How do I cast on stitches for knitting?
Long-Tail Cast-On Steps
First, make a slip knot on one needle, leaving a long tail (about 1 inch per stitch you plan to cast on). Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand. Loop the working yarn (from the ball) over your left thumb and the tail yarn over your left index finger, then use the needle to go under the thumb loop, over the finger loop, and back through the thumb loop. Slip your thumb out and tighten gently. Repeat until you have the desired number of stitches.
This method produces a smooth, elastic edge. It's worth practicing a few times; the first row is the hardest. If you struggle, try the backward-loop cast-on, which is simpler but less stretchy and can be loose.
- Make a slip knot with a long tail
- Hold needle in right hand
- Loop working yarn over left thumb, tail over left index
- Dip needle under thumb loop, over finger loop, back through thumb loop
- Slide thumb out and tighten
Other Cast-On Methods
The knitted cast-on is another beginner-friendly option: you create stitches by knitting into the slip knot and then slipping the new stitch back to the left needle. It's slower but easier to tension. The cable cast-on is similar but creates a firmer edge. For a stretchy edge on hats or socks, the German twisted cast-on is popular but more advanced.
Most patterns specify which cast-on to use. If not, long-tail is a safe default. The number of stitches you cast on determines the width of your project, so check your pattern's gauge.
Common mistakes
- Making the tail too short, so you run out of yarn before casting on all stitches.
- Casting on too tightly, which makes the first row hard to knit and the edge stiff.
- Twisting stitches when joining in the round (not an issue for flat knitting).