Pages

Giveaway + Indian Cast-On Tutorial

Did you know that Knitter's Pride needles were developed with an international panel of knitters and crocheters - and that these very same needles are sold throughout the globe under the KnitPro brand?

KnitPro International is based in India, where we have some interesting traditions when it comes to knitting - specifically, when it comes to casting on! The traditional Indian cast-on method is a unique way of starting a project, using the big toe to tension the working yarn while holding the short end of the yarn double in the right hand. A slip knot is made, and stitches are cast on in the form of slip knots with the double stranded short end and the working yarn.

If this sounds a little confusing, fear not - here is a tutorial video demonstrating the technique:

Almost all Indian knitters learn this method of casting on, and many continue to use it permanently.

Go to any town in India, and you'll find that nearly every family has a knitter in their midst - even in the remotest of villages! The selection of yarn is limited to mostly cheap acrylic yarns in fingering and DK weights, and believe it or not, circular knitting is not known in most parts of the country.

Typically, India has two types of knitters: the traditional knitter in villages and towns who knits out of need and can copy a pattern just by looking at it, but never knits from written patterns. The other type is the modern knitter: a computer literate Raveller who knits from patterns, looks up YouTube videos for knitting techniques, and buys yarn online.

This month, we're celebrating the global craft world with our "Knitting Around the World" board on Pinterest. If you'd like to find out more about where your Knitter's Pride needles and hooks are made, click here to read this recent feature on the Knitting Daily blog



March Giveaway
Two lucky readers will win their choice of prizes: a Waves Crochet Hook, a Dreamz Fixed Circular, or a Dreamz DPN!

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite designer or technique with an international flair. Be sure to also include your Ravelry ID or email address so that we can contact you if you win!

We'll randomly select 2 winning comments to announce on Friday, March 28. Good luck! 

154 comments:

  1. I'm a new knitter so everything is still kinda exotic to me. I would like to say that I simply love the look of Estonian lace, I'm not sure if it counts. My Ravelry ID is Hanielle.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was looking through Japanese patterns the other day. They have some very complex knitted items, and so very cute, too! rav: knitika

    ReplyDelete
  3. Interesting Indian cast-on. It probably does leave a nice edge as she says. I would love to win a Dreamz Fixed Circular needle so I could see how I like it before ordering a set. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm intrigued by Bergere, but haven't tried any of their designs yet.
    Susanmhj on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/masa-bag
    this is inspiredby japanese folding, there are many more bags like it on ravelry. I love the bags. the knitting is flat, and you have a 3D object at the end.
    100Creations @ ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very interesting. I do enjoy the turkish cast on. rav:ktweet99

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love Lynette Meek (Le Tissier Designs) Knitting fine lace is my favorite technique. MaidMarrion on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Estonian lace. I'm liveknitup on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am intrigued by the Indian cast on and will definitely be trying it.
    psychokitty5238@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's interesting that many countries have a cast on style. German Twisted Cast-On comes to mind... Laurie521 on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  11. So very neat!! I'm almost tempted to frog my whole sweater and cast on again... (not. I wouldn't, since I'm a few rows away from done, but next sweater will have this cast on!)
    I really dig the look of Icelandic colorwork. I'll try it yet! Would be nice to have some variety, other then stripes!
    I'm Belladune on Rav :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I also like the Japanese patterns, I'm greyknitter on Ravelry!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like Turkish cast on and continental knitting. I'm going to try this Indian cast on. PamonMars on rav

    ReplyDelete
  14. Favorite Designer has to be Stephen West... rav id: LBereczky

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'll stick with the traditional cast on! But would sure love to win either the crochet hook; or the dpn.
    my ravelry - ScrapPileStyles

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love http://katedaviesdesigns.com/about/ Kate Davies designs from The Scottish Highlands. Rav amchart

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love estonian and orenburg lace! I wouldn't mind a set of DPNs. Ravelry is Eloewien

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love Latvian mittens.
    wahoomerryf on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stephen West brings out my best knitting qualities with his straight forward knitting. Iris Schreier brings out my fancy side!
    KnitAweigh- Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  20. i love indian designs butterfly111377@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like Portuguese knitting
    My Ravelry is hands2hearts (would love the dream circular)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love Japanese and Indian work. So intricate. I am theknittwitt on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  23. Estonian Lace is my favorite. I am knittymommy in Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love Norwegian Selby stranded knitting.
    Rav ID maja-san

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lucy Hague is a Scottish designer who makes some a-maz-ing Celtic cable designs. They're a challenge to make, but, oh so lovely when they're done!
    lindaran (on Rav)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm not sure I have a favorite designer technique with an international flair. I do enjoy knitting all sorts of cables, especially intricate ones. Thanks for the chance to win. potaylor@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow! That looks like a fun cast-on.

    I've always been a fan of Portuguese knitting, whether it's tensioning the yarn with a pin on your shoulder or using needles that have a hook on end. It's just so creative.

    Rav= Zanahoria12

    ReplyDelete
  28. Estonian lace. I haven't had the courage to try it yet, but I aspire to do so someday. Oooo, or Celtic cables, which, ditto.

    RavID = starcr

    ReplyDelete
  29. My favorite designer is Meagheen Ryan!! Her patterns are simple but give a complicated look. ajdag on rav.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love every Danish designer I come across. They are ingenious construction artists. alcbrooks on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  31. Only been knitting since this past summer 2013. Currently knitting a Irish Cabel hat a friend design. wplanell@hotmail.ocm

    ReplyDelete
  32. Like Eve, I am a new knitter also so everything has an exotic flair to me. I had no idea that knitting was so widespread through India! Thank you for directing me to your Pinterest board. I had no idea what Estonian lace was, but I got the idea when I pulled up the Echo Flower Shawl. It is gorgeous! I will have to give that a try when I get a bit more experienced. I am WahooWifeAndMom on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Estonian lace! Rav: eclecticperson

    ReplyDelete
  34. Katie Davies and Alice Starmore!! Love their designs. Rav: Juels51

    ReplyDelete
  35. I like Estonian lace and celtic cables.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am a fairly new passionate knitter, I love learning the different cast ons. I am really intrigued by the Indian cast-on. Thank you for the video. Rav: MyPinkKangaroo

    ReplyDelete
  37. My favorite designer is Elizabeth Zimmermann. She came up with some ingenious techniques.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like Celtic cables and follow on ravelry as AbigailDawn

    ReplyDelete
  39. Especially this time of year Aran knitting...I went to Ireland and the Aran Isles and was sad to find no available yarn though. On Ravelry as knittingknut

    ReplyDelete
  40. I´m design my own stuff. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amigurumies-by-Gabriella-Hefner/344536292279646

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love Latvian mittens! Thanks for the chance to win! Sylviemom on rav

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love the Bavarian twisted stitch designs.

    ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love Kate Davies designs.

    SheilaOKeefe on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  44. Interesting caston. I could see using this on the bottom of a sweater to give it a nice firm edge.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love Kate Davies and Carol feller designs.
    Ohlalalaine on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great cast on demonstration:)
    rosebob on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  47. There is always something new to see in the world of knitting.
    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  48. Fair Isle knitting is a technique I enjoy. Also love Orenburg Lace. It is so delicate.

    I would love to have the fixed circular needles.

    RoamingKnitter on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  49. EZ continues to inspire me, and I love that we have so many ways to learn new things from so many global knitters.
    I would love to win a circ needle.
    NanaMamah on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the Scottish argyle patterns. My rav name is knitinsr.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Colorwork is my favorite; the Norwegian sweaters are amazing.
    Rav id: is globalite

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love the aesthetic of Olgajazzy!
    jayellesea on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  53. I like Chris Baylema's patterns. Nice blend of international influences.

    Ravelry: ladygator

    ReplyDelete
  54. Interesting cast on. I learnt from you-tube so did not know this technique before.

    Rav id : charu

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh wow! Quite a few favs and never really thought about their international aspect or not.
    One particular is Ingunn Santini. She is from Italy and her patterns in crochet are fabulous! Not the traditional but very well written and very high fashion Europe.
    I also knit and although I am not experienced in socks, i love Ingrid Carre from Belgium... her patterns with their colorwork and intricate designs are gorgeous.
    My rav id is Luv2CUsmile.
    I would love either the circular needles or the hook. I love being multi-craftual. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love Cables, and am looking forward to trying some lovely cables by Fiona Ellis

    lyndystitches on Rav.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love cables and am looking forward to trying some of the lovey cables by Fiona Ellis

    lyndystitches on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  58. I know it doesn't sound exotic, many of my favourite designers are from European countries, but I live in Canada.
    skywater on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am sort of new to knitting so everything seems beautiful and exotic. Because I am so new I have been kind of going from designer to designer and have not found a favorite yet.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love Aran patterns and one of my favorite designers comes from Ireland. Though most of his patterns are not specifically Aran I simply love his designs.

    Sisterrobinson on Rav.

    ReplyDelete
  61. A few of my favorite designers (crochet) are MsWeaver and ravliki on raverly. I am single crafter only ~ crochet and would love the chance to try out a Wave crochet hook. I-hook on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  62. Although they tried to teach me knitting (English 'throwing' method) in school over 45 years ago, I didn't grasp the technique well enough to be a 'real knitter'. I taught myself the Continental 'picking' method a couple of years ago, and now have been bitten seriously by the knitting-bug -- the Continental method feels so much easier, and I'm confident enough now to be knitting cables and lace, and even socks!! I'd love to try the Dreamz dpns; my Ravelry name is nicewitch

    ReplyDelete
  63. Your give-always are very generous and your needles are the best!
    SusaninMontara

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am intrigued by Japanese patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!
    gussek on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love the rich colors & traditions of Nepalese knitting.

    kmhs on Rav. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Woolley worm head is my favorite designer

    ReplyDelete
  67. One of my favorite designers is sallyinwales on rav. She comes up with amazing reconstructions inspired by ancient items. This is her website:
    http://wickedwoollens.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. My favorite technique is the Norwegian purl - as a continental knitter it has saved my life!! My favorite style is Fair Isle, which is pretty international for me!

    ReplyDelete
  69. My fave technique is Eastern European knitting. Because of this I can now be able to knit cuz it is so similar to crocheting. :) Love your needles!

    ReplyDelete
  70. I love the japanese kimonos!

    schwip on rav
    schwipknits@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Clare, the Australian "shiela" who runs the BobWilson123 YouTube channel (and associated blog) has the most practical, easy-to-follow crochet designs I've found anywhere online. When I'm trying to follow someone else's pattern & get stumped, there will usually be a video tutorial for something similar on BobWilson123's channel which will resolve the confusion -- or be so superior that I'll frog the original project and crochet her version instead!
    Among non-English-language designs, there's a gorgeous multicolored long jacket based on variant granny squares by Virpi Siira at her Finnish-language blog, with a photo tutorial so detailed that I've added the pattern to my Ravelry library, even though I don't know Finnish at all!
    You can PM me on Ravelry as CatherineMcClarey if I win, or email me at mcclarey@sbcglobal.net (and I would definitely like one of the larger sizes of Waves hooks -- most ergonomic hooks only go up to a 6mm/J size).

    ReplyDelete
  72. My favorite designer is Ysolda Teague !
    She is Fabulous ......
    She publlished her own patterns and I Love her knitted toy patterns.
    Thank You :0)
    Barb
    knoblicklady@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Estonian Lace is beautiful! Dreamz DPNs please :)
    rav username: knackforknitting

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love Alice Starmore. That's international to me!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I wasn't quite sure how to pick which option in terms of commenting (I found them confusing), so picked "anonymous" so I could list my Ravelry name -- which is: Persephone1025.

    I love so many different patterns that embody techniques from around the world, but, if I had to just pick one for today, I would name the patterns from (Ravelry name) Nic. She is from Ireland, and, her lovely and easily accessible patterns are often an homage to her country and its history, and usually feature names in the Irish language.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love Scandinavian design. However, the technique that I use a lot if combined knitting.

    I'm knitmybike on raverly

    ReplyDelete
  77. I knit Portuguese style with yarn around my neck, use German cast on when possible and LOVE Victorian lace.
    mamayaga on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  78. One of my favarite designers is Shiri Mor,her designs are unique.
    Victoriablue on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  79. As a new knitter, I'm finding a lot of wonderful techniques I love. I've recently been looking at the Japanese patterns. Stephen West is one designer that seems to draw my attention with his patterns.

    galfridaycrochet on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  80. Who knew my toes could prove so useful.
    zelator on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  81. one of my fav designers is Candace Eisner Strick.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Favorite designer is Vanessa Smith.
    sherryglover1 on RAV

    ReplyDelete
  83. Joji is awesome!!

    Dutchgirl63 on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love the Japanese designs! Knitmetoo on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  85. One of my favorite Designers is Mel Ski!
    jordyndunaway on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  86. One of my favorite designers/authors is Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. She gets me to laugh while knitting (even after doing a mistake!). Thanks for the giveaway. My Rav name: lindajm

    ReplyDelete
  87. I've recently gotten intrigued by norwegian mittens and the very concise stranded patterns that prevent long floats for secure backsides. I'm bjobes on rav

    ReplyDelete
  88. Stephen West! Many of his designs are out of the world!

    JudyAnn

    ReplyDelete
  89. I just love Ysolda Teague. She really has great tips and tricks. I always refer to her one row button hole.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi, I like designer Stephen West. He has really interesting designs that you don't see anywhere else. Thank you for the giveaway!
    RAV - NLemonds

    ReplyDelete
  91. I love patterns by Ysolda - a lovely designer from Scotland!
    greyowl (ravelry id)

    ReplyDelete
  92. Nancy Bush and ez is my favs. Estonian and long tail is what I use most. My rav name jem13. Thanks



    ReplyDelete
  93. I'm always in awe of fair isle knitting, so colorful and intricate.
    RavID: kamidake

    ReplyDelete
  94. I love norwegian mitten & glove patterns! They have such a classic look to them. My Rav i.d is rosyretro, or my e0mail is rosyretro@sky.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love the Old Norwegian cast on. It's like playing a game and creates a beautiful edge on my work.

    ReplyDelete
  96. My newest international infatuation is the German Twist Cast-On, which I believe is also known as the Old Norwegian. Love, love, love how stretchy it is—perfect for socks… and cowls… and hats… and other stuff. :-) emme-emme on rav

    ReplyDelete
  97. OMG I can't wait to try the Indian Cast-on! It's so fun to learn new techniques. As for my international favourites, it's a toss-up between the Old Norwegian cast-on (aka German Twist) - so lovely and stretchy - and German short-rows. I will never do the traditional wrap-and-turn method. The German style is much easier and more invisible. Thanks for a great giveaway. I'm TrishKnits on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I have not been knitting too long.My new favorite technique is top down knitting I hope to never sew a knit piece together again!
    Biscottibeth on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  99. I'm completely intrigued by the India style of knitting! Going to try it out this weekend. R: dinasmiles2

    ReplyDelete
  100. I aspire to be able to knit patterns by Herbert Niebling. ❤❤ CatsMousehold on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  101. I like Sylvi Design, a designer from Hungary. I am Classy76 on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Love the Chinese waitress cast on! Ravelry name is Josockmonster.

    ReplyDelete
  103. This Indian cast on method looks interesting. I recently learned a new cast on method which I love- the German twist cast on.
    kayakgrl on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  104. Very interesting cast on, may have to try it out on a project!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Stephen West and
    Kate Davies are two of my favorite designers.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I learned Portuguese knitting and really enjoy that method...it uses traditional cast on methods, though. Love this Indian style and will have to give it a try. As for designers...I'm a sock knitter and really love Charlene Schurch's books/patterns. (EclecticKnitter on Ravelry)

    ReplyDelete
  107. Unfair. I love all designers for their dedication to the craft. RavID: kmaldonado

    ReplyDelete
  108. My favorite technique with an international flair is Persian Sock Knitting. The whole concept is exotic and unique. Not only are the patterns varied and very beautiful, but the socks are knit two at a time on straight needles. When they are removed from the needle, they open up and are tube shaped!

    sbees5@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I would say German Shot rows for myself.

    bluebkg ID on Raverly

    ReplyDelete
  110. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Turkish toe cast-on! I love the toe this creates and use it in all my toe-up socks!

    ReplyDelete
  112. I am in love with Japanese crochet patterns.

    Thanks
    Yhime407 on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  113. I enjoy being able to kitchener
    ilovemyipad on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  114. One of my favorite knitting styles is Estonian lace ... or in the winter time some Norwegian colourwork. mrsmommy on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  115. I really want to try Tunisian Crochet. It looks lovely!
    Kaessa on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  116. I've just discovered möbius knitting. Too cool?

    ReplyDelete
  117. I love the European style of GarnStudio patterns & yarn. Also love traditional fisherman knit sweaters. Esther at sombrereptiles.org

    ReplyDelete
  118. One of my favorite designers is Stephen West. I always check to see what he has available for shawls.

    ReplyDelete
  119. I love Scandinavian sweaters! (asimplehomestd on Rav)

    ReplyDelete
  120. I love Estonian lace and Scandinavian color work. It always looks so delicate and intricate. (Luckyorangeliz on rav)

    ReplyDelete
  121. I love Olga Buraya-Kefelian's patterns-OlgaJazzy Designs. Lots of geometric patterns and attention to detail.
    My ravely id is canadamel

    ReplyDelete
  122. I like the Northern-European styles. Llwynoges on ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Latvian mittens are the best! Ravelry ID: gillianda

    ReplyDelete
  124. Liking Italian Emma Fassio on revelry. I'm susanmhj on ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  125. I love the fair isle yoke sweaters from Iceland and the like - someone mentioned Kate Davies; love her designs!
    Fionafae on Ravelry :)

    ReplyDelete
  126. I love all my french Quebecker designer friend's :D
    I'm Tricot Nathy on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  127. Interesting way to cast-on and would be fun to try with my new circular needles, after I win. Keysforme1@gmail.com (should be lower case "k")

    ReplyDelete
  128. I'm a big fan of Boo (http://www.ravelry.com/designers/boo-knits) on ravelry, and Agnes Kutas's designs.
    amanda5683 on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  129. I love Stephen West's shall designs, and The Sexy Knitter's in general.

    Rav: sawcat

    ReplyDelete
  130. Anything by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts or Nancy Bush. I love ethnic folk designs!

    anm54475 on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  131. I really like norwegian style mittens! so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  132. There are so many designers I love! Frogginette, Isolda Teague, Kate Davies, Gudrun Johnston are a few. I'm MsKniterrific on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm currently working on my second Nuvem wrap by Martina Behm. Love her patterns.
    I'm also fascinated with the Dreambird shawl, but I haven't started it yet. Trying to get the Christmas projects done before going out to look for the perfect yarn.
    Singingwolf on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Jared Flood (Brooklyn Tweed) is my favorite designer. On Ravelry as knitwmyn

    ReplyDelete
  135. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I am interested in all things knitted and crocheted. But Peruvian knitting and technique are my new interstate. I love color!! Ravelry---TiaMimi

    ReplyDelete
  137. I am really into Persian sock knitting. I can't do it but I love it. I am I8bnwrong on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  138. ShadesMahna on ravelry. My favourite knitting technique is definitely Shetland lace, but I haven't gotten brave enough to try it myself. Otherwise, I love knitting lace shawls, of any type.

    ReplyDelete
  139. my favorite designer is Jane Richmon. I wouldn't say she has an international flair per se, but her designs are timeless. @jannamaria

    ReplyDelete
  140. I am always interested in new knitting methods, Persian sock knitting is something I had not heard of before.
    apple380 on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  141. I love cables of all types, but cables using celtic designs are a favorite.
    Starkat on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  142. That looks really cool. Absolutely will have to try it! rav:slevine13

    ReplyDelete
  143. I may need to watch that a few more times, that's why I love learning from video. Video is so patient! :)

    ReplyDelete
  144. One of my favourite designers is Caitlin Ffrench on Ravelry. So many wonderful designs!

    I am alyshajane on Ravelry. :)

    ReplyDelete
  145. I have pick up knitting after 25 years and I am so in love with lace knitting and Russian crochet although I had problem trying to understand the using of cords and their instruction.. I love designs by Artyarns and Alice Starmore.
    I am Marie Ng and my email is marienil@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  146. My favorite international designer is Hanna Maciejewska. Loved making her INK, and love wearing it. Feeling a 40" set of fixed circular needles would help handling this project, I tried Knitter's Pride Karbonz. :)
    Ravelry ID: peggy35

    ReplyDelete
  147. I'm fascinated by colorwork-yoke sweaters lately, especially Icelandic! I'm sbhist on Rav. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  148. My favorite technique is the German Style cast on...very good for hats and the only way I can get them to fit me....I would love the fixed circular needles....thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  149. Brioche. Can't get enough of it.

    ReplyDelete
  150. I just discovered the Twisted German Cast-on and I absolutely love it for top-down socks and mittens/gloves. Ravelry ID: spikesmommy

    ReplyDelete
  151. I using long tail cast on..recently i saw our own cast on style.will try for sure.

    ReplyDelete