Hint: Sometimes It Means Can’t Overthink 🧶
Every knitting project starts with CO. In a pattern, CO = cast on.
It is the instruction that tells you how many stitches to load onto your needle before you can even begin. Think of it as the first ingredients in a recipe. Without them, you cannot start cooking.
👉 Example: “CO 30” means “cast on thirty stitches.”
The Real Meaning of CO in Knitting
Casting on creates the very first row of stitches. It sets the foundation and stitch count for your whole project.
There are a few different cast on methods (long-tail, knitted, cable), but they all do the same thing: get stitches on your needles so you can start knitting. Many knitters even say casting on is the hardest part. Once you clear that hurdle, the rest gets easier.
👉 Want to learn step by step? Learn to cast on in my free lesson.
The Twist: CO = Can’t Overthink
Yes, casting on can feel fiddly. Your yarn twists, your fingers forget what they are doing, and you start thinking, “If this is the first step, how will I ever knit a sweater?”
That is when you remind yourself: CO = can’t overthink.
The first row does not need to be perfect. It just needs to exist. Once you have stitches on the needle, you are on your way.
Why CO Matters for Beginners
Once you have cast on, you can start anything. Scarves, blankets, hats, socks—you name it. It is the universal starting point.
✨ Want to practice? Try these beginner-friendly projects:
🧶 Beginner Classics Pattern Bundle
📚 Knitting Pattern Library: Explore more patterns
These simple, beginner knitting projects are a great place to start casting on without overthinking.
Find More Abbreviations
Visit the Knitting Abbreviations Main Page to see the whole series.
What’s Next?
Now that you know CO = cast on (and sometimes can’t overthink), you are ready to keep exploring the knitting shorthand. Next up: k = knit and p = purl, the stitches you will use most.
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