Tubular Cast-On
The Tubular Cast-On is a knitting technique renowned for creating a clean, stretchy, and seamless edge for ribbed fabrics. It gives the appearance of the ribbing emerging from a softly rolled edge, providing a professional and elastic finish ideal for hems, cuffs, neckbands, hats, and socks. This method is particularly valued for its ability to provide significant stretch while maintaining a neat, invisible start to the fabric, making it superior to many standard cast-on methods for ribbed edges.[1][2][3]
Machine Knitting Method
On a knitting machine, achieving a clean-edge ribbing cast-on, often referred to as a tubular cast-on, involves a specific setup using waste yarn, ravel cord, and circular knitting techniques. This method ensures a firm foundation and prevents dropped stitches, resulting in a consistent and professional start to your ribbing.[4] The following steps are applicable to various knitting machines, including Silver Reed, Singer, Studio, Empisal, and Knitmaster models.[4]
Set Up with Waste Yarn
1. Arrange Needles: Set up the needles on both the main bed and the ribber in the configuration required for your desired rib pattern.[4] 2. Knit Set-Up Row: Using waste yarn, knit one set-up row at the tightest tension setting (typically 0) on both the main bed and the ribber. This creates a firm foundation for the Ribber Comb and weights.[4] 3. Add Weights: Attach a ribber comb and weights to the zigzag set-up row.[4] 4. Knit Ribbing: Knit approximately 11 rows of ribbing with the waste yarn, ensuring the carriage ends on the left.[4] 5. Cut Waste Yarn: Cut the waste yarn, leaving enough to secure.[4]
Ravel Cord
1. Knit Ravel Cord Rows: Switch to Ravel Cord and knit 2 rows using partial knitting (circular knitting settings), ending with the carriage on the left.[4]
* Tip: Hand-feed the ravel cord to save time.[4]
2. Cut Ravel Cord: Cut the ravel cord.[4]
The Circular Start
1. Main Yarn Set-Up Row: Switch to your main working yarn and knit a set-up row.[4] 2. Circular Knitting: Engage your machine's circular knitting settings to create a fabric tube. This involves knitting one bed at a time for three passes.[4]
Ribbing
1. Disengage Circular Settings: Disengage the circular knitting settings on both carriages.[4] 2. Rack (if needed): If your pattern requires it, rack the machine to the correct position for your chosen rib pattern.[4] 3. Set Tension: Adjust the Tension Dials on both carriages to the appropriate stitch length for your ribbing.[4] 4. Begin Ribbing: Start knitting your main rib pattern.[4]
Adapting for Different Rib Patterns
The tubular cast-on method can be adapted for various rib patterns by adjusting needle arrangement and racking positions after the circular start.[4]
- Full Needle Rib (Double Rib):
- 1x1 Rib (K1.P1. Rib):
- 2x2 Rib (K2.P2. Rib):
- 2x1 Rib (Swiss Rib):
- Standard Gauge: H5[4]
- Bulky Gauge: H2[4]
- Change Needle Position After Circular Rows: Stay at Half Pitch and rack to Standard: H6, Bulky: H3.[4]
- Note: After finishing your ribbing, switch the machine from half pitch to the main Pitch Position before transferring any stitches to the main bed.[4]
- Tubular Hem:
References
- ↑ How to work a tubular cast-on for ribbing - Ysolda
- ↑ How To Knit a Tubular Cast On - SweetGeorgia Yarns
- ↑ How to knit the tubular cast-on - Nimble Needles
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 Clean-Edge Ribbing Cast-On: How to Get a Flawless Start on Your Knitting Machine