Provisional CO?

#1

I’ve got the basics of how to do the Provisional CO, but I’m having a problem implementing it… I was planning to knit this BEAUTIFUL shawl, but I’m having a terrible time starting it.

(Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruni )

In the Set Up instructions, it says:

“This shawl begins with a garter stitch tab. Using the provisional cast on method of your choice (crochet chain or waste yawn), cast on 3 stitches. Sl1 as if to purl, with yarn in back, k2. This initial slipped stich should be worked quite loosely, so that you can properly block your shawl. The slipped stitch creates an attractively smooth finish on these edge stitches. You may simple knit the first stitch of every row if you prefer. Repeat this row 5 more times. After the 6th row, rotate your knitting, and pick up 3 stitches along the side of your stip of knitting, one in each garter ridge. Pick up the 3 stitches from your provisional cast on, 9 stitches total. Turn. Sl1, k2, p3, k3, turn. Now you are ready to begin knitting Chart A.”

I’ve gotten as far as casting on provisionally… Any help would be very much appreciated. Do I use a yarn different than what I will be using to knit for CO?

Also, I’m using the Provisional Crochet Cast-On, if that matters at all.

#2

Using a different color yarn, something smooth like cotton, makes the provisional cast on easier to see and remove. If you’re going to make the tab to begin the shawl, you cast on the 3 provisional sts in the crochet chain, knit the required rows and then turn the small rectangle that you’ve knit 90 degrees (rotate your knitting) so that you can pick up sts along the side betwen your live sts on the needle and the cast on. Picking up the sts will bring you back to the provisional cast on which you undo, placing these sts on the needle too (9sts total). Now work the row that’s given and go on to Chart A.
It is indeed a gorgeous shawl!

#3

You don’t have to start the shawl with the garter strip, though if you do, you can just use a backward loop CO, that’s easy to pick up sts in. Another way is to CO 7 sts, knit 2 rows with an increase in each of them (in the middle or at the end of the row) then you’re ready to begin that first row of sl 1 k2, p3, k3.

#4

Thanks so much! I’ve finally gotten this started.

Another way is to CO 7 sts, knit 2 rows with an increase in each of them (in the middle or at the end of the row) then you’re ready to begin that first row of sl 1 k2, p3, k3.

I’m still supposed to be slipping purl-wise, correct?

#5

Yes, slip one purlwise. It would be fun to see the finished shawl if you wouldn’t mind posting a picture.

#6

Of course not, you guys will be the first to see it :slight_smile:

#7

so funny because I am ready to cast on and was asking the same question about provisional and slipping first stitch. Nice to know there are alternative methods.