Page "Knitting" Paragraph 65

There are many hundreds of different knitting stitches used by knitters.

A piece of knitting begins with the process of casting on ( also known as " binding on "), which involves the initial creation of the stitches on the needle.

Different methods of casting on are used for different effects: one may be stretchy enough for lace, while another provides a decorative edging — Provisional cast-ons are used when the knitting will continue in both directions from the cast-on.

There are various method employed to " cast on ," such as the " thumb method " ( also known as " slingshot " or " long-tail " cast-ons ), where the stitches are created by a series of loops that will, when knitted, give a very loose edge ideal for " picking up stitches " and knitting a border ; the " double needle method " ( also known as " knit-on " or " cable cast-on "), whereby each loop placed on the needle is then " knitted on ," which produces a firmer edge ideal on its own as a border ; and many more.

The number of active stitches remains the same as when cast on unless stitches are added ( an increase ) or removed ( a decrease ).