You’re feeling crafty and you want to try out a knitting project. Maybe it’s a scarf, a sweater, or even a blanket. Whatever you decide, you’re going to have to start by “casting on,” but you’re just not sure how to cast on knitting stitches. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll explain how to cast on, what supplies you need to do it, and what techniques are most popular. We’ll also give you some tips so that you can cast on like a pro.
Table Of Contents
- What Is “Casting On” In Knitting?
- How To Cast On Knitting Stitches: Supplies Needed
- How To Cast On Knitting Stitches: Techniques
- Tips For Casting On
What Is “Casting On” In Knitting?
Casting on is the first step in any knitting project. It’s basically when you load stitches on a knitting needle at the start of a project. You’ll also “cast on” if you’re adding to an existing project.
The new stitches added by casting on are not dependent on any earlier stitches — instead, they have an independent lower edge. While knowing how to cast on knitting stitches is a fundamental skill in the craft, there are lots of ways you can do it.
How To Cast On Knitting Stitches: Supplies Needed
In order to cast on knitting stitches, you’ll need some basic supplies: namely the yarn and your knitting needles.
We suggest thicker needles and yarn for beginners because the needles are easier to grip as you get used to this crafting technique. Also, when yarn is thicker, the project requires fewer stitches.
GANXXET’s Lima Peru Yarn is the perfect choice for those starting out in knitting, as it’s chunky and super soft, made of 100% natural wool. Not only renewable and biodegradable, but our wool is cruelty-free as well, coming from Peruvian farms committed to animal welfare practices.
How To Cast On Knitting Stitches: Techniques
As we said, when you’re learning how to cast on knitting stitches, there are several techniques to choose from, some simple and others more complex. Let’s take a look.
Single Cast On
The single cast-on — also known as the thumb method — is the easiest casting-on technique to begin a knitting project.
Source: CarleyInstructables
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Begin by tying a simple Slip Knot around your knitting needle, leaving a five to eight-inch tail.
- Take the working yarn with your left hand and place your left thumb over it.
- Wrap the yarn around your thumb from back to front.
- Weave your knitting needle into the loop from the bottom up.
- Slip your thumb out so that the loop sits on your knitting needle. Tighten lightly.
- Repeat steps two to five until you’ve made the desired number of stitches.
Long Tail Cast On
The long tail technique for casting on is a bit sturdier and, compared to the single cast-on, is less likely to stretch out as you knit.
Source: Sheep & Stitch
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare a tail of yarn approximately four times as long as the project is wide. Keep the ball of yarn on your left and the tail on your right.
- As with the single cast-on, begin the long tail technique by making a Slip Knot around the knitting needle. The tail of the yarn should be sitting toward you, while the ball of yarn is further away from you.
- Holding the needle in your right hand, place your left thumb and left index finger between the two strands of yarn.
- Open your index finger and thumb and let the yarn slide into a “V” shape.
- Insert the right needle into the left thumb loop coming in from below.
- Take the yarn from your index finger from right to left.
- Bring the index finger strand down through the loop on your left thumb and then release the yarn from your thumb.
- Tighten the stitch by using your left thumb.
- Return to a “V” position and repeat steps five through eight.
Knitted Cast On
The knitted cast-on technique, which uses two knitting needles, is a popular way to begin, as it works for most projects, creates a looser edge that’s easy to work into, and doesn’t require tail length calculations.
Source: Fiber Spider
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Again, you want to start by making a Slip Knot.
- Insert your right needle into the knot from left to right.
- Hold the working yarn to the back, then wrap it around the right needle counterclockwise, pulling it through the loop.
- Keeping the Slip Knot loop on the needle, transfer the new stitch onto the left needle.
- Insert the right needle into the stitch from left to right.
- Repeat steps two to five until you have the intended number of stitches on the knitting needle.
Cable Cast On
If you’re looking for a firm edge that’s a bit less stretchy than other methods, the cable cast-on might be the best technique for you. It works well for adding stitches in the middle of a project as well.
Source: Studio Knit
Step-By-Step Instructions
- You know the drill: Start by making a Slip Knot.
- Slide your left needle into the loop, and tighten it lightly.
- With the other needle in your right hand, insert the tip of it through the slip knot, keeping the right needle under the left.
- Hold the yarn in your right hand and wrap it clockwise around the right needle. Make sure the tip is away from you.
- Bring the right needle toward you. Scoop up a new loop as you do.
- With the needles parallel, put out the new loop.
- Insert the left needle through the new loop, and then slide out the right needle.
- Insert the right needle between the two loops. It should be below the left needle.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle. Pull the right needle toward you and scoop up a new loop.
- With your needles parallel, pull up the new loop and transfer it to the left needle. Then repeat steps eight and nine until you have the desired amount of stitches.
Tips For Casting On
Now that you’ve read about how to cast on knitting stitches in several different ways, it’s time to try it yourself. Here are a few quick tips to help you cast on like a pro:
One of the things you want to avoid is casting on too tight, as this can make the first row hard to knit. Try casting onto two needles rather than just one. Then, once you’re done casting on, remove one of the needles.
Another way to ensure you don’t cast on too tight is to use one knitting needle a few sizes bigger than what’s called for in your pattern.
You also may worry that you’re not allocating enough “tail” for your project. If this is a concern, use the infinite tail method where you cast on using both ends of your ball of yarn.
Knitting is a marathon, not a sprint. To make your project go faster, learn to count stitches quickly by training your eye to identify groups of five stitches.
Knitting Fun With GANXXET
Knowing how to cast on knitting stitches is the first step in any knitting project. Luckily, now you have several techniques to choose from.
When it comes to selecting yarn for your project, look to GANXXET. We offer a wide range of fabrics including Chenille, Wool, Velvet Air, and Linen Flame, in every color you can think of.
Whatever your craft of choice, be it knitting, crocheting, or weaving, GANXXET’s high-quality yarns provide the perfect base to express your creativity. Happy knitting!
