The provisional cast-on is a temporary cast on method. With this technique, the “live” stitches on the waste yarn are picked up later. They are then knit in the opposite direction. A common way to make a provisional cast on is to make a crochet chain from waste yarn first. Then, with the project yarn, make stitches using the purl bumps of the crochet chain. Later, remove the crochet chain waste yarn by picking up the “live” stitches and knitting them in the opposite direction. For example, I use provisional cast on to start a top down sweater. Once the body of the sweater is finished, I pick up the “live” stitches. Then, I knit the collar in the opposite direction. There are several different kinds of knitting projects that use the provisional cast on method. The written instructions and video on how to do the provisional cast on is shown below for right handed knitting.

The Provisional Cast-On Method:

The Provisional Cast-On Stitches:

The Steps for the Provisional Cast-On Method:

1. Using a waste yarn (or a yarn different from the knitting project yarn), make a crochet chain (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Chain) with the number of stitches specific for a project
2. [Tip: chain a few extra stitches than needed for the project]
3. Turn the crochet chain so that the purl bumps are facing you (image below)
4. Insert a knitting needle into the purl bump (image below)
5. Make a loop with the project yarn and slide it onto the knitting needle
6. Tighten and secure the project (working) yarn as needed
7. Bring the project yarn loop through the purl bump and onto the needle
8. Insert the knitting needle into the next purl bump
9. Bring the project (working) yarn around the knitting needle (counterclockwise), catch and pull the yarn loop through the purl bump and onto the needle
10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 till you have all the stitches needed for a knitting project