I have seen a number of questions about "What is the best Provisional
Cast-on" There is a question on the Ravelry Men Who Knit forum that I have
been reading.
For full disclosure, I have never used a provisional cast-on (well maybe
1, that will come later). My understanding is that a provisional cast on is
designed to allow knitter to cast on and knit in one direction and when
finished, removed the provisional stitches and knit in the other direction. A
provisional cast-on can also be used to create a hem for a garment.
I have seen two basic methods of provisional cast-on 1) regular cast, and
then pick-up stitches 2) waste yarn cast-on and then remove the yarn until
you have live stitches.
My question is "What about Judy's Magic Cast-on?" Maybe I have knit too may
socks. A figure 8 cast-on might work but I think Judys would be better. Using
two circular needles cast-on the required stitches. If the circular needles
are interchangeable replace the needles with cable ends. If fixed wrap rubber
bands around needles to keep the stitches from falling off.
Knit with the "live" stitches until completed. To pick up the provisional
stitches either replace the cable ends with needles and start knitting, or
remove the rubber bands and keep knitting.
Last night I watched KnitFreedom on
knitting a hem. I tried this using Judy's magic cast-on and found the
"picking-up" of stitches very easy.
Has anyone seen this method suggested before.