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Do you know how to cast on your knitting loom? Casting on is how you start all of your loom knitting projects. There are several different ways to cast on, but here I’m going to teach you the e-wrap cast on method for a round loom- an easy and simple way to start your project. Learn my favorite loom knitting cast on method below!
The E-Wrap Cast On for Loom Knitting
The e-wrap cast on method is great for hats, fingerless gloves, cowls, and more! It makes your project stretchy and flexible, and gives your project a ‘rolled’ edging. I learned the e-wrap cast on method when I first started loom knitting, and I love using it for different accessories. It’s the same loom knit cast on method used in this Double Brim Beanie Tutorial; hop over to the free photo tutorial to learn how to loom knit your own cozy winter beanie!
To learn the e-wrap cast on method used in this tutorial, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right tools. This tutorial teaches you how to cast on a round knitting loom of any size. I use and love the simple, colorful looms in this set. They’re perfect for making cozy winter accessories with bulky yarn. I started with these round knitting looms and I’ve used every size multiple times so far, so I would say that it’s definitely worth it to get the full set!
You’ll also want to make sure you have a sturdy loom knitting hook. The set I mentioned above includes a hook, but I found that the rubber grip started to slip around and made it difficult to use. I switched to this one since it’s very durable and more comfortable to hold. Lastly, when it comes time to finish your loom knitting project, a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle will come in handy.
The e-wrap loom knitting cast on method is a great skill to have when you’re first learning to loom knit. It’s a tried-and-true way to start your loom knitting projects with ease. Read on to learn how to use the e-wrap cast on method for your loom knitting projects!
Supplies
For this project, you’ll need:
Round knitting loom, any size (for this tutorial, I used the largest size from this set)
Loom knitting hook (the set above comes with one, but I prefer this one)
Any bulky weight (5) yarn (for this tutorial, I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman)
Terms
Anchor peg: The small peg extending from the side of your loom
First peg: The working peg to the right of the anchor peg
Last peg: The working peg to the left of your anchor peg
Loop: A loop made from wrapping your peg
E-Wrap Cast On Loom Knitting Tutorial
To start, make a slip knot around the small peg that sticks out from the side of your large round loom (this is the “anchor peg”). This just means the yarn will be secure while we cast on and knit the first few rows.
Take your working yarn and wrap it clockwise around the first peg, like so:
This kind of wrap creates and “e” shape around the peg, which is why it’s called an e-wrap. Here’s the backside for an extra visual:
Now wrap your next peg.
As you wrap your pegs, make sure you’re not wrapping it too tight. You want it to be pretty snug, but if you pull your loops too tight then it makes the next step very difficult.
Wrap to the last peg.
While holding on to your working yarn so your loops don’t unravel, use your free thumb to push all those loops down to the bottoms of the pegs.
Now we’re going to repeat the wrapping process. Wrap your yarn clockwise around the first peg, like so:
You’ll now have two loops on that peg. Wrap your next peg, and each peg around, until you reach the last peg and every peg has two loops on it.
While securing your working yarn (I like to loosely tie it around the anchor peg for this next step, but you might like to just hold it with your thumb), take your loom hook to the last peg you worked, and use the hook to lift the bottom loop up, going over the top loop, and slip it completely off the peg.
This loop might be a little tight, depending on how tightly you wrapped your loops, so if it’s too tight and you can’t lift it up and over then you may need to unravel and start over. Here’s what it should look like:
And a view from the back side:
Once the bottom loop is off the peg, move to the next peg to your right. (This should be the first peg; the peg you start each row with.) Repeat the last step; lift the bottom loop up over the top loop and off the peg.
Keep sliding each bottom loop off of their pegs.
And a view from the back side:
You may like to insert your hook from the top side of the bottom loop instead of from the bottom side.
It produces the same result, so just do what’s most comfortable for you! (I like to insert my hook from the top; I feel like it’s easier to get a rhythm that way.)
Keep going until you reach the last peg with a bottom loop. Slide that loop off the peg, and you’ve completed your e-wrap cast on!
Ready to start your first loom knitting project?
Once you’ve learned how to use the e-wrap cast on method, you’re ready to loom knit your very own cozy winter beanie! Head on over to my Loom Knit Double Brim Beanie Tutorial for step-by-step instructions and a free photo tutorial on how to use your round loom to make this fun, easy project.
For even more loom knitting patterns, sign up for the Loom Knit-A-Long! You’ll recieve an invite to the private Facebook group, a handy PDF printable supply list for each loom knitting project in the series, and the PDF printable version of each pattern and tutorial in the series- all FREE when you sign up for the Loom Knit-A-Long! You can sign up right here. I hope to see you there!
That’s it for this post. Make sure to check out the Loom Knit Double Brim Beanie Tutorial, or take a look at my free crochet patterns!
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