Long-Tail Cast-On | Knitting tutorial for beginners
Ready to start your next knitting project with confidence? Learn the versatile long-tail cast-on method that will give your knitting projects a professional-looking edge! In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll guide you through every movement of this essential knitting technique.
You'll discover:
- How to measure the perfect tail length
- The simple hand positions that make this method feel natural
- My personal tips for keeping your tension consistent
- Bonus: I'll teach you how to count cast-on stitches in the most efficient way
The long-tail cast-on is my go-to method for almost every project because it creates an elastic yet sturdy foundation for practically any project. Whether you're making your very first scarf or your hundredth sweater, this technique will serve you well.
What you'll need:
- Yarn: Any yarn you have on hand. I recommend using a worsted weight yarn for your first try.
- Needles: The same size needles you plan to use for your project. If you're not sure, check the yarn label (it usually says what needle size is recommended for this yarn) or the pattern instructions.
- Scissors: To cut the yarn.
Let's get started!
- Measure the tail length: The long-tail cast-on requires a tail of yarn that is about 2-3 times the width of your project. For example, if you're casting on 20 stitches for a scarf, measure out a tail that is about 40-60 inches long. Or you can use the method shown in the video. Wrap the yarn around your needle 10 times to get the length of the tail needed for 10 stitches. Then multiply that by the number of stitches you need to cast on. And add a little extra for good measure.
- Make a slip knot: Create a slip knot with the yarn and place it on your needle. This will be your first stitch.
- Hold the yarn: Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand. The working yarn is the yarn that is attached to the ball of yarn.
- Create the long-tail: Use your thumb and index finger to create a loop with the working yarn. This loop will be the long-tail that you will use to cast on stitches. Make sure the tail is on wrapped around your thumb and the working yarn is wrapped around your index finger.
- Insert the needle: Insert the needle into the loop created by your thumb from the bottom to the top. Then wrap the needle around the working yarn (the yarn wrapped around your index finger) and pull it through the loop on your thumb. Release the arn from your thumb and pull both the tail and working yarn to tighten the stitch on the needle. This will create a new stitch on your needle.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle. Make sure to keep your tension consistent as you work.
- Tip: To count your stitches, you can use the method shown in the video. Count a relatively small number of stitches (e.g., 10) and place a removable stitch marker on the last stitch. Then, continue casting on until you reach the desired number of stitches. This way, you can easily keep track of how many stitches you've cast on without having to count them all at once.
- Finish: Once you have the desired number of stitches, you can start knitting your project as usual.
Good luck in your knitting journey. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - they are a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice, the better you'll get! And remember the best part about knitting - you can always unravel your work and start over if you need to. So don't be afraid to try new things and have fun with it!
