Lesson One: The Long Tail Cast On

Casting on is the first step of all knitting projects and the first thing to learn if you are a beginner knitter. There are several different cast on methods. In this step-by-step guide, I will demonstrate the long tail cast on. If you are struggling with this method you can check out my backwards loop cast on guide.

The first step of many cast on methods is the slip knot. To create a slip knot you will take your yarn and form a loop, crossing your working yarn over the tail.

Then, you will fold your loop to the left so that it covers the tail yarn.

Pull the tail through the loop.

Tighten by pulling on the tail and working yarn.

You have now created a slip knot!

Long Tail Cast On

Place your slip knot on your needles and spread out your tail and working yarn across your fingers so that your tail is resting atop your thumb and your working yarn is resting on your pointer finger. Grasp the ends on the yarn with your pinkie.

Now adjust your hand so that your palm is facing up. You will now see a V-shape has been created with the yarn.

Take your needle and go under the first loop resting on your thumb.

Then, go over the first loop resting on your pointer finger.

Bring your needle back through the loop on your thumb going back under the first strand on your thumb.

Now pull the working yarn and the tail to tighten.

Repeat until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.