Stitches

could somebody please help me with a small section of a knitting pattern?

I am attempting to knit my first jacket...I'm not entirely confident with it yet but I am following through with the pattern. I was just reading ahead and the pattern states this: Work until 36 sts. Inc for collar ROW 1: knit ROW 2: Cast on 2 sts, purl to end (38). I am not sure what is meant by casting on...does this mean to increase stitches or to actually cast them on? I would really appreciate any help! Thank you soo much!

Public Comments

1. You can add the 2 stitches by making a crochet chain stitch and looping it on the needle twice then follow the pattern where it says to purl that row. http://www.knittingdaily.com is a free site, must register to download .pdf formatted files, and to ask questions or answer, lots of helps for new knitters here.
2. When you complet the knit row, you'll turn to start the purl row. (there should be 36 stitches) Before you start to purl, slide your needle into the first stitch and cast on one stitch, then from that one cast on another stitch. Now you will purl those two stitches and continue purling the rest of the row. (38 stitches) It probably will have you knit the next row and then cast on two more..then knit again and so on.
3. it actually means both - increase 2 sts BY casting on. do a purl st BUT when you draw the yarn through DO NOT take the stitch off the left hand needle - put the loop (st) you have pulled through onto the same needle as the other sts. and then do that again - and you have cast on (and increased) the 2sts that the pattern says you need. Now you will have the 38 sts the pattern has stated and you purl the row. If a pattern says to do this on a knit row then you will cast on as for a knit st.