Cable cast on

As Vogue Knitting says cable cast on produces a "sturdy, yet elastic edge".

1. Start with a slip knot on the left needle. Insert the other needle as if to knit, wrap the yarn and pull it through.

2. Give the new stitch a quarter turn and then place it on the left needle.

3. Insert the yarn betwen the 2 stitches to create the next stitch.

4. Quarter turn the stitch and place it on the left needle.

5. Repeat the cast on between the last two stitches (steps 3 and 4) until you have the number of stitches you require.

As you work the stitches use your thumb and forefinger on the left hand to keep them even at the base (don't pull them tight to the needle).

Loosely cast on stitches: