Cable cast on

First off let me say that the cable cast on has nothing to do with cables and I don't know
why it's called that.

Start by placing a slip knot on the left hand needle. Again, you can leave just a short tail.
Knit on one stitch leaving 2 stitches now on the left hand needle. Now insert the needle
between the two stitches, wrap and bring through. Transfer the newly created stitch onto
the left hand needle.

The cable cast on will also you leave you set up to start with a knit row. It is strong yet
flexible and, according to Elizabeth Zimmerman, "looks equally well on both sides".