• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sheep and Stitch

Knitted goodness made by you

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Patterns
  • How To Knit
  • Knitting Library
  • Blog

Knitting Library  >  Techniques

Long Tail Cast On for Beginners (Traditional Method)

Published on December 18, 2018 By Davina | May contain affiliate links (whats this?)

The long tail cast on is a great all-purpose cast on. It’s stretchy and has a neat knitted edge.

Because it’s generally good for all knitting projects, use the long tail cast on as your default cast on. It won’t fail you. But it can be a bit tricky to do at first.

So, follow the video tutorial and take it slow: clamp down, make a diamond, touch your thumb. (These terms only make sense after you watch the video!).

Long Tail Cast On Tutorial Video

 

If you’re new to knitting, you might want a refresher on how to make a slip knot. If this traditional method is too un-wieldy and weird for you, check out the Long Tail Cast On (Thumb Method), which some say is easier for beginners.

Both the traditional and thumb method will result in the long tail cast on. They’re just two different ways to get there.

Long Tail Cast On Photo Tutorial

Create a slip knot and place on needle. Hold needle in right hand.
Hold out the left middle and ring finger
Use the two fingers to clamp down on the two strands of yarn
Continue to clamp down & use thumb and index finger to push open 2 strands of yarn
Meanwhile, place right middle finger down on the slip knot to hold in place
Turn left hand to front while making a diamond shape with thumb & index finger
Touch the needle to the bottom of the thumb…
… and push the needle into the loop on the thumb
Turn left hand towards you…
… and insert needle into the loop around the index finger
Move the left hand away from you…
… and insert the needle into the loop around the thumb.
Pull both loops around thumb and index finger down
Pull down on two strands of yarn to tighten cast on stitch. Repeat steps 2-14

And that’s the long tail cast on! I recommend watching the video a few times and using the photo tutorial as a reminder. Take it slow and expect to make mistakes.

It took me a dozen tries until my hands and brain finally got this cast on, so don’t worry if it doesn’t click right away!

And remember: if you’re having a hard time mastering this cast on, try the Long tail cast on (thumb method), which is easier for beginners.

Are You New to Knitting?

how to knit for beginners
I’ve made a detailed guide for new knitters! It covers the very basics: cast on, knit stitch and cast off. These three techniques are the backbone of knitting. Master them, and you’re officially a knitter. Check out the guide by clicking the image above!

Pin
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Tweet

Category: Techniques / Subcategory: Cast On

You May Also Like:

alternating cable cast on for ribAlternating Cable Cast On for Ribbinglong tail cast on for beginnersHow to Cast On for Total BeginnersGerman Twisted Cast On Stretchy Cast OnHow to do the German Twisted Cast On

Reader Interactions

Comments 2

  1. Sylvia Winik says

    August 2, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Overall, a fabulous, clear and super helpful video. The following is not meant as a criticism or complaint, but just some feedback for you, to make it even better.:

    I just really struggled with this one part: I watched many, many times the part where, after touching your thumb and pushing the needle up through the loop, you turn your hand and then, I think, place your needle under the yarn before placing it through 2? loops??
    Perhaps you could slow that part down a bit and clearly show where the needle travels?
    I will watch as many of your videos as I can.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      April 23, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      I totally agree. Great video, but, I’m beginner and it’s not clear where the needle goes after picking up the thumb thread.

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

  • 3 beginner knitting mistakes 3 Beginner Knitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • how to knit a scarf for beginners How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners
  • egyptian knitting The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins

Categories

Footer

Navigate

  • About
  • How To Knit
  • Patterns
  • Blog

Support

  • Privacy and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Technical Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

Pom pom pens make great last-minute gifts! If you’ve got scrap yarn and a glue gun, you can make these pens! They turn writing into a fun and playfulness exercise ✨ I’m gifting these pens to my nieces this holiday season. I think they’ll love it!  For more last-minute knit and yarn-related gift ideas check out the link in my profile!  #lastminutegifts #furrypen #diyfurrypen #diyfuzzypen #pompom #pompoms #knitgifts #knittedgifts #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens #knitting #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlovers #knitgift #giftideas #giftidea
This double stockinette stitch headband is super c This double stockinette stitch headband is super cosy and easy to knit!  🤓 Instructions:  Cast on an even number of stitches. (I cast on 36 sts for mine. Cast on more or less depending on the yarn you use and the width you’d like).  Row 1: *k1, slip 1 with yarn in front, then bring yarn to the back; repeat from * to end of row  Repeat Row 1 until headband fits around your head snugly.  Cast off in pattern  Seam together as shown in the video.  Weave in ends and wear with confidence!  To watch the full pattern tutorial, head to my YouTube channel and search for “Twisted Headbands” or go to this link: https://bit.ly/3DLiMWc  Yarn: @malabrigoyarn silky merino in color Mares 196
Needles: 4mm needles
Supplies from @lovecraftscom 
#knittingpattern #knitting #knitstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #freeknittingpattern #beginnerknitter
Let’s make a bobble! 🫧 In this demo I’m m Let’s make a bobble! 🫧  In this demo I’m making a 5-stitch bobble. But you can make a bobble of any size! Just knit into the stitch more or less times to make the bobble bigger or smaller.  🤓 Instructions:  Knit into front and back, front and back, and front of the stitch. 5 sts made.  Turn work to wrong side. Purl the 5 sts.  Turn work to right side. Sl2 sts knitwise, K1, pass 2 slipped sts over first stitch. Sl1 knitwise, K1, pass last 2 sts over remaining stitch. 1 stitch remains  To watch a detailed bobble demo, watch the baby bobble blanket tutorial in the link in the description. Happy knitting!  #bobble #bobbleknitting #knittersgonnaknit #knittinginspiration #knittingtutorial #bobblestitch #bobbles #showtimeknit #knittersofinstagram
The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is to snuggle into ☺️  Sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults 👶 👧 👵  Grab the free pattern in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  #knittingpattern #knittersgonnaknit #babyknits #babyknitting #babyknit #babyblanket #knittingtherapy #knitstagram
⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket ⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket is a beginner-friendly pattern for the tiny tot in your life!  Studded with big bobbles, it’s a delight to hold, snuggle and fall asleep with 😴  This pattern is sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults. Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  Yarn: 8 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Baby Pink from @lovecraftscom  #knitting #knittingpattern #knitstagram #babyblanket #babyknits #fallknits #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #knitaddict #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration #handknit #handknits #babyknitting #babyknittingpatterns #bobblestitch #knitblanket
The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-frien The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-friendly 🍃 It’s a unique knit that’s perfect for all your grocery-toting needs!  I loved knitting this lacy dude. It’s so fun and satisfying, and it comes together very quickly because of the expansive lace 🕸  Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the link in the profile!  #knitting #marketbag #knitbag #knit #knittersgonnaknit #knitstagram #knitting #knitting_inspiration #knittinginspiration #knittingpattern #knittingpatterns

Search The Site

Stay in Touch

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

2023 Copyright © Sheep and Stitch Limited

Pin
Share
Tweet