Tapestry, from Koigu 6 and Tapestry II, from Koigu 7, share a unique combination of cast-on techniques. This combination sets up for the horseshoe shape of each end of the shawl. The pictorial below should help. The tutorial does not show all the stitches cast-on, just enough to get the idea!
Cast-on must be done with a circular needle.
Start with a knitted cast-on 72 sts, and then place a marker.
Backwards loop cast-on 4 sts and then place a marker.
Slip the stitches down onto the cord below the needle tip.
Slide the stitches to the other end of the cord. Turn the stitches so that the end is facing.
With the free end place needle through the first loop (last loop cast-on with the knitted cast-on and not the backwards loop cast-on) available.
Take the yarn from the end of the last backwards loop cast-on and wrap around the needle tip, pull the yarn through to form a stitch.
Pick-up and knit from the next st.
Pick-up and knit until all 72 stitches have been created.
O
nce the cast-on is completed, push all stitches on to the cord and then folded in half, you can see the shape. The shapes created are two rectangles – the sides and a half pi shape on the end – between the stitch markers.
Work the first couple of rounds with loop pulled through center – similar to magic loop technique so that the stitches can be knit. Stitches will be tight until a few rows are on the needle.
Happy Knitting
Lynette
