We have already discussed how to choose the right tools and yarn, what you need to start your first project. Now I want to explain how to cast on stitches on knitting needles for beginners. From the beginning, we decide what kind of product we are making; this changes the number of loops. Of course, the thickness of the yarn and the size of the knitting needles are different, therefore for calculations we need to knit a sample.

For the first sample, 20 loops are enough (the number can be taken absolutely arbitrarily, but for convenience, the loops should be divided by 10, (30,40, 50, etc.)). I believe that 20 stitches is the most optimal for a sample, so as not to waste extra time and move on to knitting the main project.

So, we must cast on 20 stitches correctly. Let's take your yarn. We unwind the yarn to the required length. The number of loops is small, you don’t need to unwind a long thread (40-50 centimeters is usually enough). After you have measured the yarn you need, you need to take it so that the tip of the thread is in your right hand, and the measured distance is in your left.

Laying yarn in left hand:

1. With your right hand, pass the free end over the index finger of your left hand.
2. Pinch the yarn between your index and middle fingers so that the free end passes between them and the end toward the ball rests on the pad of your index finger.
3. We bend the thread that goes to the ball around the thumb, from bottom to top, so that the thread that goes to the ball is located on the pad thumb.
4. With the little finger, ring finger and middle finger we pinch both hanging threads.
5. We move the thumb away, and place the index finger, slightly bent, opposite the pad of the thumb.
6. We get:

• loop around the thumb
• cross, between fingers,
• the loose thread goes around the index finger,
• With the three remaining fingers we hold the two threads together.
• The thread is located on the left hand and is ready for casting on loops.

By repeating these points repeatedly, you will eventually bring these movements to the point of automatism; I didn’t even think about how exactly I arrange the thread in my hand until I started writing these instructions. If you look carefully, it's easy.

Now let's proceed directly to the set of loops

1. Take knitting needles suitable for your yarn (2 at a time) in your right hand
2. Insert the ends of the knitting needles under the thread surrounding the thumb, from bottom to top along the thumb.
3. Pass your knitting needles over the intersection of the two threads to your index finger.
4. Pick up the thread towards your index finger and pull it through the thread around your thumb.
5. Slip the loop off your thumb - the first loop is ready.
6. Pry the thread (that goes to the ball) with your thumb, while continuing to hold the 2 threads with three fingers of your left hand.
7. Lower the knitting needles to the base of the thumb, pry the thread from the bottom up.
8. Hook the thread from your index finger and pass it through the loop of your thumb.
9. Throw the thread off your finger - the second loop is ready.
10. By analogy, cast on further loops until you get the number of loops you need.

Before you start knitting anything, you need to imagine how to put stitches on the knitting needles: without this operation it is impossible to start any knitting work. It's not difficult at all: the knitting movements are simple and easy to remember. But it is advisable to get acquainted with our video tutorials on this topic.

The fact is that the structure of the border of a knitted item depends on the method of casting on loops, so it is advisable for beginners to learn how to cast on loops on knitting needles in different ways. In the future, you can choose the most suitable edge to make the desired knitting pattern interesting.

This method a set of loops is suitable for knitting 1 x 1 or 2 x 2 elastic bands, for which it is necessary to have an elastic, not tight edge.

The main area of ​​application for such a set is the lower edges of sweaters or sleeves, which should stretch easily. The video for beginners shows in detail the movements of the fingers and knitting needles to form the first loop, as well as how to perform a further set of loops.

Loops are knitted alternately, resembling knit and purl stitches. For further knitting of a 1 x 1 elastic band, the number of loops must be even, and for a 2 x 2 elastic band - a multiple of four plus two edge loops. It tells how to get the desired elastic band with an elastic edge from the initial set of loops.

Video lesson:

This lesson is the first in a series of knitting lessons, because it all begins with the formation of loops on the knitting needles. Take yarn of medium thickness, knitting needles 3.0-4.5 mm thick, and now you, placing the thread between the fingers of your left hand, begin to knit your first loop. It is more convenient to cast on stitches on two knitting needles at once: they will be more spacious, and it will be easier to knit on them in the future.

How to cast on loops is shown and explained in detail; repeating simple movements is very easy.

This method of casting on loops is the most common, it is also called “book”, it can serve as the basis for almost any method of further knitting various things - scarves, sweaters, hats and many other knitted things.

Video lesson:

To cast on stitches on circular needles, you need to use an additional needle. Usually the loops are cast on two knitting needles to make them looser. It will not work to put two loops with a fishing line together, since the loops will eventually go to the bend of the fishing line and stretch excessively, so take one of the circular knitting needles and one additional one of the same thickness. The loops are cast on this pair of knitting needles.

The method of casting on loops is completely ordinary. One more loop is added to the calculated number of loops. The loops are evenly distributed along the entire length, and the two ends of the row are joined into one whole.

To mark exactly where the row ended and the next one should begin, this place is marked with a marker. Next, you can knit a circular item.

Video lesson:

The method of casting on loops on one knitting needle is used in cases where the edge of the knitted fabric should be thin. The movements of the hand guiding the thread, as well as the knitting needles on which the loops are cast on, are shown in detail in the video tutorial. It is not difficult to repeat all these movements; it only requires increased attention. The set continues to any required number of loops.

After the first loops, the free end of the yarn no longer needs to be held; all work is done with one thread, thrown over a finger and hooked with a knitting needle.

This method is suitable for obtaining a knitted fabric without elastic, with a very thin edge, for example, for a thin openwork pattern.

Video lesson:

In order to start knitting things in any way, it is recommended to cast on stitches on knitting needles one number smaller than the main knitting. As knitting progresses, the number of knitting needles increases: for example, loops are cast on in twos, an elastic band is knitted in threes, and the item itself can be knitted with thicker knitting needles.

It is necessary to take knitting needles one millimeter smaller in diameter than those from which the elastic band will be knitted, and cast on loops on two such knitting needles, tightening the loops tightly.

Tight tying allows you to knit a series of loops correctly and beautifully. Then the transfer is made to the spokes bigger size. To select the optimal knitting needle size, it is advisable to first knit a sample on which to check the result of reducing the knitting needles by a specific amount.

Video lesson:

Set of loops for hats

The method of casting on loops is good for hats, although it can be used quite well for sweaters. The loop is made by hand on a thread coming from the ball and put on the knitting needle without much tightening force. There is a fairly large distance between the loops, and the edge comes out soft and elastic. The bottom of the product is free, not tight, which is extremely convenient for creating a hat with a turn-up.

If you want to get a tighter edge, you just need to tighten all the loops you are casting on.

This visual and simple master class is necessary for mastering the basic elements of knitting: after all, knitting any knitted element begins with a set of loops, and not just hats, for which this method was originally intended.

Video lesson:

How to knit loops with knitting needles

Do-it-yourself knitting differs from crocheting in that, firstly, there are other loops, and secondly, there are also different stitches, and the basis of knitting is two basic types of loops that have a different design, and are built on this design different loops and patterns. Therefore, some craftswomen prefer this type of knitting. Knitting with knitting needles with your own hands is not so hard work, the main thing is to have a lot of patience and learn the basic execution techniques and their derivatives.

Types of loops

The main or basic types of loops in hand knitting yourself are considered loops, which are called purl and knit. The purl loops are the wrong side of the product, and the front loops are its face. In addition to the main loops, there are also others:

• Edge. They can only be knitted in circular knitting, but if you are making a rectangular fabric, then you cannot do without them.
• Crossed. Since ancient times, such loops have been very popular. After all, the fabric that is knitted with such loops is very dense and retains its properties for a long time. appearance and is hard to deform.
• Decrease loop or decrease loop. This loop is needed to reduce loops in a row.
• Yarn over. Usually used for other openwork products.
• Extended loops can give knitting a more delicate look. Such loops are considered a type of slipped loops.
• Air loops are used to increase the length of the product by adding new loops; also thanks to them, you can make buttonholes.
• English. These loops are knit stitches, which are knitted in a different way - in English.
• Additional and double loops done when you need to increase the number of loops on the product.

How to knit a knit stitch with knitting needles

Knitting stitches

There are two ways to knit knit stitches with your own hands - behind the front and back wall.

1 way will show you how else you can make an English loop with knitting needles. For this method you need to do the following:

• lower the product working thread and place it on the index finger of your left hand.
• pick up the loop with the right needle. In the direction from left to right.
• Next, grab the working thread on the left side in the same way, while holding the back wall of the loop, then pull the loop through it, which is located on the left knitting needle.

Method 2 . Some people call this method continental, but it needs to be done like this:

• Throw the working thread over the index finger of your left hand, and thus leave it behind the canvas.
• grab the loop on the left needle with right side behind the back wall and pull the working thread through it.

How to knit purl stitches with knitting needles

Purl loops

You need to make purl loops yourself in this way:

• throw on left knitting needle thread.
• on the right side, the right needle must be threaded under the front wall of the loop.
• Adjust the working thread with your thumb so that it is in front of the loop.
• Use your right knitting needle to lift the loop up a little, at the same time you need to grab the working thread clockwise and drag it through the wall of the loop.

How to knit edge stitches with knitting needles

To ensure that the edges of the fabric are neat and even, edge loops are used for this. These loops with your own hands can be divided into the first edge loop, with which you start the row, and the second loop, which ends the row.

There are many different ways knit edge loops, because it all depends on what kind of product you are knitting, because it can be made, for example, either convex in the form of a column of knots, or even in the form of a braid.

How to knit elongated loops with knitting needles

Elongated stitches are knitted very simply, and they can various lengths, depending on what kind of drawing you are doing:

• if you want to make a short loop, the length of which is one or two rows, then you need to remove the loop on the right needle untethered from the right needle, and then pull it up a little.
• In this principle, you will see how to make longer loops: put the knitting needle behind the wall of the loop in the direction from left to right, then throw the working thread several times on the edge of the knitting needle, forming turns in it. Next, pull the future elongated loop through the loop of the previous row. Depending on how high you need the elongated thread in the future, the number of turns will depend. The loop turns out higher when the number of turns increases.

Elongated loops with knitting needles

How to make a yarn over and chain stitch

Making a yarn over is very simple. While knitting, place the working thread on the right knitting needle in front of the knitted loop. In order to make a hole using a yarn over, in the next row, you need to knit it behind the back wall; if you want a closed yarn over, then knit it behind the front wall.

In order to knit air loops with your own hands, you need to throw the working thread over your finger so that it is shaped like a loop, then you need to transfer the thread to the right knitting needle and pull it up very carefully.

How to knit crossed stitches with knitting needles

These loops can be made not only using purl stitches, but also knit stitches. When you make purl crossed stitches, you must adhere to the following steps:

1. Throw the working thread over the top of the product onto the index finger of your left hand, so that the thread is above the desired loop.
2. in the direction from right to left, use the right knitting needle from below to pry the back wall of the purl loop.
3. Next, grab the working thread from right to left and pull out the crossed loop.

It is necessary to take into account which wall of the loop is closest to the edge, and only after that choose the method of knitting the front crossed loops:

• if the front loop faces the front wall, then you need to insert the knitting needle in front of the back wall, and then pull out the loop
• if the back wall of the loop is closer to the edge, then the knitting needle is inserted in front of the front wall, and then the working thread is pulled out.

How to knit an additional and double loop with knitting needles

The double and additional loops may have similar functions, but despite this they look and perform completely differently.

In order to make an additional loop, you need to pull the thread from the gap that is located between the knitted and not yet knitted loops.

The following steps must be done in order to make a double loop with knitting needles:

• make a purl or knit loop behind the front wall, depending on the pattern.
• Then you don’t need to throw off the knitted loop from the left knitting needle, you need to knit it again, only this time behind the back wall.
• when you have done everything, you have a double loop that is knitted from one.

Making decreasing loops

In any place where a row is knitted, you can make decreasing loops; this can be done both on the wrong side and on the front side. In order to make decreasing or decreasing stitches, you need to knit 2 stitches that are on the left needle together as one purl or knit stitch, it all depends on the pattern.

If you want to conquer and master this type of needlework, then first you need to be able to make loops with knitting needles.

Any knitting begins with a simple technique - a set of loops on the knitting needles. There are many options for casting on loops, which, when successfully combined with a knitting pattern, make your product especially attractive. I suggest you learn twelve ways to cast on loops. The choice of stitch casting option should correspond to the type and purpose of the main knitting. For example, for knitting an elastic band (it is assumed that the edge must be elastic so that the elastic stretches well, while the edge must keep its shape, and, of course, be attractive), method No. 3 and No. 5, No. 8 are suitable. I tried in each type set of loops, indicate which type of knitting it is most suitable for.

So, let's start with the basics. Any set of loops begins with the first loop, which is knitted the same way in almost all types. To begin with, you need to take a comfortable body position: bend your arms at the elbows and hold them freely, without tension. The most convenient position is when the ball is at the bottom, so that it does not roll, it is advisable to place it in a box. To do this, take the thread from the ball into the left palm. The length of the hanging end of the thread should be approximately twice the width of the intended fabric for which the loops are cast on.

Hold the working end of the thread in the palm of your left hand, the thread passes along the index finger and wraps around the thumb in a loop. The threads are held in the palm of your hand, and the thumb and index fingers are moved to the sides under the loop, then the thread is grabbed with three fingers:

Then, when casting on the loops of the initial row, two knitting needles are folded together, their ends are inserted into the loop on the thumb, they grab the thread lying on the index finger and pull it into the loop on the thumb. After this, the knitted loop is removed from the thumb:


So we've completed the first loop! Congratulations!

Methods of loop sets:

Traditional (simple) set

Set of loops with fringe

"Bulgarian beginning"

"Air" set of loops

"Turkish" set of loops- 2 ways

Openwork set of loops

Set of loops from the center

Traditional (simple) set

Traditional casting on is the most common type of stitch casting when knitting. It can be used when starting to knit any product. With this method, after casting on the loops, you can start knitting the fabric with the chosen pattern from the very first row.

To do this, take the thread from the ball into the left palm. The length of the hanging end of the thread should be approximately twice the width of the intended fabric for which the loops are cast on.

Two knitting needles folded together are inserted into the loop on the thumb, pick up the thread lying on the index finger, and pull it into the loop on the thumb. After this, they drop the loop from the thumb and use their index fingers to help tighten the resulting loop on the knitting needle.

Holding index finger right hand, lower the resulting loop with the knitting needles down towards you. Then perform the same movements as when forming the first one. There will already be two loops on the knitting needles. The next loops are performed in the same way as the second.

To prevent the bottom chain from twisting around the knitting needles, hold each new loop with the index finger of your right hand.
This is what a traditional set looks like!

Decorative set of hinges with thickened edge

In this set of loops, the edge of the fabric is cord-like, creating the impression of a decorative edge. This type of set can be used when knitting mohair products - to strengthen the lower edge of the knitted fabric.

After casting on the stitches from the first row, you can begin knitting the fabric with the chosen pattern. Thus, the loops of the initial row are formed from the main thread, and the lower chain is formed from a thick, double (or triple) thread.

To make the thread twice as thick, the main end of the ball is folded in half.

On the fingers of the left hand, the threads are placed so that the main one is on the index finger, the thick one is on the thumb, and loop A is between the index and thumb(b).

Two knitting needles folded together are inserted into loop A under the main thread (c). Loop A and the main thread on the knitting needles are the first stitch of the set. Holding it with the index finger of your right hand, lower the knitting needles down towards you. Next, the set of loops is performed in the traditional way (d).

If you make such a set with triple thread, there is one secret: how to knit with triple thread from one ball :

Fold the thread three times (photo 1). When knitting, hold the thread so that the loop formed during folding is always in the direction of the end of the knitting needle. When we knit until the moment at which the loop remains very small and the triple thread ends, we pull the thread from the ball into the remaining loop, as shown in photo 4, and continue knitting further. The essence of this trick is that you don’t need to wind three threads into one ball, or, even worse, knit from three balls, but you can knit from one ball, and as many as you need!

a decorative set of loops with a thickened edge looks like this:

Loop-loop set - non-elastic

This edge does not stretch and holds its shape well. It can be used to start knitting, to increase stitches in groups, as well as to make buttonholes. After casting on loops from the first row, you can knit the fabric with the chosen pattern.
As in the previous method, the free end of the thread here serves to form only the first loop, which is made with one knitting needle in the traditional way. Then the knitting needle with the loop is left in the right hand, and the free knitting needle is taken in the left hand.

Throw a working thread onto the left knitting needle, grab the thread behind the left knitting needle with the right knitting needle and pull it into a loop located on the right knitting needle (b). The first loop has formed on the left needle.

Place the thread on the left needle again and pull it into a loop on the right needle.

The required number of loops is cast on the left knitting needle, while on the right knitting needle there will always be one loop, which should be relatively long so that it is easy to pull the thread through it. At the end of the set, the loop from the right knitting needle is transferred to the left knitting needle.

This is what the set looks like:


The edge of the product (pigtail) made with this set looks very neat and decorative. No further edge processing is required.

Set of loops with fringe

The fringed edge is used for knitting mittens, scarves, and trimmings for children's and women's products. After casting on loops from the first row, you can knit the fabric with the chosen pattern.

Cast on two loops as if forming a thickened edge, then make 2-3 turns of thickened thread for the fringe. Alternate like this, making turns after each pair of loops. Finish the set with two loops. To form a fringe, one row is knitted: each loop is knitted in knit stitch, and the yarn overs are dropped from the left knitting needle (from which the fringe is obtained).

Italian set of loops with auxiliary thread

The Italian cast-on is a method of casting on loops in which the edge, while remaining elastic, looks impeccable, ideal for knitting cuffs and panels in 1 x 1 rib (= alternately 1 knit stitch, 1 purl stitch) and patent patterns.

So, for the work we need the main thread [the thread with which the product is knitted (white in the photo)], an auxiliary thread [maybe a regular thread of a contrasting color, but I prefer to knit with an elastic thread (pink) and not remove it], knitting needles in 2 sizes.

Important: the initial row and the next 4 rows are made with thinner knitting needles - one full size smaller than those used to knit the main fabric. First perform the first loop, as when casting on loops in the main way (Fig. 1. A, B, C, D).

1. Wrap the working thread around the index finger of your right hand. Auxiliary thread (the length of the auxiliary thread is equal to double the width knitted details V finished form) around the left thumb. Hold the ends of the thread with your right hand.

If it’s too complicated, you can make it simpler: take two threads (auxiliary and main) and tie it on the right knitting needle with ONE knot, but so that it can then be moved along the knitting needle and subsequently untied.


2. Next, perform the following actions in the specified order until the required number of loops is reached:
A. Place the auxiliary thread in front of the knitting needle, bring the knitting needle under the auxiliary thread and pick up the main thread in the direction of the arrow;
B. Place the knitting needle under the auxiliary thread and grab the main thread in the direction of the arrow.
Let's turn it around, we got the following.

3. We begin to knit the loops of the initial row in the following sequence:

A. The loop in front of the auxiliary thread is knitted;
B. The loop behind the auxiliary thread is removed, while the working thread is pulled in front of the loop.


4. In the next two rows, knit stitches with knit stitches, purl loops we remove it as in purl knitting, while we pull the thread in front of the loops.

5. Then we switch to thicker knitting needles and continue working with the corresponding pattern. An auxiliary thread (if it was just a thread of a contrasting color, you can remove it, if the thread is an elastic band, pull it up to the required length and the second end of the thread, on the first (as you remember, there is already a knot) if we knit it on circular knitting needles, untie the knot, pull the thread , we tie the threads together):

In the end, we got it (option on circular knitting needles)

Loop-loop set - elastic

The edge formed in this way stretches well, so it can be used both for starting knitting and for adding large quantity loops in a row to expand the fabric.

After casting on the loops from the first row, you can start knitting the part with the selected pattern.
It is usually difficult to determine the length of the end of the thread for casting. In this embodiment, the free end of the thread is needed to form only the first loop, which is made with one knitting needle in the traditional way.

Then the knitting needle with the loop is taken in the left hand, and the free knitting needle in the right. Knit a loop with knit stitch and leave it on the left knitting needle (Fig. a).
The newly extended loop is also put on the left knitting needle (Fig. b).


There were two loops on the left needle. Knit the second loop in knit stitch and leave it on the left knitting needle.
The newly drawn loop is put back on the left knitting needle. And so they continue to recruit required amount loops




This method is very convenient for beginning needlewomen, as it does not require calculating the length of the auxiliary thread and is very simple to perform.

"Bulgarian beginning"

It is also called a “cruciform set”. The edge of the product made in this way looks very impressive. This set of stitches works well for knitting 2x2 rib.
A raised edge is formed by casting on stitches and the first three rows. They begin to knit the intended pattern after completing three rows of selvedge.
Cast on two loops on the knitting needles in the usual way, but with a thicker edge.


To cast on the third loop and all subsequent odd loops, change the location of the thickened thread on the thumb and insert two knitting needles under the thickened thread when casting on. inside thumb (Fig. 2). Cast on even loops as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, changing the location of the thickened thread on the thumb, cast on an even number of loops.

The loops in this set are arranged in pairs, with the exception of the edge ones. Remove one knitting needle from the loops and knit one row of purl loops with a single thread, knitting each double loop separately. Next, knit the front row of the selected pattern.

This is what the “Bulgarian beginning” looks like.

"Air" set of loops

This method of casting on loops is used to obtain a thin edge in products, to add group loops at the edge of the fabric and when knitting some patterns.

Take one knitting needle and the thread from the ball in your right hand. Pass the thread between the middle and ring fingers of your left hand and place the loop over your thumb in a clockwise direction. The set of loops is made by sequentially removing the loops from the thumb onto one knitting needle. When casting loops onto a knitting needle, do not tighten the thread too much, as this will interfere with knitting the loops.

Set of loops with extra thread (open loops)

This elastic edge in appearance resembles a set of loops made on a knitting machine. The bottom of products and sleeves, decorated with this edge, is more durable to wear, stretches well, and is beautiful.

For casting, an additional thread of a contrasting color is used, which will be removed later.
To prevent the edge from being stretched, a set of loops is made with one knitting needle.

The ends of the main and additional threads are folded together and tied with a knot. One knitting needle is inserted into the knot under the main thread.
The threads are placed on the fingers of the left hand so that the main thread is on the index finger, and the additional thread is on the thumb (light thread).

The loops are cast on in the traditional way, with the loops on the knitting needle coming from the main thread, and the bottom chain from the additional thread.

Having collected the required number of loops, the additional thread is cut off.

If open loops are needed along the edge of the part, then from the very first row they begin to knit with the intended pattern, and when the part is ready, an additional thread is woven from the cast-on row.

If after casting on a 1x1 elastic band is knitted, then the first two rows are knitted with a double elastic band:
1st row - one knit stitch, remove the next one unknitted (the thread passes in front of the removed loop), etc.;
2nd row - the loops removed in the previous row are knitted, and the knitted ones are removed (the thread passes in front of the removed loop), etc.; starting from the 3rd row - 1x1 elastic band.

When the elastic is knitted, an additional thread is woven from the cast-on row.

It turned out to be a perfect, round edge, just like on a knitting machine!

"Turkish" set of loops

An edge with open loops is used if it is necessary to continue knitting in the opposite direction. The set is made with two knitting needles of the same thickness, one of which - the bottom - with fishing line.
The thread is placed on the fingers of the left hand in the same way as in method 1. Take one knitting needle (without fishing line) in your right hand and make the first loop. Next, take two knitting needles in your right hand: one with a loop and one - the lower one - with a fishing line.

The thread from the index finger is passed between the knitting needles towards you, and then placed on the lower knitting needle.

The thread from the thumb is passed between the knitting needles towards you and placed on the top knitting needle.

So they alternate. When casting correctly, one knitted row should form on the knitting needles.

When all the loops have been cast on, the lower knitting needle is pulled out, while the lower loops remain on the fishing line. The upper loops are knitted with the selected pattern.

For training, you can take threads of two colors; When cast correctly, loops of different colors are obtained on the lower and upper knitting needles.

There is an easier version of the same set :

To work, we need two circular knitting needles on fishing line of the same number.
Tie a loop on the bottom knitting needle. We will need it so that in the future the thread will stay on the knitting needles.

We put both knitting needles together and begin to make turns with the thread around them.

How many turns we make, there will be so many loops on one knitting needle. Since we will knit in both directions, we will succeed, for example, with 15 turns - 15 loops on the upper knitting needle and 15 loops on the lower knitting needle.

We pull out the lower knitting needle so that the turns still remain on the fishing line. This is done so that we can knit the turns with facial loops on the top knitting needle.

We knit the turns from the top knitting needle with facial loops.

This made 15 knit stitches.

Now the thread is at the end of the top needle, BUT at the beginning of the bottom one. That is, we turn the knitting over from top to bottom, and begin to knit the turns from the bottom knitting needle with facial loops.

Repeat steps D and E until the right size canvases.

As you can see, there is no seam, the fabric is evenly distributed in both directions.

This method is very convenient if you need to make a double edge. To do this, fold the resulting fabric in half, transfer the first loop of the front knitting needle to the back knitting needle and knit 2 loops together.
This set can also be used when knitting socks from socks or mittens from fingers. Or with double-sided knitting!

Openwork set of loops

This set of loops is used to decorate children's and women's products.
For this set, a thin knitting needle and a crochet hook of uniform thickness are used. The thinner the knitting needle and hook, the smaller the scallops will be.
After casting on the stitches from the first row, they begin to knit the fabric with the selected pattern.

The knitting needle and crochet hook are taken in the right hand so that the hook is head up and slightly further than the knitting needle. Cast on 8 chain stitches using the loop on the left thumb.

The 9th loop is only placed on the hook.

Then, holding the loops on the knitting needle with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand, pull the hook and loop through them, thus knitting all eight loops.

The knitting needle is carefully removed and threaded through the first and last loops of the scallop.

Before each new scallop, the knitting needle and hook are put together again.

Next, when knitting the 1st row with the selected pattern, add one or two loops (yo) in the middle of each scallop.
In the middle of very small scallops, loops may not be added.

Set of loops from the center

There are two ways to cast on loops:
You can do this using two needles, then distributing the cast-on stitches across 4 needles, because. This set is usually used for knitting napkins on knitting needles, and for this you will need a set of double-sided knitting needles (5 double-sided knitting needles).

But such a set looks better and neater if it is made in the following way:

To work, we need a hook and a set of double needles of the same size.
Form a ring, as for knitting chain stitches, then pull the thread through it and knit a single crochet.

As many single crochets are knitted into a ring as indicated in the product description (let’s say 12 stitches).

At the same time, together with the loops, knit the remaining end of the thread, so the ring will be tighter, and the “tail” of the thread will already be knitted into the product; use the end of the thread to tighten the ring so that the hole in the middle disappears.

Close the ring with a connecting post.

Pull one loop at a time through the front thread of the single crochet stitch and transfer them to the knitting needle.

First distribute the cast-on number of stitches onto three knitting needles. The number of loops on each knitting needle may not be the same.

First, knit one row with knit crossed (grandmother's) loops, which turn out to be quite dense. When the stitches are distributed over 4 knitting needles, the knitting does not stretch.

For example, a blouse that is knitted from two napkin parts, which, in turn, are knitted from the center. Or a hat knitted at the top.

There are many ways to start knitting. The choice of one edge or another depends on the future product... “You can master any knitting techniques you like, know how intarsia differs from aran and skillfully apply this knowledge. But if you don’t pay enough attention to the inlaid edge, the intarsia will be of no use.”

This truth was revealed to me when, conjuring over another sweater, I could not bring the character of the main pattern and the inlaid edge into line: the second did not want to harmoniously complement the first, and the first did not want to be a logical consequence of the second.
Actually, this was the motivating reason for collecting a collection of “beginnings”, which I will gradually make public.

Normal way

Some cast-ons are based on already cast-on stitches, cast on "normally".
I will describe the “usual method” that I usually use.

We stretch the thread between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, leaving a tail that is approximately three times larger than the future width of the canvas. The thread of the ball goes through the index finger.
Place a couple of knitting needles under the stretched thread, press the thread against the knitting needles index finger right hand. We move the thread with the knitting needles towards us...

...move it under the thread coming from the thumb, then under the thread coming from the index finger and back under the thread from the thumb.

As a result, we get two loops on the knitting needles.

Each consecutive repetition of the movements recorded in photos 1 and 2 will add one loop to the knitting needles.
A fairly elastic edge with a delicate appearance, which makes it almost universal. However, as my readers rightly point out, in popular places they quickly lose their appearance due to abrasion:

BULGARIAN BEGINNING

We cast on the loops in the usual way, leaving a tail length of about the number of loops * 4 cm:

We work with knit crossed stitches, knitting each pair of stitches on the left needle as one. The working thread is a double thread, consisting of the thread from the ball and the remaining tail:

The first two loops have already been knitted with one knitted stitch, but have not yet been removed from the left knitting needle.

At the end of the row, we leave the tail thread - we won’t need it anymore.
We knit the next row with facial loops using only the thread from the ball.
The last row of the set: we knit purl stitches over the loops of the previous row, and knit stitches from the broaches between them.

The very broaches from which the facial loops are supposed to be knitted are marked.

Ready.

As a result, we get a decorative, embossed, not too elastic set.

ITALIAN SET

We take a thread of a contrasting color, a hook of a suitable size and knit a rather loose chain of air loops. The number of loops in the chain is calculated as follows: if you need N loops for work, the length of the chain should be N: 2+1 loops.

We put aside the hook, take a knitting needle and cast on loops on it using the following sequence of steps: one loop is knitted from the chain as a knit stitch, yarn over with a thread from a ball, knit from the chain again, yarn over again, etc.

Having completed the row, we connect the second knitting needle to the work: we knit all the yarn overs of the previous row with knit stitches, and remove all the knit yarn overs (now we see them as purl ones) as in purl knitting, leaving the working thread before work.

We will knit three more rows in this mode.
It is curious that a side effect of such knitting is the cavity that is formed between the many knit stitches and the many slipped stitches: if all the knit stitches of one row are removed on one knitting needle, and all the slipped loops of the same row are removed on another, then we will get two parallel fabrics.
By-effect with great potential!

The contrast thread unravels.

The cast-on edge - with neat teeth, absolutely elastic - is ready.

OPEN HINGE SET

THE QUESTION IS OFTEN ASKED: is there such a set that (both ours and yours) can then be knitted in both directions? For example, I knit a dress, pick up stitches and knit from the waist level, for example, and then somehow contrive and knit a skirt down from the initially cast on stitches. Relevant when you need to shorten a skirt, for example, and the dress is knitted at the bottom.

It turned out that there is, but not just one.

First way

We stretch the thread between the thumb and index finger of the left hand so that the thread from the ball goes through the index finger and position a pair of knitting needles relative to the thread in the indicated way.
We transfer the thread from the thumb with a turn of the wrist between the knitting needles and throw it onto the far knitting needle.

We return the hand to its original position, and throw the thread from the index finger onto the nearest knitting needle and carry it between the knitting needles.

Winding up the above-described “eights” should lead to the following result:

It is worth noting that the stitches on the two needles will be oriented differently: one needle will have a continental orientation, the other will have an English orientation. When working, they will need to be adjusted depending on your knitting style.

Second way

Another method of knitting in both directions requires a hook and thread of a contrasting color.

Take a hook, take a contrasting thread and knit a chain of the required number of chain stitches.
We put aside the hook, take a knitting needle, the main thread and begin to knit the front loops from the back walls of the loops of the chain.

Next, the desired pattern is made on the cast-on loops.

To start knitting in the opposite direction, the chain of auxiliary thread is unraveled...

...and the resulting loops are carefully placed on a knitting needle, observing their orientation.

Both methods give identical results: in the fabric, the place where you started knitting with the second knitting needle is absolutely invisible:

LIFTED EDGE IN THE FORM OF A CORD

A universal set that gives a strong elastic edge - be sure to try it in your work!

Make a slip knot on the left needle.
We knit the resulting loop with a knit stitch, which, without removing the knitted loop from the left knitting needle, is placed on the left knitting needle.

We place the right knitting needle in the gap before the last loop of the left knitting needle and knit a knitting needle from it, which, without removing anything from the left knitting needle, is again placed on the left knitting needle.

Continuing to knit the front loops from the gap between the loops, we find that a twisted cord begins to form along the bottom of the work and note with satisfaction that we are on the right track.

Having thus collected the required number of loops, you can begin knitting the desired pattern.

This cast-on edge is interesting because it can be used not only as the beginning of knitting, but also as a way to cast on additional loops on the side of the knitted fabric.

STALLED EDGE WITH FESTONS

To complete this unusual set, you need to stock up on a pair of knitting needles and a crochet hook.

We put one knitting needle and a hook together, and cast on this pair in the usual way the required number of loops, depending on the desired width of the scallop (I decided to stop at ten).

Place the next loop only on the hook...

...and pull this loop through the previously cast on loops.

We transfer this loop to the knitting needle, and use it to hook the first loop of the scallop (pay attention to the color marking).

We put the knitting needle and hook together again and cast on the next scallop.

We work in the described manner until the required number of scallops appears on the knitting needle.

We turn the work and knit the next row with the required pattern, casting on the required number of loops in the first row inside each scallop (it seemed to me that three would be enough). You can use yarn overs or the same cord method.

Colored dots - yarn overs inside each scallop

We get a beautiful decorative edge, almost inelastic.

STALLED EDGE WITH FRINGE

A very interesting set: the fringe will be strong, in the form of loops or, if cut, a strand.

Starting position: the thread from the ball is on the index finger, the tail lies in a loop on the thumb.
We put two knitting needles together, guide them under the thread on the thumb...

Next, we grab both threads on the index finger and lead them into the loop on the thumb.

We drop the thread from the thumb and tighten the knot with the thread coming from the ball.

We drop the thread from the index finger (this is the first loop of the fringe), send it to the right hand, at the same time placing the thread from the ball in front of it. If necessary, adjust the length of the loop by tensioning the tail.

Again we guide the knitting needles under the thread on the thumb, grab the loop on the index finger, etc.

To adjust the length of fringe loops, it is convenient to use a cardboard or plastic template. I was too lazy to make a template - the loops didn’t turn out exactly the same.

The result of casting on will be a row of double loops on a knitting needle. In the next row you can begin knitting the planned pattern, knitting each double loop as one.

STAINED EDGE WITH TRIPLE THREAD

In fact, this is the same usual method, with the only difference that it involves a triple thread.

So, take the thread from the ball and fold it in three.

We throw the triple thread onto the thumb of the left hand so that the loop of the triple thread is between the thumb and index finger, and the thread going from the triple thread to the ball goes through the index finger.

We insert the knitting needle into the loop of the triple thread...

... we pull it towards ourselves, then, according to the usual method, we go under the loop on the thumb, hook the thread on the index finger from bottom to top and return back to the loop of the thumb.

The edge assembled in this way has a noticeable edge, moderately elastic and quite decorative. Of course, it is far from the Bulgarian concept, but this set cannot be called universal.

MACHINE EDGE

A tight, even edge is what you get as a result.

Starting position: the working thread is stretched between the thumb and index fingers of the left hand. The thread from the ball passes through the index finger.

Moving from left to right, place the knitting needle under the thread, turning the knitting needle slightly inside out. Edge loop received. In further work, we hold it with the thumb or index finger of the right hand in order to avoid unnecessary displacement.

We dive the knitting needle under the thread coming from the thumb, catch the thread on the index finger and draw it back under the thread of the thumb. This is the rule for casting on all knit stitches.

We direct the knitting needle under the thread going to the index finger, catch the thread of the thumb, which we bring back under the thread of the index finger. This is the rule for casting on all purl stitches.

Make sure that the loops do not twist, and that the interlacing threads securing them lie strictly under the knitting needle.

It is worth noting that the use of the concepts of front and back loops in in this case very conditional.
Purl stitches are called loops with a “pad” at the bottom (they are marked in red in the photo), knit stitches are all the rest:

Alternating between knit and purl stitches, cast on the required number of stitches. The last stitch cast on should be the knit stitch.

Let's turn the work around. We knit the first loop as an edge loop.
The next stitch is a knit stitch, but it is oriented incorrectly relative to the continental knitting method. We knit it with the front one crossed, and remove the next purl one without knitting, leaving the thread before work.

We work like this until the end of the row.

Let's turn the work around.
The orientation of the knit stitches has been corrected, so we knit the next two rows according to the following rule: knit stitches over knit stitches, remove purl stitches without knitting, thread before work.

After trying this set, you will definitely notice that the first four rows give a rather voluminous edge. To avoid contrast, cast-on rows are knitted with knitting needles of a smaller diameter.

TWO-COLOR SET

At the ends of the yarn of both colors we make a slip knot.

We send the knitting needle with knots to the left hand, with the right knitting needle we knit the first loop of the left knitting needle with a knitting stitch with a thread of a contrasting color.

We continue to work with the same color. Let's yarn over...

...knit the remaining stitch on the left needle in the same color.

Return the last knitted stitch to the left needle.

The thread of the color we have been working with so far is behind the work. We move it forward between the knitting needles.

The thread that is still unclaimed - on the contrary, we transfer it back between the knitting needles and make a yarn over with it.

We knit the loop of the left knitting needle with it.

We return the last knitted loop back to the left needle, etc.

To with “etc.” There are no difficulties, let’s go through the pictures in the sequence “return the loop - move one thread - move another thread - knit the front one” using the following loops as an example:

Ready set.

In the next row you can begin knitting the selected pattern. I, succumbing to the rhythm of the cast-on edge, performed a two-color satin stitch.