technique
Cast-on in the middle of a row
Casting on in the middle of a row adds new stitches before the row is finished.
What it is
Cast-on in the middle of a row means creating new stitches while the work is still moving flat from one edge to the other. The new stitches become part of the same row and are worked on the following row or later in the section.
How Ruke patterns use it
Ruke patterns use this kind of cast-on when a flat piece needs extra stitches for shaping, an opening, a strap, a band, a bag detail or another construction change. It is a construction action, so the important part is not only how to make the stitches, but where they sit in the row.
Pattern notation examples
- Row 1 (RS) Sl1, k to marker, cast on 4 sts, k to last st, p last st.
- Row 2 (WS) Sl1, p to cast-on sts, work across cast-on sts, p last st.
When to use it
Use it when a Ruke pattern asks you to add stitches before the end of a flat row instead of casting on only at the beginning of the work.
What to check
Check the row side, stitch count after the cast-on, and whether the new stitches should be worked immediately or on the next row.
Common mistakes
Adding the stitches in the wrong place, turning too early, or forgetting to include the new stitches in the next stitch count.