How to Cast On

Co-authored by Nancy Wynn

Last Updated: September 8, 2024 References

Casting on is the often the first step of any knitting pattern. It is simply putting the yarn and the stitches onto the needle. There are different ways to cast on, and each has its own purpose. Start with a basic, backward loop cast on, then advance to the long-tail cast on and the provisional cast on.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Getting Started

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This is one of the easiest ways of casting on. Keep in mind, however, that it tends to leave uneven/jagged edges. ^{[1]
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2
Use the long-tail cast on if you want an even and somewhat elastic edge. As the name implies, you will be using both the tail and working yarn to create your stitches. Because of its versatility, it is probably the most popular cast-on among knitters. ^{[2]
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- This is a good cast on for stockinette and stitches and ribbed patterns.
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3
Know when to use the provisional cast on. This method requires you to crochet a chain first, then knit into the chain. Once you have finished your piece, you can undo the crochet chain, slip the needle back through the loops, and continue knitting downward. Here are some reasons for using the provisional cast on:
- You don't know how to finish the edge of your piece, and want to decide later.
- You don't know how long to make the piece yet, and want to add length to it later.
- You are making several pieces and want to attach them seamlessly.
- You are working with lace and want to create a mirror image.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Casting On with a Backward Loop

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This will count as your first stitch. To make a slipknot, fold some yarn in half to make a loop in your non-dominant hand. Then, bring the tail end over the working end of the yarn so it crosses. Use the thumb and finger of your non-dominant hand to make a single loop, and poke your knitting needle through this loop. Gently tug on the yarn and yarn tail to tighten the knot.
Push upward until you form a loop.
The tip of the needle should be pointing towards your thumb.
Make an upward motion with the needle as you do this.
Make the loop snug, but do not make it too tight.
Both the cast on loop and the slipknot should be the same size and tension. You may need to tighten or loosen the knots to do this.
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Keep repeating the steps until you have the number of stitches the pattern requires. Each cast on equals one stitch. The slipknot also counts as one stitch.
- Try not to make knots too tight, or you won't be able to knit into them later.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Casting On with a Long-Tail

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You will need approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of yarn for every stitch needed in the pattern, though this will vary depending on the type of yarn you are using. This is how long the tail should be once you put the yarn onto the needle.
Hold the needle in your dominant hand. With both strands in the palm of your non-dominant hand, take your thumb and index finger in between the two strands and spread them apart. Make a loop in the length of yarn that is stretched between your thumb and finger and slide your knitting needle through the loop. tugging gently to tighten.
The tail yarn is over the back of your thumb; the working yarn is over your index finger. When you pull the needle down, the working yarn crosses over the tail, which forms a loop of yarn around your thumb.
The needle should be right next to your thumb. There should be a strand of yarn to either side of the needle. Once you've caught the loop on your thumb, reach the needle over to the index finger.
Take that strand that's now on your needle, bring it down through the loop that is on your thumb.
Try to use an upward motion, pushing down on the end of the needle so that the tip points towards the ceiling.
The stitch is created with the yarn wrapped around your index finger. Gently tug on yarn strands to tighten the stitch.
Make sure that both stitches are the same size and tension. You may need to tighten or loosen the yarn in order to do this.
Each loop that goes onto the needle counts as one stitch. This includes the slipknot.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Doing the Provisional Cast On

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1
Make a chain stitch using a crochet needle two times the size of your knitting needle. It is best to use a smooth, light colored yarn. Keep making chains until you have the same number of stitches your pattern requires, then add at least six more chains. ^{[3]
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Research source} Here is how to make a crochet chain stitch: ^{[4]
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- Make a small circle with the yarn. The tail end should be on top of the ball end. Both ends should be facing in opposite directions.
- Poke the a crochet needle through the circle and catch it onto the tail end.
- Pull it through the circle partway so that you have a loop.
- Take the hook out and poke it through the loop you just made. Gently tug on the tail end and ball end of the yarn, tightening the loop. The yarn should now be on your crochet needle.
- Fold the ball end of the yarn over the hook and away from you.
- Use the hook to pull the yarn through the slipknot. This will cause the slipknot to fall off the hook. This is one chain stitch. To make another, fold the yarn over the hook, towards yourself. Use the hook to pull it through the loop so that it is on the crochet needle.
Be gentle with it so that it does not unravel. Once it's the length you need, cut it free of the working yarn. Take the end and pull it back through the last chain you worked to secure the chain and to keep it from unraveling. Take what's left of the tail and make a temporary slip knot — this is the end you will unravel to release your stitches.
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You will notice that one side of the chain looks like a row of V's. The other side looks like a chain with bumps. You will be sticking the needle into these bumps.
You don't want the needle to be sticking all the way through the bump — stick it just far enough so that you can catch yarn with it.
Be sure to leave a tail that is several inches long. Hold the yarn tight over the needle.
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Research source} Try pointing the tip of the needle upward as you pull it through the bump. The loop that ends up on your needle is your first stitch.
Keep slipping the needle through the bumps in the chain, and pulling loops of yarn through.

Community Q&A

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After casting on, do I need to bind off at the end of the pattern?

LibraryMouse

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Yes.

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How should I incorporate a new color of yarn?

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Tie the second piece of yarn to the first and just keep going.

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How would I cast on two strands of yarn?

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Hold them together as you cast.

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Tips

The backward loop cast-on is often used as an increase on various patterns. One reason is because there is a mirror-image available that will allow you to make a perfect thumb gusset on a mitten or glove.

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There are other ways to cast on (for instance, for a long-tail cast on, you can cast on in-pattern using knits and purls; there are ways to do a provisional cast on with no crocheting, etc.).

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