The long tail cast on is a basic but crucial knitting skill that sets the stage for your knitting projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering this technique is essential.
The beauty of the long tail cast on lies in its versatility and its ability to create a clean and tidy edge. It’s perfect for a wide range of knitting projects, from cozy scarves to sweaters.
In this guide, I’ll break down the process step by step, so you can get it just right. I will also provide helpful tips along the way. You’ll learn how to create a solid foundation with just the right amount of stretch, ensuring your knitting experience is enjoyable and successful.
So, let’s get started!
What Is the Long Tail Cast On Method?
The long tail cast on is a common method used in knitting to create the initial row of stitches on your knitting needle. It is a versatile and widely used cast-on technique favored by many knitters because it provides a stable yet stretchy foundation for a variety of knitting projects.
The name comes from the way it involves leaving a “long tail” of yarn while making a slip knot at the beginning. This tail of yarn is used to form the stitches on the needle. This cast-on method is suitable for a wide range of knitting patterns, from scarves and hats to sweaters and more. It’s an essential skill for anyone learning to knit, as it is the starting point for most knitting projects and provides an even and tidy edge for your work.
Why Choose the Long-Tail Cast-On
The long-tail cast-on is favored by many knitters, including me, for several reasons. It creates a sturdy, yet elastic foundation for your knitting, which is essential for projects like scarves, hats, and mittens. This method is also versatile, making it suitable for various stitch patterns and project types.
One of the best advantages is that the stitches it creates are very easy to knit when you work on that very first row. For this reason, it is a great cast-on technique also for beginners.
So what makes the long tail cast on so popular choice?
- Neat and Tidy: Stitches created with the long-tail cast-on typically appear neat and tidy, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your knitting. This is particularly important when the edge is visible or becomes part of the finished design.
- Even and Stretchy: This method creates a balanced edge that’s neither too tight nor too loose. The even tension ensures that your cast-on row is consistent, making it easier to work with as you progress in your project. The edge will also be elastic, allowing your knitting to stretch when needed and making it more comfortable to wear and use.
- Easy and Quick: While it may take a bit of practice for absolute beginners, the long-tail cast-on is relatively easy to learn, making it an ideal choice for those just starting out. Once mastered, it can be executed quickly and efficiently.
- Versatile and Adaptable: The long tail cast-on is suitable for a wide range of knitting projects, from scarves and hats to more intricate items like sweaters. It provides a solid foundation for various stitch patterns and project types. In addition, it can be used with a variety of yarn weights and fiber types, making it suitable for different knitting materials.
How To Do the Long Tail Cast On
The long-tail cast on is one the most common and popular knitting cast ons. It’s the very first cast-on method I learned years ago and it’s basically the only I use, unless the pattern specifically calls for a different cast-on. And even in that case, I often substitute it with the long-tail cast on (as long as the project allows it). I love it because it’s quick to cast on and easy to work, plus it creates a neat and tidy, moderately stretchy edge.
Two Methods to Long-Tail Cast On
Generally speaking, there are two different ways to do the long-tail cast on: the thumb method and the slingshot method. Both methods yield the same result but involve different hand movements.
The thumb method (also known as the English style) and the slingshot method (also know as the Continental style) for the long tail cast on differ primarily in how they position the yarn and knitting needles and how they manipulate the yarn during the cast-on process.
The choice between these methods often comes down to personal preference. Some knitters find one method more comfortable or efficient than the other, and it can depend on whether they are more accustomed to the English or Continental knitting style.
I personally prefer the slingshot method and I will be demonstrating it in this tutorial.
Materials You’ll Need
You’ll need a pair of knitting needles and yarn for the long tail cast on.
The yarn you choose can vary depending on your project, but a medium weight yarn is an excellent starting point for beginners. Select the knitting needles based on what the yarn label recommends. If you’re using medium weight yarn, you will usually need US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) knitting needles. I recommend using wooden or bamboo needles as they are less slippery.
You can also do the long tail cast on in the round by using circular needles. In this case, hold one end of the needles in your right hand and let the other end drop down. Once you have cast on, remember to join in the round before starting to knit your first round.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure a yarn tail that is long enough for the amount stitches you’re about to cast on. Check out the instructions for how much yarn you will need for the tail in the next section.
2. Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on one of your knitting needles so that the yarn tail is closest to you. Ensure that the slip knot is snug but not too tight. Make sure to check the instructions for how to make a slip knot here.
3. With the slip knot in place, hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand. If the slip knot seems to be sliding on the needle, you can place your right index finger on top of it to hold it in place.
4. Then pick up both ends of the yarns in your left hand and grasp them with the last three fingers.
5. Next, insert your thumb and index finger between the two yarns.
5. Open your fingers in an L shape spreading the two yarns apart. The tail end of the yarn should be in front of your thumb, while the working yarn (attached to the yarn ball) is behind your index finger. Now pull the needle towards you to create a loop around your thumb and your index finger. This makes it look a bit like a slingshot, where this method gets its name.
6. Now, it’s time to make your first cast-on stitch. Swing the needle in your right hand down and towards you. Then, insert the needle into the loop around your thumb from below, catching the outer strand of the loop.
7. Next, swing the needle to the right and insert it into the loop around your index finger from above, catching the inner strand of the loop.
8. Then move the needle towards you and pull the yarn through the loop around your thumb.
9. Finally, slip the loop off your thumb and use your thumb to tighten the stitch by pulling the tail end of the yarn away from the needle. Then return your hands to the starting position. Now you have a new cast-on stitch on your needle.
10. Repeat steps 6 to 9 until you have cast on all the stitches you need for your pattern.
11. To start knitting, turn the work around and hold it in your left hand so that the yarn tail will be on the right and the empty needle in your right hand. This is also how you can easily keep track of the right and wrong side of your project: the tail is on the right on the right side, while it’s on the left on the wrong side.
Performing a long tail cast on is a straightforward process once you grasp the steps. Practice these steps until you feel comfortable with the technique, and you’ll be well on your way to knitting success.
How Much Yarn Do You Need for Long Tail Cast On?
To start the long tail cast on, you’ll need to measure out a length of yarn to use for casting on the stitches.
There’s nothing more annoying than running out of yarn in the middle of casting on so you want to make sure your “long tail” is long enough. The more stitches you need to cast on, the longer the tail needs to be.
Here are three methods to find out how much yarn to use for the long tail cast on.
3.5 Times Method
The quickest way is to measure out a length of yarn that is approximately 3.5 times the intended final width of your cast-on edge. It’s a practical approach especially when you don’t know the exact stitch count but want to ensure you have enough yarn to work comfortably. To use this method:
- Estimate how wide you want your cast-on edge to be.
- Multiply that width by 3.5 and add extra length for weaving in ends.
- For example, if your want to knit a trivet that is 10 inches wide, set aside 35 inches.
- This beginner-friendly approach works well especially for smaller projects.
Wrap Method
Another way to find out the yarn tail length is to wrap the yarn around the knitting needle the same number of times as the stitches you intend to cast on. This method is ideal for calculating the yarn needed for a specific stitch count. Here’s how to do it:
- Take your needle and start with the very end of your yarn.
- Wrap the yarn around the needle for each stitch, making sure the wraps are snug but not overly tight.
- For example, if the pattern says to cast on 30 stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle 30 times.
- Unravel and leave an extra length for weaving in ends.
- This method is great for beginners and smaller projects.
Loop Method
The most reliable method to measure the yarn required for the long tail cast on is to cast on a round number of stitches, unravel it and measure out additional lengths to match the final stitch count. Here’s how to proceed:
- Cast on a 10 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
- Unravel the stitches and measure the length of yarn used.
- Multiply this measurement by the total number of stitches of your project.
- For example, if your pattern says 40 stitches, measure out 3 additional lengths by “looping the yarn” (thus the name) or by using a tape measure.
- Add extra length for weaving in ends.
- This is the most accurate method and my personal favorite.
Practical Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind while practicing the long tail cast on.
- Remember that the slip knot at the beginning counts as one stitch. So it’s essential to include it when tallying your total stitch count.
- Avoid casting on too tight. The stitches should be loose enough to glide smoothly over the knitting needles.
- If your cast-on edge is too tight, simply cast on around two needles or use a needle one or two sizes bigger. In fact, I almost always hold two needles together when casting on to make the cast-on edge a bit more stretchier. This way, it is also easier to knit the first row.
- Try to bring the loop close to the next stitch before pulling on the yarn to tighten. The stitches should sit snugly next to each other, otherwise you’ll end up with little loops hanging down from your cast on edge.
Remember that practice makes perfect, and as you become more proficient with the long tail cast on, you’ll find it to be a versatile and useful technique for starting your knitting projects.
Conclusions
The long tail cast on is a basic knitting technique that every knitter should master. This versatile method provides a neat and tidy edge suitable for all your knitting projects, from simple scarves to sweaters.
By following this step-by-step guide and incorporating the provided tips, you can confidently start your knitting projects. The long-tail cast-on offers stability and a touch of elasticity, resulting in a comfortable and polished start to your projects. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this skill will serve you well.
I hope this guide has made the process clear and enjoyable, helping you grow in your knitting expertise. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right. As you continue to hone your skills, the long tail cast on will become second nature, and your knitting projects will benefit from the tidy, stable beginning it provides.
So, keep those needles clicking, and enjoy the wonderful world of knitting!
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