Hi,
Has anyone any advice…I am about to start knitting a christmas stocking (vintage pattern). The rim of the stocking is the cast on edge and it has a band of 2x2 rib. Would you use thumb method cast on so it is a structured edge or an alternating cable cast on adjusted for 2x2 rib which I guess would end up a bit stretchy.
Thank you,
Lou x
If it’s just going to be decorative, a knit, cable or longtail cast on will give a firm edge. The thumb method isn’t as sturdy or pretty a cast on but it will get sts on the needle.
If this stocking is going to be used and filled, a cast on that alternated knits and purls using the cable cast on will work. The German long tail cast on is also a reasonably stretchy cast on to use here.
What is the name of your pattern and designer or source? Some of the vintage patterns are terrific choices for stockings. Good for you for starting early too!
Apologies, when I said thumb method, I meant long tail. I hadn’t thought much about actually using it until you said it but no in my mind it will be decorative, I don’t think it is particularly big either.
Its this pattern here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/496210561/pdf-for-vintage-kriss-kringle-down-the
I am starting early because I am not a fan of colour work, I can just never get it neat so once I decided to do it, I have to just go for it 
Very cute. Long tail is a go-to cast on but I think your favorite cast on will work here.
I personally love the German Twisted long-tail cast-on, which gives a nice braided edge.
German twisted cast on can be done in pattern. Whichever cast on you choose I’m sure it will be lovely. I really like your pattern. I agree about colorwork, the only way is to just do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9_j2cjuyJM&t=323s
Sounds like its time to learn a new skill, the German twisted cast on, I think it would look really good on a christmas stocking. Thanks so much all. I’m sure it’s not the last help I will be looking for with this pattern. Such a great community x
Practice the cast on as just knitting until you’re comfortable. That will help the purl version make more sense.
German Twisted is my go-to cast on…I use it for everything!
Me again, I knew it wouldn’t be long until I was back 
. I was wondering if I do the German cast on for 2x2 ribbing, would you count that as a row?
Typically no. The cast isn’t counted as a row even though some videos do count it. I don’t but if you prefer the look when you count the cast on then go ahead. It depends on how much space you would like above the writing if you are adding names or initials. You are the boss of your knitting.
Thank you !
Some patterns seem to start on the WS and some on the RS, if you have a fancy cast on and want to see that side of it you may need to add a row depending where the pattern starts to keep the good side of the cast on edge on the outside.
Thank you for the help as always!