Monica Knits

Side 1 Side 2The first row of stitching after the cast on row involves purling normally, but knitting through the back loops (tbl) since the kitchener rib cast on (also called Italian or tubular cast on) creates twisted knit stitches. This article is the second in the series on the Kitchener Rib cast on. Read more .... for stepwise, illustrated instructions.
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Kitchener Rib Cast On (illustrated instructions)
Kitchener Rib Cast On This closeup of the cast on row, shows the two colors of stocking stitch.

INSTRUCTIONS
This reversible knitting is also called double knitting because it produces two knitted fabrics with the stocking stitch sides facing outwards. In the method shown in this article, both sides are knitted at the same time, although a second method involves the use of a double pointed needle or circular needle with only knit stitches worked on each pass of the needle.

For the second alternative, the knit stitches are knitted, and the purl stitches are slipped on the first pass. On the return pass, the knit stitches (which were the slipped purl stitches) are knitted and the purl stitches (which had just been knitted) are slipped. Although this second method is more time consuming, if complex jacquard patterns are being knitted, it may be less confusing to begin the pattern with this second method. A third method involves separating the "fabrics," each onto its own circular needle and knitting each independently. There are occasions where you may use any of these three methods, depending on the design being worked.

1. Beginning of row, showing needle and yarn positions.
2. About to knit (tbl).
3. Pulling yarn through knit stitch (twisted so knitted through back loop - tbl). Both color yarns are behind the needle for a knit stitch.
4. Pointing to the purl bump (light green bump, dark green loop from cast on row).
5. Yarn position (both yarns in front) for purl st.
6. Drawing the yarn through the purl stitch.
7. One side of reversible knitting (created with 1 x 1 kitchener rib).
8. Reverse side of the same piece.

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