Long Tail Cast on for Knitting
When starting your next knitting project you will have a plethora of choices for how to start. There are so many different cast on methods at your finger tips. My go to method is the long tail cast on. It is my FAVORITE and I will use it every time if I have a choice. Not sure how to start with a long tail cast on? Let me teach you how.
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Selecting a Cast On Method:
Casting on might be one of the most important things that you know when knitting. A good cast on can determine how your project turns out.
Most times a pattern will let you choose which way you want to cast on the project. Every now and then a method will be stated. Designers do this because they feel that is the best method to get the results that you see in the photo of the pattern.
When learning to knit most people learn with the knit cast on or the long tail cast on. I prefer the look of the long tail cast on and it is what I use for all of my projects.
Looking to learn more about casting on for your next project? Be sure to check out the book Cast On, Bind Off by Cap Sease for a variety of options.
Two Strand Long Tail Cast On:
One of the biggest struggles with the long tail cast on method is estimating how much yarn you will need to get all of your stitches.
There is nothing worse than getting to the last 5 stitches you need and not having enough of your tail yarn to finish. It is equally frustrating when you get to the end and you still have 3 feet of yarn left over. We don’t want to waste yarn!
In order to not have to estimate the amount of yarn you will need you can work with the two strand method. To do this you will need to balls of the yarn that you are using. NOTE: This will add two additional tails to weave in at the end.
6 Step Quick Guide for Two Strand Long Tail Cast On:
Working the two strand long tail cast on is the same as when you are just using one ball of yarn. The only difference is that you are working with two individual strands so that you don’t run out of yarn. Use the photo tutorial below to start your two strand cast on.
Still not sure how to do this? Check out the video for the long tail cast on below and work the same motions, but with two different strands as shown in step one below.
- Start by taking the strand of yarn from two balls. The bottom strand will go from the bottom over your thumb and down. The other strand will go from the bottom over your index finger and down. Both strands will start on the outside and end in the middle. NOTE: If you were really doing this they would both be the same color. I am using two so you can see the difference. You would also be starting with a slip knot if doing one color.
- Your needle will drop and scoop up the strand around your thumb.
- Next you will grab and pull down on the strand around your pointer finger.
- Drop the strand on your thumb and pull tight.
- You have just made your first stitch.
- Continue with this method until the number of stitches required for the pattern.
The start is a little fiddly to hold the yarn in place but once you get a stitch or two going then you will be right back into rhythm. Working with two strands is a great alternative allowing you to work with confidence that you won’t run out of yarn.
After you get your desired number of stitches cut the yarn from your second ball (the red ball) and continue working. You will need to weave in all of your ends at the end to keep your cast on secure.
Video Tutorial:
5 of my FAVORITE Knit Patterns:
- Beginner Garter Stitch Knit Shawl
- A Shawl for the Social Knitter
- Cute Fall Decorations
- This can be worn as a scarf or a cowl
- Knitting with friends
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the long tail cast on so popular?
Because it does two things at once! The long tail cast on creates your first row of stitches AND your cast on edge in one step. It’s fast, it looks neat, and it gives you a stretchy edge that works great for most projects. It’s the cast on method most knitters learn first… and honestly, most knitters use it for the majority of their projects forever. Once you get the hand motion down, it’s incredibly quick and satisfying.
How do I figure out how long to make the tail?
This is the eternal question! A common rule of thumb is to allow about 1 inch of tail per stitch you need to cast on, plus an extra 6 inches for weaving in. So if you need 100 stitches… you’d pull out about 106 inches (almost 9 feet) of tail before you start. Another method is to wrap the yarn around your needle once for every stitch you need… the length of yarn you wrapped is roughly your tail length. When in doubt, go longer. Running out of tail mid-cast-on is the worst.
What if I run out of tail before I finish casting on?
Ugh… it happens to everyone! You have a few options. You can pull everything out and start over with a longer tail (annoying but effective). Or you can stop where you are, cut the yarn, and continue casting on with a new tail… but this leaves a join in your cast on edge that you’ll need to weave in neatly. Some knitters use the “knitted cast on” for the remaining stitches since it only uses the working yarn. The best fix is prevention though… always err on the side of too long!
Is the long tail cast on stretchy enough for ribbing?
It’s stretchier than some cast ons, but if you’re making something that needs a LOT of stretch (like a hat brim or sock cuff), you might want to try a few tricks. Cast on over two needles held together instead of one… this gives the stitches more room and makes the edge stretchier. Or try the German twisted cast on, which is a variation that adds extra elasticity. For most projects though… the standard long tail has plenty of stretch.
Can I use the long tail cast on for crochet projects too?
The long tail cast on is specifically a knitting technique… it creates stitches on a knitting needle. For crochet, the equivalent “starting” method is the foundation chain. However! If you’re doing a project that transitions between knitting and crochet, or if you’re picking up knit stitches along a crochet edge, it’s a handy technique to know. And if you’re a BiCrafty crafter who does both… learning the long tail cast on is definitely worth your time.
