Learn, step by step, 6 easy methods to cast on knitting   

09/16/2022

There are many ways to cast on for your knit project. Let’s look at some of the easy methods and how and why you should use each one.

Learning anything new can be difficult, and learning to knit is no different. We’re here to help and will walk you through each step of the learning process so that your knitting journey will be a success!  

As with anything, there is more than one way to cast on your knitting project. Here at Katia we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn all you need to know about 6 easy ways to cast on: Long Tail, tubular, Twisted German Method, Knitted, Turkish, and Judy’s Magic Cast On.  We also have some tips and advice for implementing each one. Plus, each method comes with a video tutorial on knitting to help you get the most of your learning experience! 

How to Cast On: 6 Easy Ways

1. Long Tail Cast On

In the first video, we have the long tail cast on in the continental style, which is the most popular technique used to cast on. With a bit of practice, the Long Tail method will become your favorite method for quickly casting on stitches.

Tip: Use this method for nearly all kinds of projects and achieve a firm, but elastic, cast on. 

In the next video we have the Simple Cast On, which uses the long tail in the English style. This is the most common way to place stitches with straight knitting needles.

2. Tubular Cast On

In this method, you will need scrap yarn and must cast on half the number of stitches you need. This method works for both circular and straight needles. Use this technique to create an “infinite” and stretchy beginning with a rounded edge. 

In the following video, we teach you how to make Tubular Cast On with straight needles and English style.

Tip: Used to cast on ribbing at the waist, neckline, or sleeve cuffs.

In the next video, we show you how to knit Tubular Ribbing including the Tubular Cast-On with circular needles and Continental style.

Tip: In this method, you get a double knitted layer, a hollow rib, that can be used as front bands, plackets, cuffs, hem… to introduce and hide laces or elastic bands.

3. German Twisted Cast On

The Twisted German Cast On consists of placing twisted stitches on a knitting needle. In this way, the edging can be stretched and returned to its initial position. Use this German Twisted technique when you need a flexible, stretchy beginning.

Tip: To cast on rib stitches at the waist, neckline, sleeve cuffs, or the ribs on a pair of socks.

4. Knitted Cast On

Knitted Cast On is a quick and easy way to place stitches. This technique does not require a second strand, as in the Long Tail way. Therefore, it is also not necessary to calculate the starting amount of yarn.

Tip: This is used for increases or adding extra stitches at the ends, such as in sleeves, armholes, or necklines.

5. Turkish Cast On

For the Turkish method, grab the two needles together, take the yarn and wrap them as many times as indicated in the pattern, but divided by 2. Example: If it indicates cast on 20 stitches, wrap the needles 10 times, since each loop around the needles counts as two stitches. Then knit the stitches of the first needle and then those of the second.

Tip: Use this technique to start socks from the toe or Toe Up. This whole process belongs to the cast on, the knitted stitches are not the first row.

6. Judy’s Magic Cast On

Like the Turkish method, Judy’s Magic Cast On is an invisible cast-on technique. Therefore, it is perfect to start knitting toe-up socks.

Tip: The methods to knit socks from the toe are perfect to try them on, use the full ball to the end or decide the length of the sock shaft easily.

These 6 easy cast on methods should give you more confidence when following our Katia knitting patterns! Do you have a favorite cast on method? We’d love to hear!

You may also be interested in…

Katia Beginner Knitting Patterns 

Other knitting tutorials at Katia Academy!