There are plenty of alternative ways to cast on knitting, so if you don’t get on with this one, try something else!
Cast on your first project
When you’ve mastered how to cast on, you’re ready to start knitting! Begin your adventure with one of our quick-and-simple beginner knitting patterns.
How to cast on knitting with the thumb method
This is a very quick cast-on technique that is used to create a stretchy edge. It’s good for children’s clothes, as well as items with cuffs such as socks and hats.
1. Start with a slipknot
Make a slipknot and place it on a needle, leaving a long tail. Try a length about three times the width of the project you want to make. Wrap the yarn around your thumb.
2. Create a cross
Hold the tail in your left hand with your thumb sticking up. Make a circle anti-clockwise with your thumb. You should end up with a cross on the front of your thumb.
3. Wrap the yarn
Push the needle tip up along the pad of your thumb so it passes through the loop. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise (right to left) under the tip of the needle then dip the tip of the needle between the arms of the cross.
4. Tighten the stitch and repeat
Slip your thumb out and pull to tighten the stitch on the needle. Continue in this way, sliding each stitch up so it sits comfortably next to the previous one.
Keep going until you have the number of stitches you require.
How to cast on knitting using the cable cast-on
The cable cast-on is very similar to the knit-on method when you cast on knitting, but instead of inserting the right needle into the next stitch as if to knit it, you insert the needle between the first two stitches.
This cast-on forms a relatively firm edge, and it’s very decorative. It’s not very elastic, so it’s better for adult garments and accessories than hats or children’s items where a bit more stretch is important.
Find out how to cast on knitting using the cable method below…
1. Make your first stitch
Make a slipknot. Insert right‐hand needle into the stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the point and pull through, slipping the stitch on to the left‐hand needle.
2. Insert the needle
Push the point of the right‐hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti‐clockwise around the point of the right‐hand needle.
3. Create the loop
Pull the loop out with the right‐hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left‐hand needle. Repeat steps 2-3 until you have the number of stitches you require.
How to cast on with the German twisted cast-on
This strong but stretchy cast-on is perfect for the cuffs of socks and mittens, where you want a bit of snugness and a bit of give at the same time.
The added twists that give this cast-on its name help it to spring back to shape when it’s stretched out.
Follow our guide to learn the German twisted cast-on.
How to cast on knitting using a long tail cast on
The long tail cast on uses two strands of yarn when you cast on knitting, making stitches using the tail end of the yarn, together with the ball end of yarn.
You have to leave a very long tail of yarn to do this with, depending on how many stitches are required – you don’t want to run out!
When you finish casting on and start knitting your first row, check that you’re using the ball end and not the tail end, as it can be easy to get them confused.
The long tail cast on method has a good amount of stretch built in, so will work well for items like socks and hats.
It’s also ideal for garments that need stretchy necklines, cuffs and hems so you can easily get them on and off, such as children’s jumpers.
Here’s how to cast on knitting using this technique:
1. Estimate the length of the tail
Make a slipknot and place it on a needle, leaving a long tail. The length of the tail you need will depend on the number of stitches you wish to cast on.
A good rule of thumb is to leave a tail with a length of about three times the width of the project. For example, for a hat with a 51cm (20in) circumference, you’d leave a tail of 153cm (60in).
2. Prepare the yarn
Make a curve with the thumb and index finger of your left hand and place the tail of the yarn over your thumb. Hold it in place to your palm with your ring and little fingers.
The working yarn (the bit on the ball side of the slipknot) should drape over your left index finger and then pass between it and your middle fingers so you can hold it tight.
3. Create the loop
Bring the tip of the needle towards you. You’ll see a loop form around your thumb.
Place the needle tip through the loop so that the tip of the needle points towards the top of your thumb.
4. Tighten the stitch
Put your needle tip over the top of the working yarn on your left index finger. Draw the working yarn through the loop. Slip your thumb out of the loop and pull to tighten.
Repeat from step 2.
How to cast on for double knitting
As well as being the name of a yarn weight, double knitting is also a way of creating a two-colour, reversible fabric.
You’re effectively working 1×1 rib stitch with different yarns for the knits and purls.
Getting started with double knitting requires a special cast on method, because you’re casting on with two yarns at once.
Check out our expert double knit guide where we show you two different ways to cast on for double knitting.
Cast on knitting with Gathered
Choosing the right cast on is key to a successful knitting project.
Our advice for beginners learning how to cast on knitting is to stick with one method unless a pattern instructs you to use a specific technique.
By the time you reach that stage, you’ll be so confident with your knitting that you’ll easily be able to learn a new cast-on.
Whether you’re here because you’re brand new to the craft or you’re brushing up on your skills, we hope our tutorial has helped you add those all-important first stitches to your needles.
Learn to finish your knitting
Now you know how to start your knitting, you also need to know how to finish it! Check out our guide on how to cast off knitting for top techniques and tips.