Learning a new skill can be frustrating.
Recently, a knitter casting on the Lostine hat was trying to master the tubular cast-on. Expressing her frustration on Instagram, I reached out to her for moral support and links to tutorials. She was so close to making it work, but the truth is, figuring out a knitting technique on your own can be hard.
The Lostine Hat and Wrap patterns by Shellie Anderson start with a waste-yarn, tubular cast-on. You can see in the photo how beautifully the cast-on allows the ribbing to flow from the edge. For the hat, this cast-on method doesn't impede the necessary stretch of the rim like other cast-ons might.
Conquering a new technique is incredibly satisfying and allows the thoughtful designer details to shine in your finished garment. When I talked to Shellie, she told me that knitters should 'trust the instructions' on this cast-on. It may seem counter-intuitive during the process, but the result is amazing. Knitters have told Shellie that this cast-on has transformed their knitting. Here's another tip when trying a new technique--master it first on a few stitches before tackling it on the entire garment. . . yet another reason why swatching before knitting your garment is so important. But we'll save that conversation for another day.
I found the most relevant tutorials for the tubular cast-on here:
Ready to learn something new? Try the Lostine Hat and Wrap!
Follow Shellie on her platforms: website, Ravelry, IG: @shellieanderson
