Casting On - The First Step to Getting Your Project Started
Welcome to Day 2 of our Knitting 101 Class! Today, we’re diving into the very first step of any knitting project: casting on. This essential technique sets the foundation for your project, creating the first row of stitches on your needle. Let’s get started!
Other Lessons In This Series
Lesson 7: Practice Projects
What is Casting On?
Casting on is the method of creating the initial stitches on your knitting needle. These stitches will form the base of your project. There are several methods to cast on, but we’ll focus on the Long Tail Cast On, a simple and versatile technique perfect for beginners.
Materials You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Guide to the Long Tail Cast On
Measure the Yarn:
To estimate the length of yarn needed, measure about 3 times the width of your project.
Create a Slip Knot:
A slip knot is simply a knot that creates a loop that can slide open and closed by pulling on either the tail or the loop. This is the usual way knitting and crochet projects begin. The loop counts as your first stitch. This one is difficult to explain without visuals so please make sure to watch the video starting at 3:27 if you need help learning this technique.
Position Your Needles:
Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand.
Hold the second needle in your left hand, ready to receive stitches.
Knitting the Long-Tail Cast-On:
(Please make sure to watch the video starting at 1:52 if you need more help learning this technique.)
Step 1:
Measure out the required amount of yarn. This is where your cast-on will start.
Step 2:
Using your left hand, grasp the yarn coming from the ball so that the ball end is coming from the bottom of your hand (near your pinky finger) and the tail end is coming from the top (near your index finger).
Step 3:
Continuing to hold the yarn as indicated in Step 2, open your index finger and thumb to create a "V" (or pretend you're playing cops and robbers & you're making a pretend gun).
Step 4:
Wrap the tail end of the yarn around the outside of your index finger and thumb, then grasp it with the other 3 fingers holding the ball end of the yarn. You will now have both the ball-end and the tail-end of yarn hanging below your pinky.
Step 5:
Lay your needle along the strand of yarn that stretches between your index finger and thumb. Using your index finger, wrap the yarn around the needle counter-clock-wise. This replaces the slip knot and removes the bump.
Step 6:
Making sure to keep your "knot" on the needle, pull it back a little bit so that the yarn/finger/needle positioning looks like a sling-shot.
Step 7:
Using the tip of the needle and beginning at the base of your thumb and moving towards the tip, insert the needle into the opening between the strands wrapping around your thumb.
Step 8:
Bring the needle over the strand running between your index finger and the needle and scoop up that strand. (Moving clock-wise around the strand.)
Step 9:
Bring your needle back down through the opening between the strands on your thumb. (Essentially going back down the same way you came up, but carrying the strand from your index finger along.)
Step 10:
Carefully slide your thumb out of the loop and tighten that strand without letting the loop onto the needle. (You want it to stay below the needle to keep the stitch in place.)
Step 11:
Put the strand of yarn back around your thumb the way it was before so your sling-shot is ready for another stitch.
Continuation:
Repeat Steps 7-11 until you have the required amount of stitches cast-on. (The beginning "slip-knot" counts as a stitch.)
Tips for Success
Tension Control: Keep your yarn tension even to avoid tight or loose stitches.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first few stitches are uneven. With practice, your casting on will become smoother and more consistent.
Count Your Stitches: Always count your stitches after casting on to ensure you have the correct number.
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Your First Project: Starting a Simple Scarf
Now that you know how to cast on, let’s put it to use! Start a simple scarf using the garter stitch (knit every row). Here’s how to begin:
Cast On 20 Stitches using the Long Tail Cast On method.
Come back tomorrow for the next steps.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve completed Day 2 of Knitting 101! You’ve mastered casting on, the essential first step in any knitting project. Tomorrow, we’ll learn the basic knit stitch, which will bring your project to life.
Stay tuned for Day 3: The Knit Stitch – Building the Foundation of Your Knitting Project.
Happy knitting, and see you tomorrow!
Shaina 🧶💕
PS: Feel free to share your progress in the comments or ask any questions you might have. Let’s make knitting fun and easy together!
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