Zen Knitting

start off knitting a row.

Usually, the cast-on row does not count as a knit row for stockinette. However, the answer to the question depends on two things: (1) Your directions will almost always say whether to knit or purl the first row and whether it is the right side or the wrong side. (2) If you use the “long-tail cast-on,” the cast-on itself will have a “purl” look on the side that is toward you when you are ready to make the first stitch. If you prefer, you may start off by purling the first row, then knitting the next row.

If you use another cast-on method, you will probably start off with a knit row. You may want to review cast-on methods. Both of these sites are good sources of information, with videos to help you visualize the action.

http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/FEATsum05TT.html

Whether or not the cast on *counts* as your first row depends on which method you use to cast on. If you use the backwards loop over your thumb method it does not serve as the first row and you need to knit the first row. If you use the *long tail* or *slingshot* cast on or you knit on your stitches, then you begin with a purl row, as this row is actually knitted as you cast on and is the public side of your work.