Misunderstanding instruction read to me resulted in my favorite cast on. That cast on is used in 11 of the 12 patterns mentioned in a recent Inside Scoop.
Meet the FLTCO
The flexible long-tail cast on (FLTCO) differs from the long-tail cast on in that it feeds extra yarn into the bottom of the cast on by using a top and bottom needle. This means that your knitting can flex at the bottom, just where you need it to.
It is a misconception that casting on over two needles will give you a stretchier cast on. It will make the loops on your needle more open and longer, but it doesn’t feed anything additional into the bottom, just where the flexibility is needed most. So if you have ever had a your beginning be too tight, read on!
The Story
I had a friend read me the instructions for a cast on (which I cannot mention because the author has requested that I not) from a book I do not own. We went through it and I took notes, then I did it, read my notes back to her, and she went through it again. Apparently I missed something. This is not uncommon as aural instructions are probably the worst way of giving me information.
But I loved what I did. Of course I didn’t know that I had left something out. I have never looked back. I would say I use FLTCO about 90% of the time. It is always where I start and I only use something different if it is inappropriate for the task.
Why It Is both Flexible and Flexible
Flexible: A loop of yarn is put onto the lower/bottom needle and that extra yarn feeds into the base of the cast on, making it flexible for undulation, compression, stitch expansion, or whatever your knitting might do.
Flexible: Using a different size needle for the lower/bottom needle can adjust the amount of yarn in the loop. A smaller needle will give you less flexibility (but more than the long-tail cast on) and a larger needle will give you more (say for a lace pattern that will spread or scallop).
Why The FLTCO Is Right for You
Everyone has had the experience of a too-tight cast on, and likely also a too-loose cast on. Flexible long-tail is the Goldilocks of cast on methods that can suit 90% of your cast on needs. Plus, if you know the long-tail it is super easy to modify it into FLTCO there are instructions and a video link. Here is a two-color variation.
Which pattern did not use FLTCO?
It is Tatio. It actually works best with a non-stretchy cast on. Wondering about what is on list of hot-weather knits? Read the rest of the list?
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