Learn How To Do A Long-Tail Cast On [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

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Text area which says "Cast On Tutorials: Learn How To Do A Long-Tail Cast On , learnknittingonline.com" followed by an illustration of hands casting on stitches into a wooden knitting needle using the long-tail cast on method

The Long-Tail Cast On is probably the most popular of all the cast-on methods. This is because it is suitable for so many types of knitting projects.

It is fairly easy to learn. And as the name suggests, you will need a long yarn tail as well as the working yarn to create the cast-on edge.

The resulting edge is both firm and elastic which makes it suitable for projects knitted in garter, stockinette or rib stitches.

In addition, the edge is also attractive and will look good on both the right side and the wrong side of your knitting project.

However, you should note that due to the structure of the Long-Tail Cast On, it creates the first row of knitting, a right-side row.

Depending on the stitch pattern, many knitters prefer to purl a row before starting on the actual pattern. This is when knitting flat. When knitting in the round, this is not an issue.

The Long-Tail Cast On is sometimes also referred to as a Continental, Double or Two-Stranded Cast On.

Characteristics

Elastic and attractive edge
First row begins with the wrong side of the knitting project

Ideal for

Any stitch pattern and any knitting project

Step-by-Step Long-Tail Cast On Knitting Tutorial

Create a slingshot while holding the knitting needle in your right hand.

Long-Tail Cast On Tutorial Step 1: Hands doing the slingshot position on the left while holding a knitting needle on the right

While securing the slip knot loop with your right index finger, bring the needle down and then under and into the loop on your left thumb.

Long-Tail Cast On Tutorial Step 2: Hands bringing the right-hand needle down while holding a slingshot position on the left.

Go over the loop on your left index finger and bring it through the thumb loop.

Long-Tail Cast On Tutorial Step 3: Hands bringing the right-hand needle in the loop around the left index finger.

Long-Tail Cast On Tutorial Step 3: Hands bringing the right-hand needle in the loop around the left thumb.

Long-Tail Cast On Tutorial Step 3: Hands holding the right-hand needle in the loop around the left thumb.

Let go of the loop around your left thumb and gently pull the loose yarn to tighten the new loop (stitch) created around the right-hand needle. Be careful not to tighten the loop too tight!