Stretchy cast ons: which to use and when
A stretchy cast on lets cuffs, brims and necklines stretch and spring back. Compare the German twisted and Italian cast ons and pick the right one.
By Julia WallinCo-founder and editor
A stretchy cast on gives the edge extra give, so cuffs, brims and necklines can stretch and go back to shape. The two methods to know are the German twisted cast on and the Italian cast on. The standard long-tail cast on is only a little stretchy. If you pull it over a heel or a head, it can feel tight or a strand can break. If you are new to casting on, start with how to cast on. Each method below has its own tutorial.
When you need a stretchy cast on
Use one on edges that go around a part of the body: sock cuffs, hat brims, mitten cuffs and the neckline of a top-down sweater. These edges must open wider than their resting size many times without losing shape.
The two methods compared
| German twisted | Italian | |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch | High | Very high, and it springs back well |
| Look | Like long-tail, with a small twist at the base | Rounded, with no visible cast-on row |
| Effort | Easy if you know long-tail, almost as fast | Slower, with 2 to 4 foundation rows after it |
| Best for | Sock cuffs, hat brims, mittens, 2×2 rib | 1×1 rib that shows: neckbands, hems, cuffs |
If you learn one, learn the German twisted cast on. It is the long-tail cast on with one extra twist of the thumb loop. Use the Italian cast on when the 1×1 rib shows and you want a rounded edge.
Stretch at the other end
A bind off can be as tight as a cast on. When the last edge has to stretch, such as the cuff of a toe-up sock, use a stretchy bind off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the stretchiest cast on?
For 1×1 rib, the Italian cast on gives the stretchiest edge, and it springs back best. The German twisted cast on is close behind and much quicker.
Which cast on should I use for socks?
For top-down socks, use the German twisted cast on, or the Italian cast on for a neater cuff in 1×1 rib. Toe-up socks start with a different kind of cast on, such as Judy's magic cast on.
Why does my cast on snap when stretched?
A firm cast on, such as the cable cast on or a tight long-tail, has no extra yarn in the edge. When you stretch it, one strand takes all the pull. Change to a stretchy method instead of casting on more loosely.
Can I just cast on with bigger needles to get stretch?
It helps, because each stitch gets a little more yarn and the edge is less tight. For edges that must stretch a lot, such as sock cuffs and hat brims, a stretchy cast on works better.
Co-founder and editor at Knyt. Knits every guide before it is published.
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