In this tutorial, we’ll teach you the Disappearing Loop Cast On, also known as the Pinhole or Circular Cast On. This cast on method allows you to cast on a small number of stitches in the round, then draw them closed using your yarn tail, creating a seamless start for center-out shawls, top-down hats, and even sock toes.
Written Steps
Cast on using a double-pointed needle or a long circular needle.
Make a loop of yarn about 1” in diameter, with the ball end crossing over the tail end, using your fingers to secure it by pinching where the yarns cross. The ball end should be toward the right, and the tail end to the left.
Each stitch will be formed in two motions:
1. With your needle in your right hand, using the ball end, insert your needle tip into the loop from front to back, wrap the yarn around your needle tip counter-clockwise, and bring it back through the loop.
2. Wrap the yarn around the needle tip counter-clockwise again (as though working a yarn over), pass the first loop over the second loop, and then drop it off the needle using your fingers or a second needle.
Repeat these two steps until you’ve got the number of stitches needed for your pattern.
Distribute your cast on stitches evenly onto multiple double pointed needles, or onto a long circular needle for Magic Loop, and begin working in the round according to your pattern.
After working a few rounds, gently pull the yarn tail to close your starting loop.
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