2x2 Tubular Cast On for Flat Knitting
The cast-on method shown in this tutorial can be used when the number of stitches in your ribbing is divisible by 4. This occurs when your ribbing panel begins with a Knit 2 and ends with a Purl 2.
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2x2 Tubular Cast On for Flat Knitting
The cast-on method shown in this tutorial can be used when the number of stitches in your ribbing minus 2 is divisible by 4. This occurs when your ribbing panel begins with a Knit 2 and ends with a Knit 2.
Knitting Needles I am using Amazon
Disclaimer: Some links provided are affiliate links and I receive a small commission when used. These commissions help to support the free content I offer!
Written Pattern
The original downloadable pattern remains available above. Follow the size, yarn, and needle options that match your project.
PDF Pattern - source instructions
Pattern directions - page 1
2 x 2 Flat Knitting Tubular Cast-On – Number of Stitches Divisible by 4
YouTube Tutorial: https://youtu.be/K-q8XSd5ELQ
𝑋 = Total number of stitches for 2x2 Ribbing (must be divisible by 4)
𝑋
Waste yarn cast-on = + 1
Row 1: With waste yarn cast on the number of stitches using the formula above. Cut the waste
yarn leaving a 6” tail. Turn work.
Example: In the video I wanted to have a total of 16 stitches in 2x2 ribbing. To achieve
this I cast on +1 = 9 stitches using my waste yarn.
Row 2: Using your main fabric yarn, purl into each of the waste yarn stitches. Turn work.
Row 3: *Knit 1, pick up the bar between the last stitch worked and the next stitch to be worked
with your left needle from front to back, purl into this stitch* Repeat between the * until 2
stitches remain. Knit 1 stitch. Pick up the bar between the last worked stitch and the final stitch
on left needle with the left needle from front to back. Purl the picked up stitch and the final
stitch on the left needle together. You should now have the number of stitches that you would
like to work in 2x2 ribbing on your needle (𝑋). Turn work.
Re-arrange the stitches: *Slip 1 stitch to the right needle. Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to a
cable needle and hold in the back. Slip 1 stitch from the left to right needle. Slip the stitch from
the cable needle onto the right needle. Slip 1 stitch from the left to right needle.* Repeat across
the row. Once you have finished rearranging the row, slip all the stitches back onto the left
needle.
Row 4: Knit 2, bring the yarn to the front, slip 2 purlwise, return the yarn to the back Repeat
across the row until 4 stitches remain. Knit 2, bring yarn to the front, slip 1 purlwise, purl 1.
Turn work.
Repeat Row 4 one more time.
You have now completed the tubular cast on steps, and you can begin regular Knit 2, Purl 2
ribbing. The row that you are currently about to knit is the wrong side (WS) of your work, and
should begin with Purl 2.
I would recommend cutting out your waste yarn once you have knit until your work measures
1”-2” from the cast on edge.
PDF Pattern - source instructions
Pattern directions - page 1
2 x 2 Flat Knitting Tubular Cast-On: Number of Stitches - 2 Divisible by 4
YouTube Tutorial: https://youtu.be/IzhvDI_YCdM
𝑋 = Total number of stitches for 2x2 Ribbing (when you subtract 2 the remaining number must
be divisible by 4)
𝑋−2
Waste yarn cast-on = + 1
Row 1: With waste yarn cast on the number of stitches using the formula above. Cut the waste
yarn leaving a 6” tail. Turn work.
Example: In the video I wanted to have a total of 18 stitches in 2x2 ribbing. To achieve
18−2
this I cast on +1 = 10 stitches using my waste yarn.
Row 2: Using your main fabric yarn, purl into each of the waste yarn stitches. Turn work.
Row 3: *Knit 1, pick up the bar between the last stitch worked and the next stitch to be worked
with your left needle from front to back, purl into this stitch* Repeat between the * until 2
stitches remain. Knit 1 stitch. Pick up the bar between the last worked stitch and the final stitch
on left needle with the left needle from front to back. Knit the picked up stitch and the final
stitch on the left needle together. You should now have the number of stitches that you would
like to work in 2x2 ribbing on your needle (𝑋). Turn work.
Re-arrange the stitches: Slip the first 2 stitches from the left to right needle. *Slip 1 stitch to the
right needle. Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to a cable needle and hold in the back. Slip 1
stitch from the left to right needle. Slip the stitch from the cable needle onto the right needle.
Slip 1 stitch from the left to right needle.* Repeat between the * across the row. Once you have
finished rearranging the row, slip all the stitches back onto the left needle.
Row 4: Purl 1, bring the yarn to the front and slip 1 purlwise. *Knit 2, bring the yarn to the
front, slip 2 purlwise, return the yarn to the back* Repeat between the * across the row until 4
stitches remain. Knit 2, bring yarn to the front, slip 1 purlwise, purl 1. Turn work.
Row 5: Knit 2, bring the yarn to the front, slip 2 purlwise, return the yarn to the back Repeat
between the * across the row until 2 stitches remain. Knit 2.
You have now completed the tubular cast on steps, and you can begin regular Knit 2, Purl 2
ribbing. The row that you are currently about to knit is the wrong side (WS) of your work, and
should begin with Purl 2.
I would recommend cutting out your waste yarn once you have knit until your work measures
1”-2” from the cast on edge.