Crochet Chain Provisional Cast On

The Crochet Chain Provisional Cast On method is worked with a crochet hook and can be used as a decorative cast on that forms a tidy braided edge or as a provisional cast on you can remove later.

Step 1: Using scrap yarn, make a slipknot and place snugly on crochet hook.

Step 2: To make a chain stitch, wrap yarn around the hook from back to front and pull a loop through. Chain specified number of cast on stitches and fasten off.

Step 3: With main yarn and knitting needle, begin at the slipknot end. Insert needle into the back loop of the first crochet chain from front to back, wrap yarn around, and pull a loop through onto needle. Continue to pick up and knit 1 stitch into the back loop of each crochet chain for the specified number of stitches.

Step 4: Work the pattern as instructed. To free live stitches, gently undo the last chain from the crochet chain.

Step 5: To secure the live stitches and prevent unraveling, insert a spare needle into the loop below the crochet chain edge from back to front purlwise. Then pull the scrap yarn to free the live stitch above. After releasing the first live stitch, simply pull the tail of the crochet chain to remove the scrap yarn and release the remaining live stitches, placing them on the needle as you go.