How to knit: Long Tail Cast On

The long tail cast on method is a versatile and popular technique that creates a neat, sturdy, and elastic edge. It's a foundational skill for any knitter, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hand. This method is particularly beloved for its balance of flexibility and firmness, making it suitable for various knitting projects such as hats, scarves, sweaters, and blankets. Mastering the long tail cast on will not only enhance the overall appearance of your finished pieces but also improve the ease with which you can start new projects. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you master this essential technique, with options for starting both with and without a slip knot.

Set Up for Long Tail Cast On

Estimate the Yarn Tail Length:

Pull a length of yarn from the ball. To estimate the length, measure about 1" (2.5 cm) per cast-on stitch for worsted weight yarn. For thinner yarns, use less; for chunkier yarns, use more.
Alternative measurement: Use three times the width of the project plus an extra 6" (15 cm).

Option 1: Starting with a Slip Knot

Create a slip knot and place it on the right-hand needle. Ensure the ball end of the yarn is away from you, and the tail end is closer to you.

Option 2: Starting Without a Slip Knot

Drape the yarn over the right-hand needle without making a slip knot. Hold the yarn tail closer to you and the working yarn (attached to the ball) away from you.

Cast On with Long Tail Cast-On Method

1. Grasp the yarn and form the yarn V shape:

Hold the two yarn ends below the slip knot (or the draped yarn) in your left hand.
Push your left thumb and forefinger through the two strands, with the long tail lying over your thumb and the working yarn over your forefinger.
Spread your thumb and forefinger apart to create tension in the yarn, forming a V shape (The fingers resemble the shape of a slingshot.).
Hold the needle so that the yarn makes a V between the thumb and forefinger. Use the forefinger of your right hand to hold the slip knot (or draped yarn) on the needle if necessary.

2. Insert Needle Under Thumb Yarn:

Bring the right needle tip slightly towards you.
Insert it into the left thumb loop from below (the strand closest to you).

3. Wrap Yarn Around Needle:

Move the needle tip over and behind the yarn on your forefinger (the working yarn).
Grab the strand from your index finger with the right needle, from right to left.

4. Draw Yarn Through Thumb Loop:

Draw the yarn from your forefinger down through the loop on your left thumb.
This creates a new stitch on the needle.

5. Release Thumb Loop:

Release the yarn from your left thumb.
Let the loop slide off your thumb and onto the needle.

6. Tighten the Stitch:

Use your thumb to tighten the new stitch on the needle.
Ensure the stitch is snug but not too tight.

7. Return to Slingshot Position:

Return your thumb and forefinger to the starting "slingshot" position, ready to cast on the next stitch.

Repeat Steps 2-7:

Continue repeating steps 2-7 until you have cast on the required number of stitches for your project.

Tips

Avoid pulling the yarn too tight when casting on to prevent the bottom edge of your project from pulling in and puckering. Ensure your stitches can move smoothly and easily on the needle, aiming for about a needle's width of space between each cast-on stitch.
For a very stretchy cast-on, space the stitches further apart.
For looser stitches that are easier to knit into on the next row, try casting on with a larger needle or both of your needles held together.
Keep an even tension on both the tail and the working yarn to ensure a consistent edge.

Finishing Up

Ensure that all your stitches are evenly spaced and that you have the correct number of stitches.
You are now ready to begin knitting your project with a solid and professional-looking cast-on edge.

Congratulations!

You have now successfully cast on your first set of stitches using the long tail cast on method. This versatile and easy method is perfect for hats, shawls, sweaters, and more. Happy knitting! Enjoy your new project with the confidence that you've started with a solid and professional edge.

If you find this tutorial useful, I would appreciate your support by shopping from my carefully designed patterns.