E-wrap Cast On
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The E-wrap Cast On is a quick and easy basic cast on method, often one of the first techniques learned by machine knitters. It creates a stretchy edge and is suitable for various projects, including swatches.[1]
Single Bed E-wrap Cast On
This method is performed on a single needle bed and is a straightforward way to begin knitting.
- Ensure the machine is set up, threaded, and the carriage is positioned at the right side of the needle bed.[2]
- Bring the desired number of needles into working position (e.g., D position on Brother machines).[2]
- Hold the yarn tail between the first two needles on the left side of the working needles.[2]
- Using your right hand, wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the first needle on the left. The wrap should lie behind the needle's latch.[2]
- Bring the yarn under the second needle from the left and wrap it counter-clockwise around that needle. Continue this process, wrapping each needle counter-clockwise, until all desired needles are wrapped, ending at the last needle in work on the side by the carriage.[2]
- Return the yarn inside the carriage gate and close the gate lever.[2]
- Set the carriage to knit (e.g., on a Brother machine, the lever should be in the 'N' position, not 'H'. Ensure all front panel buttons are not pushed in, the yarn is in its slot, and the gate is closed).[2]
- Set the row counter to zero.[2]
- Hang a Cast-on Comb and appropriate weights onto the e-wrapped stitches. This is crucial to prevent stitches from becoming loose, dropping, or tucking, especially on the first row.[2]
- Carefully knit across to the left. The first row may be snug if the tension is set too tight.[2]
- Continue knitting to create your fabric.
Double Bed E-wrap Cast On
The E-wrap can also be used to cast on for Ribbing on a double bed machine, creating a stretchy and often reversible edge.
- Set up empty needles on both beds for the desired rib configuration (e.g., 1x1, 2x2).[3]
- The yarn can be wrapped in alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, or all in one direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). Be careful not to make the loops too tight.[3]
- Wrapping all stitches clockwise will result in a row of purl loops showing at the bottom of the "wrong" (purl) side of the fabric. To reverse this, wrap all stitches counter-clockwise.[3]
- Alternating wraps (clockwise and counter-clockwise) create a cast-on with good stretch that looks the same on both sides.[3]
- Knit carefully to the opposite side.[3]
- Hang the Cast-on Comb, ensuring its teeth are properly placed across the row to hold stitches down.[3]
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Cast-on Comb and Weights: A Cast-on Comb and weights are essential for a successful E-wrap Cast On, especially on the first few rows. Without them, stitches are prone to becoming loose, dropping, or tucking.
- Waste Yarn and Ravel Cord: For projects requiring a clean edge or where stitches will be picked up later, an E-wrap Cast On can be performed after several rows of Waste Yarn and a Ravel Cord. This allows for live stitches to be easily removed from the machine.[3]