Woolly Rivals: Knitted and Cabled Cast-Ons

Working the I-cord edging in designer Sierra Kreun’s new Sandglass Cowl, I thought about the excellent choice of the knitted cast-on that the designer specifically mentioned. If this method were not called out, a knitter might have used a cable cast-on instead, which would have created a bulky join in what should be smooth I-cord bind-off edge.

I’ve always thought of the knitted and cable cast-ons as sisters, formed in almost the same way but with very different personalities. Many knitters I meet have strong opinions about these methods, so it’s good to understand how they are different and when to use them.

Sierra Kreun's Sandglass Cowl worked in cozy June Cashmere Fingering. Photo by Gale Zucker

In case these methods are new to you, I’ll show a quick step-by-step, and then we’ll take a close look at the results.