A preferred method of getting knitting on your machine is to "cast on with waste yarn and ravel cord". With this method, you add a few rows of knitting before starting your cast on with your garment yarn.
Benefits of Scrap 'n Ravel:
- Use waste knitting to hang cast on comb and/or weights
- Protect delicate/fine yarns
- Immediately start patterning (tuck, lace, etc) with weights in place
- Leave waste knitting in place to make blocking easier – especially for edges that roll
Overview of "scrap and ravel".
- Work a fast cast on with waste yarn
- Knit a few rows
- Knit a row of ravel cord (so you can remove the scrap easily)
- Start knitting with the garment yarn, safely leaving open stitches to be worked later
You'll practice this in the next section.
What is Ravel Cord?
Characteristics of Ravel cord
- Similar weight to your garment yarn (or lighter)
- Contrasting color
- Smooth and slippery
- Strong (you have to cut it and can’t break it with your hands)
Your machine may have come with ravel cord, but you can use anything that meets these criteria. Use your cord over and over, or toss it. It's your choice.
