I use this cast-on for the body, underarms, and front neck. There are other, more involved, methods but I have found this simple cast-on to be the neatest. See the section "Instructions for Underarm" below if you are working this cast-on at underarm.
How to Backwards Loop Cast-On
Instructions
0
Set-up
Hold yarn wrapped over left thumb.
1
Step 1
Come in front of the thumb and up under yarn.
2
Step 2
Release thumb and pull yarn to form stitch.
3
Step 3
Reposition thumb and yarn and repeat.
Instructions for Underarm
1
Step 1
When using Backward-Loop CO, the join between cast-on and existing stitches is always loose. To remedy this for underarm cast-ons, I cast on 2 fewer stitches than called for.
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Step 2
In the next row/round, I work a M1R at each end to take up slack. This is written into the patterns.
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Step 3
To work M1R, scoop the slack yarn up from behind with your left needle.
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Step 4
Now knit (or purl if on a WS row) into the front of this strand. One extra stitch is created and slack is eliminated.
Comments
Hi Alice, The sweater that is pictured on the cover of the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop is Emma Version B. It is a bulky yarn—information and details can be found on pg. 58 of the book. Sadly, the yarn has been discontinued – it was Big Sky by A Verb For Keeping Warm. We have a couple of wool yarns we could suggest: on the Emma B pattern page there is one made in Fibre Co, Tundra – another very nice yarn (that still exists!) We liked the Malabrigo Chunky we used in the black Emma version A too. Any undyed wool that gets gauge should look similar. But since you are looking for a yarn that doesn’t contain wool, we suggest that you check with your Local Yarn Store for help finding a yarn that works for you. To decide which size to knit, try measuring the chest circumference of a sweater you love the fit of and use that measurement to help you choose. Enjoy your Emma!
I want to knit the white sweater on the front page of the Cocknits Sweater Workshop book. Can anyone tell me where I can find the white yarn? How many balls/grams/oz I need for UK size 12? What is the weight of the yarn, DK, Chunky, whatever. As I cannot wear wool, can you name a linen/cotton/synthetic mixture in the right weight. Many thanks x
Very clear and efficient as usual but why in English when we are both French!!!!
Merci beaucoup
Hi Cath, The +4 represents the number of stitches beyond the yellow marker that you will work for the short row that shapes the neckline. So on row 19, after you slip the yellow marker, you will knit the 2 stitches that have been outside the yellow marker since you started the yoke, and two stitches from the BLCO you did that joined the right front (yellow marker) to the left front (red marker) at the end of row 17. Hope that helps! Please email knit@cocoknits.com if you have more questions. Enjoy your Molly!
Working on my 1st Cocoknits sweater, Molly. At row 19, how do i do the +4 between violet and yellow markers? I only have 2 sts there, because of 28 sts backward-loop cast on.
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