An Easy Provisional Cast-On
I just finished a new sock pattern, Hidden Stitch Lace Sock. As I was writing the pattern, I realized that using a Provisional Cast-On might be a problem for some.
It is the Provisional Cast-On and the two rows of Kitchener Rib that allow this sock to scallop so beautifully at the top and, at the same time, retain the elasticity necessary for the stock to keep its shape.
There are many many provisional cast-on techniques, but I think the easiest is a variation of the Long-Tailed Cast-On.
The only difference between the normal Long-Tailed Cast-On and the provisional Long-Tailed is the use of waste yarn for the yarn that goes over the thumb.
Below is the description found in my e-book, Socks! The Next Step.
The Provisional Long-Tailed Cast-On
1. Holding the waste yarn and the sock yarn together, tie a slip-knot.
2. Insert the needle into the slip-knot. Tighten the knot gently to fit the needle. Please do not count this slip-knot as a stitch. When you have finished the cast-on and begin knitting, you
will drop the slip-knot from the needle.
3. With the needle in your right hand and the needle point 
pointing toward your left, insert your left thumb and index finger between the two strands of yarn. The waste yarn (red in the diagram) should be over your thumb and the working yarn (blue in the diagram) over your index finger. Spread your thumb and index finger apart. Secure the two pieces of yarn against your palm with the remaining fingers of your
left hand.
4. To make a stitch, insert the needle point under the yarn
on the outside of your thumb.
5. Then pass the needle over the yarn on your index finger and
pull through the loop formed on your thumb.
6. Remove your thumb from the loop. Insert your thumb under
the tail yarn and spread your thumb and index finger
apart. This will tighten the newly formed stitch on the
needle and position your thumb in working position for the
next stitch.
Repeat steps 4-6 until you have formed the required number of stitches.
Filed under: Techniques by cwulster
Carole,
Thank you so much for sharing this method of provisional cast on. I’ve been knitting for about 10 years and learning more as I go, but I’ve always been too timid to try provisonal co and it’s been in loads of patterns that I would by pass. Had I know that I could substitute the thumb yarn with waste yarn, I would have jumped for joy……NOW I CAN DO JUST THAT.
Is that all that’s involved, in other words, once I’ve done that what happens with the waste yarn later on?
Thanks, Laura (one of your devoted fans, aka, knittindreamer on SW forum)