In the software development world, one can’t help but hear the phrase “analysis paralysis“. We’ll this past week I’ve been stuck in that mode as I try to decide on which cast-on method to choose for the Log Cabin socks from “Handknit Holidays”.
I’m not a novice when it comes to knitting socks but I still can’t help wondering if I’ll ever come across the perfect 2×2 cast-on.
Here’s my attempt at swatching the tubular cast-on as shown in “Basic Knit and Crochet” by Ondori.
Kind of sloppy for my taste. OK, I will admit that if I had used a smaller needle it might have come out better but I don’t think that would get rid of the splayed knit stitches.
At this point, I’m toying with the idea of doing an provisional cast-on and then binding off using the sewn method show in Simple Socks. It won’t be the first time I’ve used that method but to be honest, I really didn’t think it was all that elastic.
Funny thing is, this afternoon I happened to see this commercially made knit hat (made by Pistil) in a shop that has a very neat elastic edge. It didn’t look like any cast-on / bind-off that I’ve seen before. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how it was done and although it’s a splendid cap, I wasn’t willing to plunk down money for it just so I could figure out how the edge was finished.
Purlwise 
Is that cuff knit then folded over and seamed? If it is, try using the provisional cast on and adding a row of K2tog-yo-P2tog-yo at the folding point. This would pull the stitches together instead of splaying them out, while still keeping you in pattern and with an elastic edge.
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Would a k2p2 cast-on work, or would that not be elastic enough?
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Oh dear. I just check the sight and noticed my comment didn’t post.
Sue – It looks like it’s folded over but it’s actually not. There’s several ways to do a tubular cast-on. I chose to cast on with the yarn I was using with a special cast-on. I then worked two rows of double knitting.
I ended up do a K2 P2 long tail cast-on which seems to be quite stretchy. The yarn, Rowan Cork, is already very elastic. I’ll show a picture this weekend.
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I’m getting ready to knit these socks…just wondered if you’ve ever heard of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s sewn cast-off. (It’s in the Fall VK in the lace article.) You can find it free online, just google. Used with a provisional caston it’s absolutely a miracle.
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