01
Measure the tail
Pull a tail of yarn roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) per stitch you plan to cast on, plus 6 extra inches. Make a slip knot at that point and slide it onto the needle — this counts as your first stitch.
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Featured Technique · Knitting
Cast On(CO)
The long-tail cast on creates a tidy, slightly stretchy foundation row of loops — the very first row of every knitting project.
BeginnerFoundation· 10 minute read
What you'll need
- Worsted weight (size 4) wool or wool-blend in a light, solid color
- Pair of US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles
- Tapestry needle and small scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
02
Set the slingshot hold
Hold the needle in your right hand. Drape both yarn ends over your left hand: tail over the thumb, working yarn over the index finger. Catch both strands against your palm with the remaining fingers.
03
Scoop from the thumb loop
Bring the needle tip up through the front of the thumb loop, then over and down through the loop on your index finger, catching the working yarn.
04
Seat the new stitch
Pull that strand back through the thumb loop, then release your thumb and gently snug the new stitch on the needle. Repeat until you have the number of stitches your pattern calls for.
Common Mistakes
- ·Tail too short — running out mid-cast-on means starting over. When in doubt, leave more.
- ·Pulling each stitch too tight, which makes Row 1 nearly impossible to knit into.
Pro Tip
Take a quick photo of your last finished row before setting the project down. Coming back to a half-finished stitch is the #1 reason beginners feel lost.
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Foundation6 techniques
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COFoundation
BeginnerKnit Stitch
KFoundation
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IntermediateIncreases
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IntermediateYarn Over
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Construction4 techniques
AdvancedKnitting in the Round
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AdvancedMagic Loop
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AdvancedShort Rows
W&TConstruction
AdvancedPicking Up Stitches
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