verypinkknits]

Emily Ross - you don't need to knit the whole sock that way. After you work a little bit after the cast-on, you'll naturally migrate to flipping the sock over (toe pointing down instead of up), and proceed by pulling the back needle "long".

[@emilyr1870]

Thank you!!

[@HH_The_Great]

Thank you for explaining that! I’ve been letting the same question keep me from using this, because I didn’t want to have to magic loop it differently. Until you used those words, I didn’t realize the toe of the sock was pointing up, and that after rolling the whole works over, it matches all other magic loop projects.

[@szab07]

Do you keep using the front needle to knit with, unlike normal magic loop where you use the back needle?

[@lynneguillemette2260]

Love your videos…extremely well done. I’ve learned so much. Is it possible to knit two socks at a time with this cast on method? Trying to avoid the second sock syndrome.

[@verypinkknits]

Yes, it's totally possible. However, I like to work the toes and heels individually, then knit the foot and cuff sections TAAT.

[@lynneguillemette2260]

@@verypinkknitsthank you for your quick responses…very much appreciated. Would you have a tutorial on this…how to mount the work once the toe and heel is done?

[@pamelaweichmann109]

This is a great tutorial for Judy's Magic Cast On. Is there ever a point with this method that you stop pulling the front needle long and begin to pull the back needle long as is customary with magic loop? If so, when in the pattern should I do that? My pattern does not mention the reversal of pulling the front needle long as you have done. I tried it the other way, pulling the back needle long, and that made the wrong side (bumpy knit row) show up on the tip of my sock. So, I pulled that out and started again.

[@verypinkknits]

Sometimes we use different words to describe the same thing in knitting (and other things, I suppose)...it is just like magic loop. No difference.

[@pamelaweichmann109]

@@verypinkknits Oh, I see! So, the magic loop technique can be accomplished both ways by either pulling the front or back needle! I get it. I've only done magic loop with pulling the back needle long.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thank you! ❤

[@normanflora4593]

Staci... I know you said not to but could you do toe up in your patterns with this cast on if you used German short rowsThoughts... Norman.

[@verypinkknits]

No, this cast-on starts the sock at the tippy-toe (the very end of the toe). My toe up patterns start at a different place in the sock.

[@kaislakastanja]

Can you do this cast on while knitting double stranded?

[@bindiyayagnik2067]

Thought I liked the tidy look of this so I'd use it for a sweater collar. Note: I have never knitted this stitch, a sweater, or in the round before. I hate myself. 😂

[@MagdaleneBurgess]

SOO helpful

[@alexandralovell5803]

I have a question With the tail of the wool does it go on the top or bottom needle?

[@theresajones5196]

Can I use this cast on while using 2 circulars?

[@mariar8025]

Can you do two at a time toe up socks using the turkish cast on?

[@somecunninglinguist]

god thank you, I was never gonna get there with the photos

[@DrKarenHoving]

Hi! Ok...goofy question. You have the ONLY video I've found that actually says that you pull the front needle out (as opposed to in normal ml you pull the back needle w/yarn attached). So- instead of pulling the back needle w/ working yarn we ALWAYS pull he front needle through knitting the whole sock if it's toe up? I'm sure this is super obvious but every one describes pulling the front needle as "normal ML set up"...help! AND thanks - I've been trying to get this sorted and am about to just chuck it and go back to cuff down taat. I assume that I can do this TAAT but always use the front /bottom needle first? Thanks and sorry for all the questions -you just seem to explain things better than anyone else (AND you respond to everyone's posts!)

[@verypinkknits]

Only pull the front needle long for this first round with Judy's Magic CO. You'll slip into regular magic loop after this round.

[@DrKarenHoving]

@@verypinkknits Sorry- how do I end up pulling the back needle without knitting twice into the same "row" or is that ok? It seems that the only way for me to get the working yarn in the back needle is by having the purls up (which is wrong). Maybe I should just chuck it and continue with your taat cuff down w/the heel you designed. I'm a a point where I'm about to throw the needles/yarn/scissors across the room! THEN add trying to do it TAAT and there isn't enough xanax in my house (and I'm a shrink). Sorry to bug you - I've used all your videos as my go to and can't understand why I can't get this. Thanks for all that you do -I have tons of cuff down socks (lots of compliments -should really engrave your name in the sock) and they are wonderful...

[@verypinkknits]

I hope I'm following your question correctly...the purl side is really always "up". You're just in an awkward position when you're working the first round after using this CO, and it is more easily explained to pull the "front" needle long, and knit from the back needle. But if you just flip your work a little, you can see it as the back needle being pulled long. You don't ever have to knit the same half of the stitches twice. If you're still having difficulty with this, I recommend visiting your local yarn shop for some in-person help (and support your lys while you're there). :)

[@hipstamom]

Hi, Staci! I'm knitting 2 at a time toe-up socks. Just to clarify, once you're done with first half of the stiches, you knit the second half of the stiches normally through the front loop? Thanks for this video, it makes everything so clear!

[@verypinkknits]

You have it backwards - after the CO, you knit half of the stitches, then the second half through the back loop.

[@DrKarenHoving]

Do you have a sock pattern that uses this cast on (preferably for TAAT) instead of a provisional cast on? I'll check your website (at first glance I couldn't find a pattern w/out a provisional cast on on youtube but I may have missed it).I usually use your taat cuff down sock but I got a bit muddled with the prov cast on! Thanks in advance again!

[@verypinkknits]

I have one sock pattern that uses this, a pattern for flip-flop socks (the socks I'm wearing now!). My other toe-up patterns use a crocheted provisional cast-on, which I think is easier and sturdier for those socks.

[@amyf1383]

You mentioned the tension issue in the beginning, how it creates kind of a square or sharp edge to that row. Do you have any tips for correcting that?

[@verypinkknits]

Washing/blocking will help, or you can pull the "corners" in when you weave in the end (on one side), and use another strand of yarn to do the same on the other side.

[@mayf122]

Thank you so much for this! I have a question though-- At what point in all this do we switch from "cast on" to "round 1"? Is the whole video considered the cast-on and only the cast-on, or did you cast on and then do what a pattern would consider round 1?

[@verypinkknits]

Once you get the number of loops on your needle(s) according to your pattern, then you follow Round 1 of your pattern. If it is unclear, I recommend contacting the pattern designer for clarification.

[@gloriaanntirado9186]

Can you use this for a sweater, a hoodie?

[@verypinkknits]

You really only want to use this cast-on when your pattern calls for it. If your pattern doesn't specify, you'll probably want to use a long-tail cast-on.

[@gloriaanntirado9186]

VeryPink Knits thanks for getting back to me. The pattern does give you the option to use the Judy’s Magic Cast-on. I just never heard of it for a hoodie 🙃

[@moonfire75]

So my question is, do u have to knit the entire sock, pulling the front needle?? I did this backwards, ended up with pearl bumps on outside...so I looked up this video to see what I did wrong! Very helpful! Thank you. However, u end on still pulling front needle...as for the rest of sock....what comes next!? Thanks!!!

[@verypinkknits]

No...you want to pull the back needle once you're past the cast-on...I have several tutorials on magic loop socks, if you're interested in following a tutorial.

[@moonfire75]

@@verypinkknits ok thanks so much! I love your videos! I've watched several. I just wasn't sure about what happened or where the working yarn ended up at end of cast on! Thanks!!

[@rosemason2071]

When i follow this my knitting is on the inside. Is that correct? Also can i do this using two circular needles.

[@verypinkknits]

You want the purl bumps on the inside, unless your pattern calls for it the other way. Flipping your work over should correct it if you're backwards.

[@rosemason2071]

@@verypinkknits thank you. That is what i did halfway down. I ripped it out and will start over because i created a ladder from the beginning.

[@pamelaweber2666]

I am a stroke survivor x nine years, and one of the affects of my stroke is quite a bit of vision deficit and I now struggle bejeebers with 2x2 ribbing!! Is there any way to fix a yarn over hole in ribbing AFTER the sweater is finished? I am a pretty experienced knitter, of 44 years, and was a quilter for years, and the rule of thjmb for a quilter was fix only those things you just cannot live with!! I have casted this sweater vest on too many timrs to count-166 stitches in the round.refuse to rip it again for the tenth time!! Please help if you can!!

[@verypinkknits]

Pamela Weber - that's a tough one. You can try using duplicate stitch (link below) to incorporate that stitch so that the hole doesn't show as much...hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5TJnp2vlsZ0mtk

[@heatherjames37]

Would this be suitable for knitting a scarf in the round instead of grafting it later?

[@verypinkknits]

+Heather Sainsbury - not sure that I understand your question...you have to have live stitches (like from a provisional cast-on, like this one) to graft stitches. So, yes, this can be used - but it wouldn't be "instead of". You'd need to have a provisional cast-on and live stitches at the other end to graft stitches.

[@lindsaygreen7095]

Is there a way to do this in the round?

[@sandimcniff4560]

Thank you!

[@Meg-td3rb]

You mention a toe up-and-over method at some point and about being in one of your tutorials. Can you give a direct link to said tutorial? I have a terrible time finding the correct videos on here.

[@verypinkknits]

All of my toe-up sock patterns (aside from my flip-flop socks pattern) use that style of provisional cast-on. Here is a playlist of all of my sock patterns/tutorials: verypink.com/category/socks/

[@1959GreenGables]

Judy does not start with a slip knot as you do. Could that be why your start has a big larger stitch? Judy just lays it over the top needle and goes from there.

[@HeavenlyTruthAstrology]

You said that you can't sub a provisional cast in with this or vice versa, I assume, but I can't figure out why not?

[@patriciapepper2780]

I have got to ask!!! I have used this cast on a few times for toe up socks, every video I've watched says the stitches for the second half of the cast are mounted incorrectly and must be knit through the back loop. Well, when I look at my stitches they ARE mounted correctly and if I ktbl they become twisted, does this mean that I'm doing the cast on wrong?

[@verypinkknits]

+Patricia Pepper - if you're happy with the way your cast-on looks and your stitches are not twisted, I'd say you're doing something differently, but not wrong.

[@patriciapepper2780]

Ok thanks

[@chawntelh]

ok...u said patterns for ur toe up socks start at the front of your toes, then work down and around...I have been DESPERATELY looking for these type of socks...please,please point me in the direction of your patterns for these socks...thank u thank u thank u...Lol

[@verypinkknits]

Jacquie Hayes - all of my toe-up socks work the way you're describing. You can see all of my sock tutorials here: verypink.com/category/socks/

[@kristieprice8842]

Thank you for this tutorial! :)