Cast-On techniques for Beginner Knitters
You can’t start knitting without first working a Cast-On. This is the process of attaching your yarn to you needles to give you a foundation row to start your knitted project.
There are lots of different cast on methods, each useful in their own way. You will find that once you’ve tried a few methods you’ll find one you are comfortable with and tend to lean towards that one whenever you’re starting a project. For me, this is the Long Tail Cast-On, but in the post I’m going to link to all the cast on techniques I’ve covered on my YouTube Channel so that you can find one you’re comfortable with too.
I plan to add to this post as I cover more techniques, so you may find it useful to bookmark this page to come back to in the future.
Currently this post covers the following techniques:
- Backward Loop Cast-On
- Knitted Cast-On
- Long Tail Cast-On
- Purlwise Long Tail Cast-On
Backward Loop Cast On
This method is probably the simplest cast on method there is. It’s perfect for beginners as there are minimal steps to get to grips with, and only one strand of yarn to be worked with.
That being said this cast on method has quite a lot of stretch, so as you gain confidence in your knitting you might want to choose an alternative method for projects that need more structure to the cast on.
video tutorial
knitted cast on
After the backward loop cast on, this method is the perfect one to move onto if you’re a new knitter and want a little more structure and stability to your cast on but don’t feel quite ready to tackle some of the other methods out there.
video tutorial
Long Tail Cast On
This method is my go-to, and you’ll see me use it in almost all my knitting projects. I love it because it provides a nice stable bottom edge, and can be combined with Purlwise Long Tail Cast On when I want to cast on a project “in pattern”.
It looks a little more complex than the two methods above, but it’s really not too difficult to get to grips with.
video tutorial
Purlwise long tail cast on
Although not a cast-on method that you’ll find yourself using very often, this is an invaluable cast on method to have in your pocket for when you want to go the extra mile with your knitting project and cast on in pattern.
It’s worked in a very similar way to the long tail cast on, but produces Purl Bumps at the front of the work instead of the rear. I tend to only use this method when I want to cast on in pattern as it’s easily worked alongside the Long Tail method to produce a sequence that’ll mimic knit and purl stitches nicely – giving a seamless join from your cast on and knitted fabric.
video tutorial
Once you’ve mastered the cast-on of your choice the knitting world is your oyster! There is a wealth from projects out there from small stash busting knits, to biggeer more indepth projects.
My personal favourite item to knit is Baby Blankets, you can take a look at a few of my blanket projects HERE, and if blankets aren’t your cup of tea, then I have a selection of knitted Scarves and Shawls HERE.