It can be intimidating to start knitting if you’ve never done it before. And if you’re trying to learn on your own, knowing where to begin can make all the difference in getting started or giving up entirely.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Casting on is the first step in knitting, and it sets the foundation for any project. |
| There are many different casting on techniques to choose from, depending on the project’s purpose, the type of yarn being used, and personal preference. |
| The long-tail cast on is one of the most popular techniques and is easy to learn for beginners. |
| Understanding the importance of tension can help avoid common mistakes while casting on, such as stitches being too tight or too loose. |
| It’s important to practice casting on regularly to build confidence and improve skills. |
Here are 10 easy ways to cast on and get started with your projects!
1. Long-tail Cast-On
The Long-Tail Cast-On is a simple, easy way to start a knitting project. It produces an edge that looks like ribbing on the wrong side and can be worked with any type of yarn. Here’s how to do it:
First, make a slip knot in your working yarn. If you are using two colors of yarn, hold them together so they will be joined when you knit with them later on.
Place this loop onto your needle and bring it up through the middle of the stitch below it (as shown above). Hold this loop in place with one finger as you wrap the working end around both legs of the first stitch (the leg closest to me), wrapping from front to back over top of itself as shown above).
You’ll now have two strands coming off your needle–one going each direction–and 4 loops left on your needles wrapped around each other (two above them, two below). Pull these four loops tight against each other at their base; this will create an extra twist in them so they don’t come apart during later steps in casting on stitches!
Repeat steps 1-3 until there are enough stitches cast onto your needle for whatever project you’re making; this depends upon how much fabric depth you want/need in order for certain patterns/designs not showing through when finished (many times less than 10% additional length will suffice).
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2. Slipknot Cast-On
To cast on using the slipknot method, you need to knit a loop of yarn that is loose enough to fit over the needle. Hold your knitting needles together in your left hand with the tips pointing toward you.
With your right hand, take a slipknot of yarn and place it on top of one needle tip. Now pull up a loop (the same way you would if you were making a regular knot). This loop should be slightly larger than what will fit onto your needle when completed because it needs room to expand before being tightened later on.
Pull this loop through both strands of yarn used for casting-on and then remove from needle tip with both hands by pulling gently apart from each other.
| Steps |
|---|
| 1. Begin by tying a slipknot with the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later |
| 2. Place the slipknot on the needle, and hold the needle with your right hand |
| 3. With your left hand, make a loop with the working yarn and place it over your left thumb |
| 4. Insert the needle into the loop from top to bottom, then bring it around and up through the loop |
| 5. Tighten the stitch on the needle, and repeat the process until you have the desired number of stitches. |
Note: The slipknot cast-on is commonly used since it creates a sturdy foundation for knitting, and it’s adjustable in tension making it perfect for beginners.
You have now created one stitch! Repeat this process until there are as many stitches as needed at each end of both needles; these will be referred to as “end” stitches throughout this guide since they mark where each row begins and ends in knitting patterns.
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3. Backward Loop Cast-On
The backward loop cast-on is similar to the long tail method. You will be using your left hand as you make a loop with the working yarn and place it on the needle.
Hold the needle in your right hand and grasp the working yarn with your left hand. Wrap that yarn around your index finger once or twice, depending on how large you want your stitches.
Place the resulting loop around one end of whatever needles are selected for this project, so that it drapes over both needles at once (you may have to move things around a bit until you get a comfortable fit).
The needle should be pointing toward you and away from where you hold it; if not, use some pins or tape as needed so that things don’t slip out of place while casting on more stitches later!
Pull through both loops on hook; one stitch has been created! Repeat steps 1–3 until desired number of stitches have been casted onto each needle – this can vary wildly depending on what type/size needles were used originally in order to achieve different gauge measurements per inch rather than just widths between rows…etcetera…
4. Cable Cast-On
The cable cast-on is a great choice for beginners. It’s easy to learn, and looks very similar to the knitted cast-on. This is also an excellent option for adding texture to your knitting (which we’ll cover later).
To cast on using this technique, you’ll need two dpns in size 7 US/4.5 mm or larger, yarn needle with large eye, waste yarn and cable needle.
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5. Knitted Cast-On
Now that you have your yarn and needles, it’s time to get started! You will be knitting rows of stitches onto the needle.
First Row: Make a slip knot in the middle of your yarn, leaving the end free so that you can pull it through when needed. Then place this loop onto one of your needles (you will now have two tips). Then take hold of both strands/ends with one hand and wrap them around each other four times like this:
Second Row: Slip both loops off your needle together by pulling on the ends of them; then put both ends back on again in between these same two stitches from where they were previously sitting (they should now look like this):
6. Judy’s Magic Cast-On
Judy’s Magic Cast-On is a technique that makes a nice edge for projects that are knitted in the round.
It can also be used for other types of knitting but is generally considered to be more difficult than other cast-ons because you have to keep track of where your stitches are going as you’re working.
- Hold the yarn in your right hand and hold the needle in your left hand. Make sure it’s not twisted!
- Make a slipknot by wrapping the loose end around itself once or twice with the tail hanging at least 4 inches (10 cm) long, then place it on top of all the stitches on the needle.
- Slide off all but one stitch onto waste yarn and hold them loosely by placing them between two fingers with just enough room so that they don’t slide off as well (you’ll use these later). The stitch remaining on top should look like two strands coming together into one loop at one end; this will be referred to as “the loop.”
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7. Tubular Cast-Ons
Cast on with this technique if you plan to work in the round (like on a hat) or if you want to make a seamless cowl.
This is called a provisional cast-on because it creates a tube of stitches that will be used later. You can also use this technique as your main cast-on method, but it makes for more knitting later since there will always be two ends to weave in at the end of your project.
If you’ve ever seen an infinity scarf or cowl start out as just one big loop, then you’ve seen this trick in action!
| Steps – Top Row | Steps – Bottom Row |
|---|---|
| 1. Make a foundation row of half the stitches you need in a contrast color | 1. Knit the first row with your working yarn |
| 2. Use a circular needle to pick up a stitch in the cast on edge, then skip a stitch and pick up the next stitch | 2. Continue knitting the second row, K1, P1 across. Repeat till the end of the row |
| 3. Place the stitch on the left needle, and knit through the back loop | 3. After completing the second row, slide the stitches down to the other end of the needle so that the original knitting is at your working end |
| 4. Slide the stitch off the right needle, and pick up the next stitch in the contrast-color foundation row | 4. Using the foundation yarn, P1, K1 across the third row, slipping all stitches purlwise except for the last one which is knitted |
| 5. Knit the two stitches through the back loop | 5. Continue the third row in ribbing for about 3 inches |
| 6. Repeat steps 3-5 until all stitches are picked up | 6. After the ribbing is done, create a fold line and seam it up to form the tube |
| 7. Switch to your working yarn and knit the next row normally | 7. Once the tube is formed, pick up stitches along one end, and knit in the round to create a border for the tube |
Note: The tubular cast-on creates a ribbed, stretchy edge that is perfect for cuffs, hats, and socks. It’s a bit more advanced and time-consuming so it might not be ideal for beginners.
8. Provisional Crochet Chain Cast-Ons
Provisional crochet chain cast-ons are a great alternative to the long-tail cast-on, especially if you’re working with a slippery yarn.
They can also be used to add stitches at the beginning of a row or round in other knitting patterns (like magic loop).
Provisional crochet chain cast-ons are also known as backwards loop cast ons and they’re easier than they look. You’ll need three things:
- A hook that is smaller than your needle size (usually a size 2 or 3)
- A length of yarn about 5 times longer than you want your stitches to be when finished (i.e., if you want 12 stitches on your needle, use 60 inches/150 cm of yarn)
- Scissors
9. Needleless Provisional Cast Ons
To do the Needleless Provisional Cast On, you’ll need to have a needle that’s the same size as your working needles.
You can use any needle with an eye large enough to fit all of your stitches on it. This cast on is great because you don’t have to remove your stitches once they’re off the knitting needles by pulling them off together (as in other provisional methods), and then create something else with these stitches for a bit before turning around and putting them back onto knitting needles.
With Needleless Provisional Cast Ons, you get right back into knitting immediately after taking off those cast-on stitches!
The next step is to take the tail end of yarn and put it through the bottom loop from front to back. Then break both ends of this tail one at a time and place them on opposite sides of this empty needle eye so that there are two tails pointing outwards instead of one going up through the bottom loop like we did in Step One above).
Now pull both tails tight across each other so that they form an X shape within this empty needle eye (like below). When finished pulling tight, snip excess thread away from where it meets up at top center point here
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10. Twisted German Cast On
The Twisted German cast on is a great way to begin your knitting project. It’s also known as the backward loop cast on, and can be done using either the right or left hand.
This method is easy to learn, creates a nice edge, and works for both knitters who are right-handed or left-handed.
As far as techniques go, this one comes in at about 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty levels it isn’t difficult to do but it does take some practice before you get it down perfectly.
Conclusion
So there you have it, ten methods of casting on. If you’re new to knitting then these are all good options to try out and see what works best for you.
There’s no right or wrong way to cast on so if any of these methods appeal to you then go ahead and give it a shot!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about casting on in knitting:
Sarah Maker – How to Cast On: A comprehensive guide on how to cast on with step-by-step instructions and pictures.
Nimble Needles – How to Cast On Knitting Stitches for Beginners: A beginner-friendly tutorial on casting on in knitting, including the necessary tools and equipment.
Instructables – Knitting Lessons: Cast On Techniques: A detailed guide on different casting on techniques with illustrations, along with tips and tricks for beginners.
FAQs
What is casting on in knitting?
Casting on is the process of creating the first row of stitches on a knitting needle to start the project.
Why is casting on important?
Casting on sets the foundation for a project, and the type of cast-on method you choose will affect the look, stretch, and durability of the finished item.
How do I choose the right casting on method?
The right casting on method for a project depends on several factors, such as the type of yarn you’re using, the stitch pattern, the project’s purpose, and your personal preference.
What are some common casting on techniques?
Some common casting on techniques include the long-tail cast on, the knit cast on, the cable cast on, and the provisional cast on.
Are there any tips for casting on?
Some tips for casting on include making sure the stitches are not too tight or too loose, keeping an even tension, and using stitch markers to keep track of the stitch count.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!