Are you a new loom knitter looking for the basics? Start here with the easiest loom knit cast on – the e-wrap cast on!
There are several different cast on methods that can be used in loom knitting. The e-wrap cast on is one of the simplest as well as one of the most popular and versatile methods. It’s a great choice for casting on in both the round and flat, and it’s also very effective for starting projects that are worked in garter stitch or stockinette stitch.
In this post we will look at the steps needed to correctly work the e-wrap cast on as well as some tips and tricks.
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What is an eWrap Cast On?
An ewrap cast on is a very easy, very basic cast on that is perfect for beginners. It is called “ewrap” because the working yarn is wrapped around the peg in such a way as to resemble a lower-case cursive “e”.
This type of cast on is looser and the edges can look “loopy”, so if you notice this on your project try wrapping only the first set of loops as an ewrap and then using another stitch for your second row such as a knit stitch.
The ewrap stitch is not a flat stitch. Instead, it is a twisted stitch and you’ll see that in your work as you go. However, it is one of the easiest and best for beginners.
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How to Work the E Wrap Cast On Round Loom
This stitch is great on a circular loom as you just continue from one peg to another until you get all the way around the loom, then you work the second row. This look is similar to circular knitting using a circular knitting needle or double pointed needles.
Notes:
Always work around the loom in the same direction (most people go clockwise).
Always wrap your yarn in the opposite direction you are going on the round loom (so if you are working clockwise, your yarn will be wrapped counterclockwise).
Step One
Secure your yarn with a slip knot on the anchor peg (if you loom has one). If it does not, you can use a stitch marker at the bottom of a peg or if your loom has removeable pegs you can change the color of your starting peg.
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Step Two
Wrap your working yarn around each peg as follows:
1. Bring yarn to back of peg.
2. Wrap around the front of the peg.
3. Bring the yarn around the back of the same peg.
If you do this correctly, your yarn will cross in the back of the peg. It is called an ewrap because it looks like a lower case cursive “e”.
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Step Three
Continue working step two for each peg.
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Step Four
When all pegs are wrapped, you can either use the ewrap again to have two loops on each peg, or you can continue with another wrap/stitch for the second row.
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Step Five
To complete the cast on, you will need to knit off – which means bring the bottom loop over the peg and off the loom.
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Working the eWrap Cast On Flat
If you are making a scarf, blanket or other project that is worked flat, you will need to adjust your cast on slightly.
Step One
Wrap the stitches the same way you would on the round loom, as many as are called for in the pattern.
Step Two
Turn and work the ewrap in the opposite direction so there are two loops on each peg.
Step Three
Knit off the bottom loops by lifting them over the top loops and off each peg.
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Tips for a Perfect e-Wrap Cast On
Always ensure you are going in the same direction with your work, whether that be in the round or back on forth in flat rows.
Make sure the yarn is always wrapped in the opposite direction you are working.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the e-wrap cast on for loom knitting.
Happy (loom) Knitting!
Amanda