New to Knitting Series Part 1: How to Longtail Cast-on
- theknottingway
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
The first step in learning to knit is casting on. Casting-on is how you set up your yarn and needles to begin working on your knitting project. There are many different ways to cast on. This article will walk you through how to make a longtail cast-on.
The longtail cast-on is a basic cast-on and a wonderful place to start as a beginner. It is the most common cast on I use when a specific one isn’t stated. It provides a neat edge and has the right amount of stretch for many knitting projects.
For a video to learn to Longtail Cast On click the button below. For written directions, continue reading.
Step 1: Estimate the Amount of Yarn Needed to Cast On
Start by locating the end of the yarn. There will be a tail located on the outside of the skein of yarn, or you can pull it from the center. To center pull the yarn, reach inside the middle, and pull out the tail. Once the yarn tail is located, leaving about 3 inches to hang, wrap the yarn snuggly but not tightly around one of the knitting needles used for your project. Making one complete circle around the yarn counts as one estimated stitch. Wrap the yarn around the number of times the pattern says to cast on. For instance, if the pattern says, “CO 20 sts,” wrap the yarn around the needle 20 times. Once you have wrapped the yarn around the knitting needle the number of times stated, pinch the yarn to mark the spot where you ended and unravel it from the needle.
Step 2: Make a Slip Knot
Taking the yarn from where you pinched it, add about 1 more inch. Twist the yarn one time to make a small loop with the yarn tail side on top.
Push a bit of the yarn tail through the loop you made and pull up a new loop. Then holding that new loop, gently pull the yarn connected to the skein to tighten around that new loop. Poke your knitting need through this loop and gently tighten the loop around the needle by pulling the yarn tail. The slip knot you just made will count as your first stitch.
Step 3: Longtail Cast on
Check your knitting pattern to see how many stitches to cast on. It should say something like, “CO 20 sts.” That number is the number of stitches you will put on your knitting needle.
A. Hold your knitting needle in your right hand. Look at the yarn hanging from the needle. Be sure the yarn tail is hanging in front. The front is considered the yarn closest to your body. If the yarn is not hanging this way, carefully remove the loop and turn it around so it hangs with the yarn tail in front. Grab both the yarn tail and the yarn connected to the skein about two inches below the needle with the pinky, ring, and middle fingers of your left hand. Touch your index finger to your thumb and poke them between the two strands of yarn. Open your fingers to form a v shape. The yarn tail should be around your thumb and the yarn connected to the skein should be around your index finger.
B. Next, move your knitting needle to the outside edge of your thumb, grab the yarn with your needle, and draw up a loop. Keep holding the yarn with the lower three fingers.
C. Draw that loop across the top of the yarn on your index finger. Grab that yarn and pull it up through the loop on your needle.
Drop the loop that formed around your thumb and gently tighten it by pulling the yarn tail. A new loop should be on the knitting needle. A new stitch has been formed.
Repeat A-C until the correct number of stitches have been worked. Then you are ready to begin knitting!
For a video to learn to Longtail Cast On click the button below.
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