How to knit a Scalloped Cast-on Edge

The scalloped edge adds a fun detail to your knitting project! It can be used as a hem on a top or maybe to add a pretty wavy edge to a knitted tea towel.

This edge is knitted over one row immediately after casting on. So, the first thing we’re going to do is add our stitches! I use the long-tail cast-on, but this works with other “plain” cast-on techniques too, like a knitted cast-on for example.

Calculate how many stitches to cast on

The Scalloped cast on edge is knitted over multiples of eight stitches + two edge stitches (for one edge, the other edge is included in the multiple of eight). When you’re done with the first row you will have a multiple of three stitches + two edge stitches.

This means that you’re “losing” five stitches per scallop, which can be worth keeping in mind when you calculate your stitches and end up with an insane number 🙂

For my swatch I cast on 66 stitches (8 scallops x 8 stitches + 2 edge stitches = 64+2 = 66).

And ended up with 26 stitches (8 scallops x 3 stitches + 2 edge stitches = 24+2 = 26) after the first row was knit.

Video: How to knit the Scalloped cast-on edge

In the video below I show how to make the scalloped cast-on edge and how it can look if you knit garter stitch after making the scallops. Enjoy! And please subscribe to my channel and turn on the notifications (the little bell icon) to be notified when I upload a new video!

(If you like to read a step by step instruction you find one after the video)

How to knit a scalloped cast-on edge

  1. Knit two stitches

    Knit the 2 first stitches.

  2. Lift eight stitches

    Place your working yarn over the left needle tip and lift six stitches (one at a time) over the yarn. The working yarn should go through the lifted stitches and form a new stitch on the left needle tip.

  3. Knit the new stitch

    If your scallops need to be adjusted now is the time to pull your yarn to tension them! Knit the new stitch (that’s holding all your scallop stitches), and knit 2 more.

  4. Repeat

    Repeat steps 2–3 as many times as needed!

Scalloped cast-on edge