A crochet provisional cast on uses a loose waste-yarn chain as a removable foundation, letting you later unravel it to expose live stitches for a clean second edge. This is especially useful for double-ended projects like scarves worked from the middle out. This guide covers the steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chain a loose foundation in a contrasting waste yarn, a few stitches longer than you need.
- Switch to your working yarn and work your first row into the back bumps of the waste chain.
- Continue your project as normal.
- Later, carefully unravel the waste chain to expose the original loops for a second side.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a provisional cast on instead of a regular chain?
A provisional cast on lets you access live stitches later for a clean, join-free second edge, which a regular foundation chain does not allow once fastened off.
Want to see this used in knitting too?
Knitters borrow this exact crochet technique for their own provisional cast-ons.
See the knitting version of this technique
