Stitchopedia Video & Photo Tutorial
The long tail cast on, also called the double cast on, is my go-to cast on. I find it’s fast and gives a nice looking, even, and secure edge. It does require some yarn usage estimations, but no worries, I’ll give you some tips. If the estimating worries you, then you may want to use another cast on for more than 100 sts or so, but I’ve been known to use this one for blankets and get it right on the first go.
Long Tail Cast On Video
If you can’t see this video, try watching it on YouTube HERE.
You can also watch a short version on Tangi HERE.
Written instructions with photos
First you need to create your long tail. This cast on is made by casting on with both the tail end of the yarn and the working or live end (that end attached to the ball) of the yarn.
To determine how long your tail needs to be, measure off about 1 inch per stitch. If your yarn is larger than worsted weight, or you are using an oversized needle, you will need to measure out more. Better to err on the side of too long a tail.
Another way to determine how much yarn you will need is to wrap the yarn around the needle 10 times, then measure how much yarn that took. Use that much yarn for each 10 sts you need to cast on.
Make a slip knot in the yarn so that the long tail is on one end, and the working end is at the other. Put the slip knot on your needle. Place the needle in between the thumb and index finger of your left hand. Drape the tail end over your thumb, and the working end over your index finger.
Hold onto both ends with your bottom 3 fingers.
Insert the needle under the yarn coming out from beneath your thumb.
Next grab a loop from your index finger by placing the needle on top of the yarn coming off the top of your index finger and twisting.
Pull the loop through from your index finger through the loop on your thumb.
Slid your thumb out of the loop and tighten the stitch.
Then place your thumb under the tail end of the yarn to begin the next cast on stitch.
Continue until you have all your stitches cast on.
Insert your needle up through the thumb loop.
Grab the yarn from your index finger.
Pull through the thumb loop.
Tighten.
Keep on going.
Now it’s time to get knitting!
Here are some supplies you may find useful.
Happy stitching my friends.
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