How to work a simple Italian cast-on around 2 needles, with knit 1, purl 1 (in the round)

In this DROPS video we show you how to cast on so the visible stitches on the cast on edge are knit 1, purl 1. This method is also called “Simple Italian cast on”.

BEFORE STARTING THE VIDEO:
We begin casting on straight away, keeping the cast on stitches loose. Half the final stitch count is cast on and the number of stitches is doubled on the first row (minus 1 stitch). The last stitch is increased on row 2.

THE VIDEO SHOWS:
Make a start loop and place it around 2 needles held together (needles of the same size). Cast on in the normal way around both needles, then remove 1 needle so the cast on stitches are left on the circular needle. All the stitches are loose and even. Now increase the stitch count as follows:
ROW 1 (turn and work back):
* Purl 1, make 1 new stitch as follows: Take the right needle towards you, then under and behind the piece, up in front of the strand and pull the needle and the strand forwards and to the front of the piece again (= 1 new stitch on the right needle) *, work from *-* until there is 1 stitch left, purl 1; the stitch count has been doubled minus 1 stitch.
ROW 2 (turn and work back):
* Knit 1, purl 1 (= picked-up strand) *, work from *-* until there is 1 stitch left, work 2 stitches in the last stitch as follows: Knit 1 through the front loop and purl 1 through the back loop.
ROUND 3 (do not turn; continue in the round): Knit above knit and purl above purl.

WHEN ASSEMBLING:
When fastening the cast on strand, tighten the strand slightly so the transition is less visible.