Learn the simple starting technique for knitting
your own beautiful, handknit socks!
In this free mini class from Annie's, a leader in craft instruction since 1975, expert instructor Lisa Carnahan will show you how to ...
- Cast on your first stitches onto a double-point needle
- Slip an equal number of stitches onto two more double-point needles
- Join in the round to start knitting your sock, being careful not to twist the stitches
Watch, pause, and watch again until you completely master this starting technique. You'll soon be on your way to knitting colorful and comfy socks for your entire family!
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Are you ready to knit socks? Sign up, unlock the video and get started. You will need three double-point knitting needles to knit in the round.
- To get the first stitch on your needle, use a slip knot. Use the cast-on method that works best for you. Remember when you're casting on to keep the stitches nice and loose. With too tight of a cast on, you won't be able to fit the sock over your foot! If you can't maintain the loose cast-on, switch to a larger needle, cast the stitches on with the larger needle, and then switch back to a smaller needle for knitting the first round.
- Look at your pattern; see how many stitches you need. Then loosely cast your stitches onto one double-point needle. To begin knitting in the round, you now need to slip the stitches onto your other two double-point needles.
- Divide your stitches by thirds, as evenly as you can, depending on the number of stitches you need to cast on. Begin by sliding the first third of your stitches onto one empty double-point needle. Then, take the other empty double point needle and slide the next third of the stitches onto that one.
- When you have your three needles filled with an equal amount of stitches, you now need to connect them so you can work in the round. With the working end on the right, cast on one extra stitch for your join. Make sure all cast-on edges are on the bottom of your needles and not twisted. Bring the ends together so that your three needles form a triangle.
- The first stitch that you cast on is on your left, slip it over to your right needle; the next stitch on the right needle is the extra stitch you cast on earlier. With the tip of your left needle, lift it up and over, and off the needle. Then, take the first stitch you cast on, and bring it back over to the left needle.