How to do a Long Tail Cast On

Our very own Jeanne stars in this knitting instructional article about how to do a long tail cast on. We hope you enjoy it!

1. Begin by having your working yarn to the right and the long tail to the left. A great tip to ensure the correct length of your tail is to wind the yarn loosely around the needle. Just wind the same number of stitches that you will need to cast on and add a few more inches, just to be safe.

2. Make a slip knot. To make a slip knot, make a loop with your yarn. In the left hand, take your fingers, go through the loop, and grab the working portion of your yarn through the loop which creates a knot. Gently snug the knot on your working needle, ensuring that the knot is not too tight as you want your stitches to be a bit loose, making them easier to work with!

3. Hold your needle with the slip knot in your right hand. Slide your left thumb and index finger through the "doorway" of the two yarn strands (the working yarn and the long tail). Take the remaining three fingers and grab both strands. Let your thumb and index finger open and use the needle to tension the yarn by pulling it straight down towards your wrist. Take the tip of the needle under the loop on your thumb, then through the loop on your index finger, now pull your thumb out and drop fingers snugging the stitch up to the needles.

Posted by Laura of Jimmy Beans Wool