![crochet cast-on](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08122459/crochet-cast-on.png)
Once you find your favorite knitting cast-on, you may find yourself using it for just about everything (hello, long-tail cast-on). But it’s a good idea to have other cast-ons in your repertoire, because you never know when you’ll need to whip them out.
Meet the crochet cast-on! This method makes a nice, neat braid that looks just like the bind-off edge. If you’re a crocheter and a knitter, this one will be a total breeze. If you’ve never crocheted, though, don’t worry. As long as you can hold a hook, you can pretty much nail this.
Pro Tip: You can also use this as a provisional cast-on, which is temporary. Make sure to follow the variation at the end of our tutorial to chain a few extra stitches if you’re doing a provisional cast-on.
Crochet Cast-On
Level: Advanced beginner
What You Need
Pro Tip: If you’re using this cast-on as a provisional cast-on that’ll be removed later, you can use scrap yarn. Just try to use scraps that are a similar weight to the yarn you’re using in your project.
Instructions
![slipknot on crochet hook](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08122751/slipknot-on-crochet-hook.jpeg)
1. Tie a slip knot onto the crochet hook, leaving a yarn tail just long enough to weave in later. Then hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand.
![crochet cast on step 1](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08122821/crochet-cast-on-step-1.jpeg)
2. Hold the knitting needle in your non-dominant hand and place the knitting needle on top of the working yarn.
![crochet cast on step 2](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08122900/crochet-cast-on-step-2.jpeg)
3. Wrap the working yarn over the hook, above the knitting needle.
As you’re wrapping the yarn for the first cast-on stitch, you might want to hold onto the yarn tail, too, or just give it a little tug after you make the first stitch. That’ll ensure the tension is even.
![crochet cast on step 3](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08122939/crochet-cast-on-step-3.jpeg)
4. Pull the working yarn through the loop that’s already on the hook (from your slip knot). First cast-on stitch: complete!
![crochet cast on step 4](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08123011/crochet-cast-on-step-4.jpeg)
5. Move the working yarn to the back, again placing the knitting needle on top of the working yarn.
![finished crochet cast on](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08123045/finished-crochet-cast-on.jpeg)
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you’ve cast on the number of stitches called for, minus 1. So if your pattern asks you to cast on 38 stitches, repeat steps 3-5 until you have 37 stitches. (Suspenseful, right?)
![crochet cast on detail](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08123144/crochet-cast-on-detail.jpeg)
7. Now let’s cast on that final stitch. You’ll notice that you still have a loop around your crochet hook. That’s your last cast-on stitch — just pull it up and slide it onto your knitting needle.
After you add the final stitch, you can put the crochet hook aside and start knitting.
![crochet cast on variation](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2017/02/08123223/crochet-cast-on-variation.jpeg)
Variation: Provisional Crochet Cast-On
If you’re working the crochet cast-on as a provisional cast-on, skip step 7 and chain stitch a couple extra stitches instead. When you’re ready to take out the provisional cast-on, you’ll start by pulling out the chain.
![](https://d2culxnxbccemt.cloudfront.net/craft/content/uploads/2021/03/19115951/Startup-Library-Knit_FB2-2.jpg)
This is great!! Since I’m deaf & not all tutorials are cc ur description & pictures are very GOOD!! I have question can’t find answer. I’m using this crochet cast on for a blanket using bulky yarn on circular needles. Want to do slip stitch first stitch purlwise with yarn in front but the working yarn just hanging from last CO. I can’t seem to figure out how to make that first st in the front. I’m using circular needles but knitting flat. I’m hoping I’m making sense. Thanks!!
It's do able but I have the knitting needle tucked up under my arm pit. May need more practice. ☺Thanks for this Ashley.