First things first—yes, this technique does begin with a crochet hook. But it's a magical cast-on method that allows you to begin in the center of a project and work to the outside with barely any gap in the cast-on circle, so I promise you, it's worth having this technique in your toolbox. You can use this method to start a wide-range of knitting patterns, especially some beautiful blanket patterns!
Of course, you can also use it for crochet patterns—Emily originally filmed the video below with a crochet pattern in mind, and you could use it to crochet the free Gretchen pattern (the original yarn is discontinued but you could try Berroco Catena in its place).
Learn how to work the sliding loop cast-on method
The sliding loop cast-on method is used in this week's free pattern, Rockstead. This colorful shawl pattern begins with the center, gradually working out in garter stitch, before the "wings" are worked to form a triangular shawl. The fun colors of Berroco Pixel® do all the color-changing work for you!
