Knitting Help - Casting-On Without a Slip Knot

In this video we take a look at how using or not using a slip knot in your cast-on changes the look of your knitting, and I demonstrate how to cast-on without a slip knot in a couple of different long-tail COs.

The yarn I use for demonstration is Spud & Chloe Outer.

The needles I use for demonstration are Knitter's Pride Basics.

[marciachapman]

Great tip! I discovered the 'no slip knot' concept in a video a few years ago and it is perfect for casting on when you're knitting in the round - it allows for an almost invisible joining of the round that doesn't typically happen with a slip knot.

I only use a slip knot for flat knitting where I want a sqaured corner that better matches to other corner - 'first turn' corners tend to be square also.

[farnorthweaver]

I haven't used a slip knot to begin a cast on in decades. I'm a hand weaver by trade, and a knitter for the relaxation, and give aways to loved ones. I understand well, what any small knots in a textile you are creating, even in knitting, will do for the piece you are making Knots in a piece that you're wearing, can frequently prove to be a nuisance, depending on where it is located, you will feel it. As well, it's where the fabric will wear away first. No Knots is the rule. Glad you did this video!!

[rosithamaroney]

Hello there...I am brand new to knitting and I would just like to say thank you for all your work and you are my absolute favorite person on here !!! I love learning from you 😂
Rositha

[theastewart]

I've seen many knitters utilize this method. I prefer the look with the slip knot. But it's good to know both ways and to have the option. Thanks for demonstrating the techniques!

[kirstinrland]

Thank you, Staci.
I fully agree with Maria Chapman regarding circular projects like socks and gloves etc., I always cast on an extra stitch and join by knitting two stitches together. With this slingshot stich the joint becomes invisible, as no knot will reveal it. In my double knitted potholders I tried reducing the rounded corner effect by knitting this stich twice the first time, adding "one extra row" consisting of the slingshot stich only. Result: A nearly perfect square corner without a knot. If the slingshot stitch is a bit too loose, I tighten it or twist the stich when knitting it for the first time.

[gqwilts]

i tried the slingshot cast on and its just gorgeous. I'm making mitts for my son and I thought why not as i was about to cast on .. its just amazing .. i wish i could post a pic in the comments so you can see it live on a circular knit. for knitting in the round uys bang on. thank you so much for sharing this

[krisvanallen]

For my first non-slipknot stitch, I set up for long tail or twisted German cast on, point the right needle down in the center of the triangle made by the yarn wrapped around my fingers, pull it to the right and up. This twists that first "lay over the needle, " and gives it a little body on the bottom.

[kathysauceda]

Very nice option. Thank you for showing this, I had never heard of casting on without the slip knot. :)

[RevitalHN]

I used to knit without the knot all my life, but now with the slip knot, I like it sometimes even better. Yes, this is how I usually knit.

[jenniestanton]

Nice tip for newbies =) love he versatile your channel is! Something for everyone!
Would love to see some spring or summer knits from you though, or possibly a KAL for a summer wrap or scarf? There are not many designers with you tube channels who ever make anything original that's catered to people who live in warm climates. I'm originally from ATX, living in Florida and moving back to Texas (ft . worth) next year when our home is complete...maybe you could create some fun, bright and fresh designs for knit fashion that I can use sometime other than fall/winter? Just a thought/request.

[PattonScr]

I find no slip knot good for knitting in the round because it makes the actual beginning of the work a bit less obvious.

[Amethyst]

I start on top and make a little twist in the loop... I also place a stitch marker so it won't get lost, especially if I'm going to kitchner...

[reflexologywelsh]

Hey Stacy have you ever tried the "roositud" technique? I'd love to see a video on it!

[liannehepler]

Thanks for the video! Whenever I try this in the round (magic loop) I end up with an extra stitch. Any ideas?

[slashfanclaudianalel]

I started with the thumb cast-on method, but for some odd reason my yarn-tail would grow longer & longer in between the needles when i would knit my 1st row, never knew why that would happen, but it stopped altogether once i learned the slipknot "slingshot" method! lol

[Stephlovesnapping]

Great info! One question: if I cast on without the slipknot, does it affect the bind off? Do all the edges match each other?

[cindycoe-verschage]

I do the slingshot method without a slipknot, but I start from the top of the yarn, not the bottom (underneath). My corners don't appear to have the rounded look that your non-slipknot example did. Could my starting at the top make a difference?

[ΕιρήνηΑναγνωστοπούλου-οι]

I would really appreciate your opinions in a matter I have with a cast on.
I am making a raglan sweater but I want to add a few stitches of i-cord cast on at the beginning and at the end of my regular cast on.
My problem is that although I can smooth out the cast on passing from i-cord to the simple cast on, I can't smooth out the opposite, passing from regular cast on to i-cord.
Any ideas? I really like your videos and I have learnt a lot through them so I hope you make another one resolving this strange question of mine!

[loopiestitches]

Stacy, I noticed that in your top sample you kept pointing to the end of the row as opposed to the corner with the tail which would mean the start

[knittingchick]

When I want to cast on without a slip knot, I set up the needle under the yarn for the sling shot method the same way you do but then I give the needle a single twist toward me to secure it without knotting, then proceed as usual for the longtail cast on. It works for me! Thanks for your great videos! You've made me a MUCH BETTER knitter!