Knitting: Ranunculus Knit-a-Long help, part 1: Cast on overview

[@dianescott3515]

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this video! I’ve had the Ranunculus pattern since it came out, have read and studied it and still have been afraid to start it. Then I saw this! I’m excited to finally try to make it. Thanks so much for taking the time to make these tutorials 😊

[@monicarosenfield9115]

Thank you for this! I had literally tried to cast this sweater on 3 times and gotten so frustrated, your comparison helped me understand so much better what the pattern was trying to do and helped me decide what I wanted to get the look I'm going for.

[@janemarriott3389]

I'm back. Ready to start another RanRan and appreciate your support!

[@conniekleiman2318]

I have looked at this pattern for many months trying to decide if I should knit it. After watching your videos, I purchased the pattern and am excited to begin! I also subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much for the time and patience it takes to make such a helpful series.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

You’re welcome Connie, happy to be of assistance, you got this :) ❤️

[@backwardsraccoon]

Thank you for this tutorial! I bought yarn at my local yarn shop in San Diego and the woman at the store told me that I HAVE to watch your videos. Extremely helpful and completing my ranunculus has boosted my knitting confidence like no other!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Wow, thanks for sharing and thanks for the Super Thanks! So amazing my videos have been so helpful to so many ❤️

[@Kloulock]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this series! I've had the materials and pattern for the Ranunculus for years but have been intimidated to start knitting it UNTIL now. Your videos are appreciated! Thank you again!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

You’re welcome Kamilia, glad I can help- you got this! ❤️

[@christinaruiz6184]

Me too!! Literally stumbled on this channel and I'm thrilled!!!

[@KateriJochum]

I am almost down with my first sweater (and am already halfway down with the second) and I can't say how invaluable these videos have been. I would never have been able to manage without your help. Thank you!!

[@kayceegreer4418]

I just now got the wonderful idea to make a ranunculus poncho... a nice, lightweight, to-the-elbows poncho.

[@janechan1914]

Oh my goodness I’m so glad to have stumbled across your channel 🎉 can’t wait to start my ranunculus, Ive also had the pattern and yarn 🧶 for months 🥰

[@Eligosol]

Still keep coming back to all these So THANK YOU 😊

[@kasiamichalec2305]

What a great video comparing different cast on methods for Ranunculus and other sweaters as well. Thank you for sharing

[@nicolaking2704]

This is so useful, thank you. Thinking about trying this sweater as my very first (!), so this is great background.

[@vanessajohnson1944]

I am just finding your tips and tricks as I am knitting the body on my first Ranunculus. I have messed up the stitches in the yoke on this and I can't wait to see more of these episodes and can make another, hopefully better, now with your help! Thank you!

[@busdrivr88]

finishing #8, your help was appreciated

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Wonderful! So glad my videos can be here for you. I’m really tempted to start another one!!!

[@bags-by-carol]

❤ I found your tutorials midway through my first try of my Ranunculus and had forgotten about them now that I’m on take 2 of it as the neckline was too tight…here’s hoping reviewing your tutorials from the beginning will let me finish it successfully this time! THANK YOU as I start rewatching I remember how helpful each one was and is again.

[@gailfirenze4760]

Thank you so much. 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@sylviafikiert4825]

I have always wanted to knit this garment but was intimidated. Now with your videos I have confidence to knit one thank you 😊

[@karinajackson2779]

I am so excited to have found your channel! I have been hesitant to knit the ranunculus because the pattern just seems daunting. I will definitely be doing your KAL. Thank you so much!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

you're welcome, Karina! I'll be making videos on different parts as I can ❤️

[@amyking2597]

I’m a visual learner and I’m going to give this a try. I’ll also practice reading patterns, I see a lot of trial and error coming. Thank you for sharing this. Jumping back into knitting. ❤

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

You can do it! One section at a time ❤️

[@jeanbeicher2420]

I’m starting my third Ranunculus and I did a search for the cast on and found this playlist. How fun. Its like a knit along for me coming in a year late to the party. LOL.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

People are watching these videos all the time, so glad I can help! ❤️❤️❤️

[@redredwine1277]

Well explained and illustrated ❤Thank you👌🏽God Bless

[@justbewvl7280]

Thank you! I just bought the pattern and ready to dive in. An Italian Knitter's podcast mentioned you so I headed on over. Such good info. I'm a newer sweater knitter and been wanting to make this. With your help thru your videos I think I can! I need to visit your shop as I'm not far from you. Hopefully I can bring my finished Ranunculus. :). Enjoy your day and thanks again!

[@katibere1966]

Thanks for this! I just started my first Ranunculus! I’m using cotton yarn and did the crochet tubular CO …just getting ready to start the short rows 🫣

[@lisabishop5216]

Thank you for the time that you put into making all the sample's! You are a wonderful teacher. I was in the process of making my 2nd Ranunculus, this one using Berroco Linen Stonewash 100% Linen, and I had forgotten how to do the Double Loop Cast on, so I checked on KZbin and came upon your Video!!! I have now subscribed to your channel and will be Knitting along with you all;) How Fun!!!! BTW, your Yarn Store Looks glorious;)

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Thanks Lisa, enjoy your second Ranunculus, they are so much fun!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kdolguin]

I just found you. I have been wanting to knit the ranunculus but was intimidated. I plan on casting on now and follow you!!! THANKMYOU!!!!

[@mimiwhite1963]

Thank you I have the pattern and yarn but have not started

[@wendybradley8420]

Thanks so much for this video series. Greatly appreciated

[@kimcrabtree1160]

So helpful in getting me started! I feel more confident in beginning the pattern now. Thank you-looking forward to the rest of the series and the help I know I will need along the way!

[@bsfb3ar]

I used the 100% cotton and used size 6 needle I can’t even use 16” needle instead I used 12” needle ( detachable needle end up only 8” can stretch to only 12”. I love tubular CO it has a round edging look so beautiful. Most of the co I always used German twisted co.

[@lisekautzman4449]

Thank you for this video(s) I have the pattern and have wanted to knit it for such a long time

[@Jess38]

I just received my Bamboo Pop today...🥰 I can't wait to begin!

[@busdrivr88]

Finished 3 so far, going to make another

[@joanie9258]

Thanks for publishing these videos! I have the pattern, but have yet to attempt it. Maybe this will get me going.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

If and when, you can do it! Glad I can help ❤️❤️❤️

[@annas7715]

Great series! I’m on my third Ranunculus and plan to knit more. I cast on the Ranunculus #1 in fingering weight yarn, using the German Twisted cast on. Ranunculus #2 was also started with alternating (k & p) German Twisted cast on with two strands of fingering weightcotton blend. I chose the alternating GTCO to match the match the neckline’s 1x1 rib pattern. I used the pattern’s recommended double loop cast on for Ranunculus #3.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

I think the German Twisted cast on is a wonderful option for this top, I had just already overcomplicated this video 🙄🤦‍♀️. Alternating is a great idea too! I’m currently making a lace one that I started with the double loop cast on ❤️❤️❤️

[@judithtaylor6916]

My wish list is a smaller neck opening. But trying to fudge the cast-on with long tale cast-on and less stitches. Not sure if knitting additional increase rows will bring it into line with the original pattern.

[@Lynnefromlyn]

OMG i haven’t watched the entire video but I will be! Have just cast on with the ranunculus on recommendation from several other experienced knitters. I’m not! I’m stuck on the short rows …I shall be following you every step of the way! Thank you in advance! 🥰 New subscriber!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Thanks Lynne! I have a video on the short rows, hope it helps too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michelleellis1290]

Thank you I missed the KAL. This is so helpful

[@carolbyrne3241]

Thank you so much for doing these videos, I have always knit one for ever Looking forward to doing it ❤

[@AlaskaDonnaG]

I use long tail cast on over two needles for my socks

[@zonderbaar]

Great help, thank You so much !!

[@mscatherinemccoy]

Hi Rebecca. I just joined in on this when I went looking for how to cast on the ranunculus. I had no idea about the tubular cast on, so very glad I found you. I think your KAL is almost over, but I'll follow your videos to help me out. Looking forward to my 1st ranunculus.... I understand that no one can make just one!

[@mscatherinemccoy]

btw I'm using a Norwegian fingering called Solje w Biches Buches silk mohair

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Hi Catherine, thanks for becoming a member too! I'll add your name to the credits on my video next week :) our KALs don't really have an expiration date, we start new ones, but there are plenty of people still working on the Ranunculus, myself included! Your yarn sounds heavenly ❤️❤️❤️

[@suzanneschneider9452]

I was watching all your Sweater overview videos & in the necklines one you had on your Ranunculus, presumably soon after you had finished knitting it. The neckline looked so much smaller/tighter than it does now, like a true crew neck.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Ha! I checked and you’re right! Does show how it can stretch- her collared are kinda written to do that, though, not all my collars in the shop do…… fascinating!

[@shelbyrose2791]

Thanks for mentioning this video in the side show! The comparison helped me very much 🙏💚

[@annettefranklin158]

Thank you I got frustrated at the beginning trying to understand her caston. Oh . Nice to know there are more than one way Is there a video knitting this sweater. Thrilled I may more start again ugh. Could not get past cast on yet all love this sweater thank you

[@fish8cat]

I look forward to following you along on this! I hate this pattern. There's no chart, no idea of where to go with this thing. I felt like I wasted my money on the pattern, so I am hoping you will change my mind. I've seen people wear it form fitting, so I could alter that as long as I have a chart and schematic, but this pattern is vague and no chart is a major issue!

[@정송이-u7d]

감사해요~ ❤

[@neri1707]

Awesome 😄 thank you

[@janemarriott3389]

I’ve been hesitant to get into this pattern, knowing that it does offer a few challenges. Your videos will help me Go for it!

[@TheNakedEwe]

I finally bought my pattern, but I’m still contemplating my yarn choice. I’m also a sock knitter an pod I was wondering if you could use a long tail sock cast on (k2, p3 followed by one round of k2, p2, and then a round of k2, p1, p2tog to result in a nice stretchy k2, p2 rib) and just change it to a k1, p1 config by using k1, p1, k1, p2 cast on and work one round and then do k1, p1, k1, p2tog to end up with a nice stretchy k1, p1 rib? I think I need to experiment tonight!

[@neverstoplearning2]

Thanks!!!! So helpful!!!

[@shellakabooki3349]

Thank you thank you thank you 🌺🌸🌷

[@EHCH66]

Hi, you mention that gauge measurements are not necessarily, but then how do I choose size because this is always in relation to one another? Thank you for your attention and for these helpful videos bye greetings from The Netherlands😊

[@jandearlivinglife4433]

Thank you thank you !!!! You are a life saver !!!!!

[@jmsfaith2181]

Why are there not more help videos for this sweater or more tutorials?

[@alanandjanetpohl4043]

Sorry, I made a mistake in my last comment. For the fingering weight and mohair held together I used size 8 needles. Thank you so much!

[@busdrivr88]

Working on sweater #5

[@carolbuckley8535]

Hi Rebecca can I just say loving your new haircut. Not relevant here I know, but to my question. I am about to embark on my 5th ranunculus and have followed your tutorials with them all and will this time. However much I love all four previous ones I am never very comfortable with the neckline at the front, it seems to high and I am forever pulling at them. I am not knowledgeable on how to correct this can I ask for your advice please. Over here in the uk none of my knitting friends knit top down so can’t help. Thanks once again for your fantastic tutorials ❤

[@shilpagrover2764]

This is really helpful, thank you! I wonder if German twisted cast on might be another good option since it has more stretch. (Not asking you to do another one though :) )

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

I thought of that too, but didn’t want to overcomplicate the video- I think it might be similar to casting on over 2 needles, definitely something to try :)

[@shilpagrover2764]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks I’ve decided I’m going to do it for my sweater! Will let you know the results! Looks like many others have done this according to project notes on ravelry.

[@kathryn8248]

Thanks So Much for your help in knitting this beautiful sweater. I've made it to row 26 and twice have a count if 241 instead of 240. I've counted the 60 new stitches made. Has anyone else had this issue? HELP!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

If memory serves, that row is a little different from the rest, and you will have a bit of space between shorter “pull up” stitches. If you have the 60 new stitches made and your stitch count is off, it might have been off by 1 before you started? (181 instead of 180?) Regardless, if you can’t figure out where you are off, as it is only one stitch, you may just want to do an extra decrease somewhere on the next row (“fudge it”)❤️

[@heatherbcreative]

Thank you for your videos. Does the size chart include positive ease or are we suppose to add it to our bust measurement and what positive ease is recommended for the pattern? I can't seem to find the recommended positive ease so I don't know what sizes to pick? Is there any positive ease all ready built into the size chart?

[@sherree10]

I bought the pattern today. Skimmed through it and came straight to your video. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@lulienne8212]

Thank you for making this series! ❤ Do you have any suggestions for making an even wider neckline. I'm knittiing with two strands of Holst Garn Coast on size 10s using the Double Twist cast on, but it still looks tighter than I'd like.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Many of my necklines have stretched with wear, but my assistant casts on 90 and skips the increases after the ribbing for a wider neck. Hope that makes sense ❤️

[@lulienne8212]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks It totally does! Thank you so much for that suggestion. I will try it!

[@christenecooper4115]

Great video. Just wondering if the Alternate Cable Cast On would work for this pattern.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

I’m not sure if that would be as stretchy as the pattern writer wants, you may need to test it out to see ❤️

[@jkay9945]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marthabilski]

HELLO! I am late to the party but I have just printed out the pattern and I appreciate that I will be able to follow along here. I am confused as to what size to chose. Is there a video about that? I am using a linen cotton lace weight. I am a 45 inch bust and have no idea what size to make. I do want it to have a lose drape but not be a swoncho. any help? :)

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Hi Martha- we may have discussed this over on the Sun Dragon Sideshow, I do not recall which episode. The Ranunculus is designed in the “Mori Girl” style- in Japan it is fashionable to be oversized but still feminine when a garment has a lot of drape- this does make it challenging to pick a size as she leaves it pretty open ended. I have about a 43” bust, and I’ve made a size 5 (worsted) and 9 (lace). You don’t have to pick a size until section 4, they all start out the same. Her design can have up to 18” of positive ease, I could recommend a size with at lease 8”, but it really is personal preference ❤️

[@marthabilski]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks thank you! I am thinking 8 is a good place.

[@knitkitten]

I Absolutely love your videos! Thank you for doing them!! You briefly showed your first ranunculus sweater- is the yarn lace weight? It is beautiful!

[@annettefranklin158]

Love you videos on ranunculus how do I get the videos in order. On German short stitches. How do I get then in order?😘

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

If you watch the Ranunculus playlist, you may get them in order. Other than that, searching my site for what you want may help. I have not had the energy to set up a “play next” option, or if that would even work despite my best efforts :)

[@dianemocerf2758]

But how many stitches do you cast on?

[@lynfrench2702]

Hi I have started the Ranunculus with Madelintosh merino light which is a 4ply but the gauge on size 10 (6) needles is way too small Have tried a smaller needle but not much success Any suggestions please

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

If your gauge is too small (too many stitches per 4 cm) you need a *bigger* needle to hopefully get gauge, so your stitches are bigger and you have fewer of them over 4 cm. Other than that pick a bigger size to complete, and your smaller gauge will make the end product come out smaller (if your stitches are too small) ❤️

[@ginnaricci4547]

Hi !! Would you tell me how many sizes this pattern has ? Thank you for this video. 🍁

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

The pattern has 11 sizes, and is meant to be super oversized, but you can pick the size you want: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ranunculus-3

[@YolyCurls]

I just got my pattern but I don’t want it to be that big. The smallest bust circumference is too big for me. How to make it smaller? Thanks

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Hi yoly- it is designed to be big and oversized, but drape and still look feminine- see the video I made about picking a size. The way you can make it smaller is through trial and error- pick lighter weight yarn (thinner) and use smaller needles, though it is hard to predict what size it will come out. A gauge swatch may help as well, I have another video about magic math to help people calculate this, but I cannot provide an immediate set of instructions for that 🤷‍♀️🫶

[@YolyCurls]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks thank you. I’ll try and see. 😊

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

Do we have to join your channel to get all of your tutorials for the Ranunculus?

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Hi Brenda, all my videos on the Ranunculus are free to access whether or not you subscribe or join with a membership. Memberships are just a way to support the work we do. We have a higher membership where you can get access to my whiteboards in videos (I didn’t use my whiteboards for the Ranunculus series), so the long answer is no, you do not have to join to have access :) I did not make videos on every step of the pattern, you do still need to purchase the pattern to make the top- all the videos I made should be in my Ranunculus playlist.❤️

[@kvcaps]

I have the pattern. But I admit I am chicken to start. What was I thinking!

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

You can do it! One step at a time :) ❤️

[@annkroll6794]

Hello Bought the Ranunculus Pattern. Question I have a 10 needle but how long of a cord do I need? Thank You ann

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

I was able to complete mine with a 16” and a 32” circular :)

[@annkroll6794]

Thank you

[@evabjernelind1893]

😊🙃👏❤️

[@maybemaximus]

how do you know how many to cast on? i dont see the size options until the later section.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Hi Claudia- all sizes start the same way with an open neck, the eventual size is determined by that later section and how many raglan increases are completed :)

[@maybemaximus]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks thank you so much for your response! i have an easier time making than following patterns

[@maybemaximus]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks I'm following guage according to the pattern not your video tutorial and it seems that the neck is very small. (sticking to guage using 6.5 mm needles instead of 10) have you or anyone made this and come across this issue?

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Depending on the type of cast on and how it is done, as well as the material you are knitting with, it can have less stretch. My first one the neckline stretched out over time. My assistant has made several where she cast on 90 instead, the number one increases to after the ribbing, so the whole thing is looser and she didn’t do the increase after the ribbing

[@maybemaximus]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks thank you so much for your response! i think it just has to be blocked …. hopefully.

[@mellomakes]

Me again! Lol Who is Liz you keep mentioning? Sorry, I’m new around here.

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Liz is my assistant at Sun Dragon, my yarn shop. We have another channel, Sun Dragon Sideshow :)

[@bcdoula]

How does a person know what size to make this sweater? My pattern has sizes 1,2,3,4???

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

The sizes on the Ranunculus correlate to a “finished bust circumference”, and a lot of patterns use the number system lately instead of S, M, L, etc since they mean different things in different countries 🤷‍♀️. You’re asking the question a lot of people ask with this pattern, and it really is a personal preference thing. The smallest size has a finished bust of 46” because it’s meant to have a lot of room in it, but if you don’t want 15-20” positive ease, you don’t have to pick that size. One way to try to find a size is to take a sweater that you like how it fits, lay it on a flat surface, and measure across the body. This is roughly half of the finished bust (maybe sort an inch or so). Double that (the measurement times 2), and you have the finished bust. Pick a size of the pattern that is close, if there is one. Hope that helps :) ❤️

[@bcdoula]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks This was so very helpful! Thank you so much and for your quick reply!!

[@alanandjanetpohl4043]

Help, Rebecca! As far as I know I am the only one who is having this problem. I bought fingering weight and silk mohair to be held together for this beauty. It is so pretty! However, 60 stitches, with twisted loop cast on size 9 needles barely goes over my head! Then I found some Aran weight yarn and thought I would experiment with that. Same problem. I cast on 60 stitches on size 9 needles, did the twisted loop cast on, and came up with a tiny little neck. What on earth??!! Janet

[@SunDragonTipsTricks]

Reading both of your comments, my first question would be why the smaller needles, as the pattern is written for size 10 needles- I recognize you may want a smaller sweater overall, but changing needle sizes will make everything smaller. Another thought is how you are holding tension, and fiber, such as the addition of mohair, could be changing how much give it has. When are you trying it on? I would do the ribbing and maybe even the increases after the ribbing before putting it on stitch holders to try it on and see the amount of give it has- on all my sweaters the neck has grown over time with the weight of the rest of the knitting. If at the end of it all, you want a smaller/tighter sweater, and that is why you are using a smaller needle (remember we all knit differently and your tension/gauge on smaller needles may be ever smaller), you can do what Liz does- she just casts on 90 stitches, which is what the first increase after the ribbing gets you to- then her collar is looser, and she skips the increases when she gets to that part.

[@alanandjanetpohl4043]

@@SunDragonTipsTricks Thank you so much! I trued the German twisted cast on with thecaran weight, and it works great. I still have my heart set on the fingering weight/mohair, but that will be my second one and I will use Liz's idea. Thanks for all your help!

[@claraeugenia91]

No entiendo el idioma