I just watched a video of provisional cast on and I am wondering when you would use this method and which do you prefer using a cable needle or a different color yarn. The video was the one one this site and my book does it different. It has you casting on the regular way then P one row then K one row then changing to main color and " using the point of the right hand needle pu the first loop of main yarn that shows through the contrast yarn 4 rows below, transfer the loop to the left hand needle and k it. purl the next st repeat
There are many ways to do a provisional cast on. Right now I really like the turkish cast on, which I have been using on socks. There is also a version involving a crochet hook that I really like.
Provisional cast ons leave a row of live stitches where you would usually have a bound edge. This lets you knit in the other direction. An example where this would be useful would be a scarf where you wanted to start in the middle and work out toward the ends for a symmetrical design.
I wouldn’t worry about learning how to do a provisional cast on until you need to use it. There are so many different methods and the one you choose may very well depend on the particular project you’re working on. HTH
Thanks, I usually get ahead of myself when I knit. Right now I am trying to find a pattern for a cable sweater with a v neck so I can wear a camisole underneath but they all are big cables and I want a thin sweater that is more fitted.