How to work Judy’s Magic Cast-on

Toe-up socks are so much fun to knit – this nifty construction technique enables you to try the sock on as you go, so you can get a perfect fit every time

If you’ve discovered a toe-up pattern that you’d love to knit, you’ll need to use a special cast-on technique that gives you an invisible and comfortable start to your knitting – and Judy’s Magic Cast-on is our favourite method.

You can work this technique using either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs).

How to work Judy’s Magic Cast-on: step by step instructions

How to work Judy’s Magic Cast-on: CASTING ON

Step 1

Hold a set of circular needles (or two double-pointed needles) in your right hand with the points facing towards the left, one needle above the other. Make a slip knot in the yarn, leaving a tail around 30cm long, and place the knot onto the top needle.

Holding both the tail and the working yarn between your middle, ring and little fingers and palm, slip your thumb and forefinger between the two strands, with the tail end going over your index finger.

Steps 2-8 below will be the same if you are using circular needles or DPNs.

Step 2

Bring your index finger towards you slightly, bringing the tail end underneath both needles…

Step 3

…then take it over the bottom needle and under the top needle. 1 stitch cast on to the bottom needle.

Step 4

Next take your thumb underneath the two needles away from you…

Step 5

…then take it over the top needle and under the bottom needle. 1 stitch cast on to the top needle.

Step 6

Repeat steps 2-3 to cast a second stitch onto the bottom needle…

Step 7

…and steps 4-5 to cast a second stitch onto the top needle.

Step 8

Keep repeating steps 2-5 until you have the desired amount of stitches on the needles.

How to work Judy’s Magic Cast-on: WORKING IN THE ROUND

Step 9

To start working in the round, turn the needles so they are in your left hand, ready to work across the first row.

Pull the bottom needle out so the stitches sit on the cable. If you are working with DPNs, leave the stitches where they are on the two needles.

Make sure that the tail yarn is coming from the top needle and is neatly tucked under the working yarn as shown.

Step 10

Knit across the first row of stitches on the top needle using the other end of the circular needle, or, if using DPNs, knit half of these stitches onto one DPN and the other half on to a second needle. This will feel a bit tight and fiddly, but it will be easier after knitting the next row.

Step 11

Turn the work, pull the cable through so the top stitches are on the needle and the bottom stitches are on the cable, and knit into the back loops of the stitches.

If using DPNs, work the same as the last row, working half of the stitches on the bottom needle on to one DPN and the other half on to a second DPN, working into the back loops.

Step 12

Your work should now look like this, and you are ready to begin working in the round as instructed in the pattern. To work a basic toe for a sock you will increase 1 stitch in from the edge of every alternate row.

Create incredible knitwear with Judy’s Magic Cast-on

Now you’ve got your stitches cast on, you’re ready to start your toe-up sock – enjoy your sock-knitting adventures!

Judy’s Magic Cast-on is not just for socks - you can use it for any project that begins from a small closed circle, such as top-down mittens, bags or hats. It’s a great skill to add to your knitting repertoire which you’ll find yourself using time and time again.

Practice Judy’s Magic Cast-on with this fun project!

Inspired to cast on a pair of socks? Try Clare Devine’s must-have toe-up sock knitting pattern.

Read more:

• Knit perfect socks for every foot shape
• How to knit afterthought sock heels
• How to darn your socks
• Knitting in the round