Mingled Yarn: Crochet Cast-On (without Crochet Hooks)

Crochet Cast-On (without Crochet Hooks)
an attractive firm cast on that, when done in contrasting waste yarn, can be used provisionally as well

[Note: the "working needle" is the one on which the stitches are placed, and in this case is green. The "crochet" needle is the one that takes the place of the crochet hook, and is blue. The different color is for ease of explanation, and crochet needle can be done with any size needle with which you are comfortable.]

Step 1
Loop of yarn sits BEHIND the working needle.

Step 2
Pass crochet needle through loop, over working needle, and wrap yarn as if to knit.

Step 3
Pull the wrap over working needle and through loop on crochet needle.

Step 4
Swing working yarn behind working needle, placing you back in position for step 2. Repeat until you have desired number of loops on needle. If using as a provisional cast-on, I recommend casting-on several extra stitches and tying a knot at the end. When you're ready to remove the provisional cast-on, find that knot and pull, and the crocheted stitches will “unzip.”