theraineysisters knitting and so much more

One of the things I included in my Yarnover class was a great tubular cast on for 1×1 rib. I learned it on a knitting and gardening tour sponsored by Jean Moss that went through Scotland and England. Debbie Abrahams, a Rowan Design Consultant, shared this technique. We had workshops with Alice Starmore, Jean Moss and Debbie A., and this was the favorite thing that people said they learned on the trip! I personally was more inspired by sitting at the feet of the knitting legend herself (AS, of course) but this was also a cool thing to learn.

The instructions here will allow you to make a small sample while learning the technique.

Tubular Cast On
Debbie Abrahams (Design Consultant for Rowan Yarns)
Additional Notes: Susan Rainey

For ribbing, you generally use a knitting needle 2 sizes smaller than the body of the sweater. Here, you start with the larger needle, and then change to the smaller size when you actually start the ribbing.

To work 1×1 rib sample:

1. Using waste yarn of a contrasting color and larger needles, cast on 15 sts.
2. Work 3 rows stockinette st (st st), ending RS row.
3. Change to smaller needles and main color. Work st st for another 4 rows (starting with a purl row and ending on a RS row).
4. Working along the next (WS) row, *purl 1 st, then pick up 1 loop from the first row of the main color using the right needle. Transfer this loop to left needle and knit it.* Repeat between ** to last st, p1. (29 sts)
5. This will create 29 sts in k1, p1 rib. Continue rib for desired number of rows.
6. Remove waste yarn: pull nub on waste yarn where it attaches to main yarn. Cut it and then pull out the waste yarn from the other end using the tail.
   NOTE: The loop you pick up is the first main color nub created when you change from waste yarn to the main color — remember, you are on the WS so the nub should be visible.

My Notes:

• Waste yarn should be very strong and approx. the same size as the main yarn (I use Sugar and Cream)
• Final stitch count will always be an odd number
• Work more rows (in increments of 2) in waste yarn if you need to do more than one piece of knitting the same size (i.e., both sleeves, or front and back) and then re-use the waste knitting.

To calculate number of sts to cast on in waste yarn: (odd number of sts needed for ribbing + 1) / 2Example: Pattern calls for 101 sts
(101 + 1) = 102 / 2 = 51 Cast on 51 sts in waste yarn

This is the finished product — I think it is very nice for 1×1 rib.