How To Cast On Knitting

In this post, you will learn how to cast on knitting.

There are many different ways of casting on, creating loops on the needle that you can start to work with.

We will look at the most common methods of casting on, so you can see what they all mean!

Learn A Cast On Method

All knitting starts with casting on.

• This creates loops on the needle which will become the first row of stitches.
• There are many cast-on methods and in the video in this post, I show you the thumb cast-on method.
• As with other cast-on methods, you need just one needle to cast on with the thumb method.
• Learning to cast on is often the first step to learn for beginner knitters.
• It is simply putting the yarn and the stitches onto the needle.

1. The Long Tail Cast On

This is a really popular way of casting on with knitters.

It is an easy method to learn and a fast way of getting the stitches onto the needle.

This is a method that can be used in any project and the way that it is done, means that the bumps created by the casting on can be used as a first row in knitting.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from The Blue Elephants Blog

2. The Knit Cast On

This is another good choice for beginners, as it can teach you how to do the knit stitch while you cast on.

It is a good cast on for many types of projects and is quite stretchy.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from The Spruce Crafts

3. Cast On Thumb Method

This is a variation of the long tail cast on method.

The thumb method is really easy for beginners (I have a video tutorial you can see in this post for how to do this).

Once you practice and learn how to do this, it is a very quick way of casting on stitches.

You can see a step by step tutorial below:

Step 1

• Leave a long tail of yarn – this is important, as you need the tail to be able to cast on the stitches.
• If you have many stitches to cast on in your pattern, this will need to be quite long.
• Make a slip knot and place on your needle ready to start.
• Hold the knitting needle in your right hand.
• Wrap your thumb around the yarn with your left hand, you will use your right hand to work the yarn from the ball.
• Pass the needle through the loop on your thumb, from the back.

Step 2

Wrap the yarn that is attached to the ball and bring that around in between your thumb and the knitting needle.

Step 3

Use your thumb to slip the loop over the end of the knitting needle, leaving you with a completed cast on loop.

Tighten up the stitch by gently pulling on both ends of the yarn.

Step 4

Continue and repeat this process again for the next stitch.

Step 5

Repeat the process for as many stitches you need for your project.

4. The Wrap Cast On

This is also an easy way to cast on your stitches if you are a beginner.

It is quick and easy to do and is a stretchy cast on, great for sweaters and socks. 

You can also use it for other projects where you do not want the cast on edge to stand out from the knitting.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from All Free Knitting

5. The Cable Cast On

The cable cast-on method is used for hats and sweaters.

It has a firm edge and is not as stretchy as other methods.

You need to keep your stitches loose because if the stitches get too tight, you will struggle to cast on the stitches.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from We Are Knitters

6. Provisional Cast On

The provisional cast-on method is a good way to add stitches that you will want to work into again. 

To start with you need to complete a little bit of crochet, work into it with knitting.

When you have the number of stitches you want, you can pull out the crochet chain.

You will be left with your knitting stitches and can start working on your project.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from Tricksy Knitter

7. Stretchy Cast On

The stretchy cast-on method is also known as the German twist cast on or the Old Norwegian cast on.

This starts in a similar way to the long tail cast on method.

This is a great cast on choice for socks, as it has an extra twist that gives the cast on edge extra stretch.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from New Stitch A Day

8. Backward Loop Cast On

The backward loop cast-on method is not a general cast on method for beginners but one that is perfect for casting on stitches in the middle of a row.

For example, at the underarm of a top-down sweater or for a mitten thumb.

You can see a step by step tutorial here.

Image from Tin Can Knits