A Guide to Mastering Cast On Techniques for Beginners

Wondering if you can learn how to knit? Don’t fret your mind any longer. Knitting is an easy and fun hobby to have. The repeatable movements and focus lower stress and help you to be productive in any waiting room, bus/train or anywhere.

I’ll guide you through the process of wrapping the yarn, pulling it to create the first row, and finding your desired technique. We’ll ensure that you’re well-equipped to tackle any knitting project.

If you are wondering how to start, begin with finding any yarn and corresponding knitting needles. Each yarn’s label contains information about the size of knitting needles you need. I recommend that you start with a bulky yarn. In this case, the most frequent corresponding knitting needle size will be(6mm) US/10.

To start your knitting journey, you have to learn how to cast on, e.g. make a first row of stitches. The most common method of casting on is Long Tail Cast On, but the Single Cast On method is considered the simplest one, so why not learn both?

A woman demonstrating how to cast on using knitting needles on a couch.

What is Casting On?

Casting on forms the bedrock of your knitting project, creating the crucial first row of stitches that set a base for your project. It is the foundation for your knitting journey, allowing you to start knitting with confidence. A well-executed cast-on ensures a sturdy and even foundation, laying the groundwork for a successful knitting item.

Materials needed to start knitting:

Before delving into casting on, ensure you have the following materials at hand:

1.A ball of Yarn (preferably acrylic yarn for its versatility and price – this is efficiency)
2. Knitting needles (appropriately sized for your yarn)
3. A comfortable and well-lit workspace

How to Cast On Using Long Tail Cast On Method:

There is more than one method of Long Tail Casting on. The method using your thumb is the easiest to explain and understand for beginners.

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot:

Leave enough yarn from the tail to make the desired number of stitches (it is usually 3 times more than the width of your project ). If you just practice, leave about 2 feet.
At measured length, create a slip knot. Create a loop with the yarn, threading the working end through the loop. (for more explanation: see a slip knot tutorial)
Tighten the loop around the needle to form a slip knot.

Step 2: Hold Your Needle:

Hold the needle with the slip knot in your dominant hand.

Step 3: Grab a Long Tail of yarn:

Grab the tail with 4 fingers of your non-dominant hand. Drape the tail yarn around your thumb from front to the back.

Step 4: Begin Creating the Stitch:

Point the needle at your thumb. Bring the needle under the yarn moving up along with your thumb.

Step 5: Create the Stitch:

Wrap the working yarn (from the ball end) around the point of your needle from down to the top.
Bring the needle back up, catching the loop.

Step 6: Complete the Cast On:

Drop the loop off your thumb onto the needle, creating a new stitch on the needle. Pull the yarn to tighten the loop.

Step 7: Repeat:

- Continue steps 3-5 until you have the desired number of stitches casted on

A series of pictures showing how to make a crochet hook by demonstrating the process of casting on. — photos: Long Tail Casting On Method

How to Cast On Using Single Cast On Method:

The Single Cast On is a straightforward method, ideal for beginners seeking simplicity.

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot:

- Begin with a slip knot: create a loop with the yarn, threading the working end through the loop. (for more explanation: see a slip knot tutorial)

Step 2: Hold Your Needle and Insert the slip knot:

- - Hold one needle in your dominant hand, with the slip knot on the needle.
  - Insert the needle through the slip knot from front to back.

Step 3: Position the Yarn:

Grab the working yarn end with 4 fingers of your non-dominant hand. Drape the tail over your thumb from front to the back.

Step 4: Create the Stitch:

Point the needle at your thumb. Bring the needle under the yarn moving up along with your thumb. Wrap the yarn tail around the point of your needle from down to the top.
Bring the needle back up, catching the loop.

Step 5: Complete the Cast On:

Drop the loop off your thumb onto the needle, creating a new stitch on the needle. Pull the yarn to tighten the loop.

Step 6: Repeat:

- Continue steps 3-5 until you have the desired number of stitches casted on.

A series of pictures showing how to cast on with a crochet hook. — photos: Single Cast On Method

By following this comprehensive guide and practicing both the Long Tail and Single Cast On methods, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your knitting journey with confidence. Happy knitting!