About knitting
There are many hundreds of different knitting stitches used by knitters. A piece of knitting begins with the
process of casting on (also known as "binding on"), which involves the initial creation of the stitches on
the needle. Different methods of casting on are used for different effects: one may be stretchy enough for
lace, while another provides a decorative edging — Provisional cast-ons are used when the knitting will continue
in both directions from the cast-on. There are various method employed to "cast on," such as the "thumb method"
(also known as "slingshot" or "long-tail" cast-ons), where the stitches are created by a series of loops that
will, when knitted, give a very loose edge ideal for "picking up stitches" and knitting a border; the "double
needle method" (also known as "knit-on" or "cable cast-on"), whereby each loop placed on the needle is then
"knitted on," which produces a firmer edge ideal on its own as a border; and many more. The number of active
stitches remains the same as when cast on unless stitches are added (an increase) or removed (a decrease).
Reference:
Wikipedia
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