How to perform a long tail cast on in knitting

When knitting, the first thing we need to do to start your project is casting on the stitches on your needle. The stitches will work as a foundation for the rest of your weaving, and they can make a difference in the final results. When we are learning from another person, it's very common to have the cast the stitches for you, so that you can focus only on the knitting per sé. But at some point, you need to learn how to do it yourself. Here's how to cast on stitches using the long tail cast on method.

How to use the long tail cast on knitting projects

There are several different methods you can use to cast on stitches. There are plenty of techniques and each of them will come out with a different result. They create different patterns for the borders of your pieces, and most importantly, they provide tensions or tightness. Different methods result in different tensions, so depending on what you are working on, you might need to use a specific type of cast on knitting. Besides there are easier and more difficult methods, which may be more useful depending on your experience.

How is a long tail cast on useful?

The long tail cast on method is one of the options when you are starting to knit and don't know how to cast on knitting with different methods. This technique is not super easy but it's not so difficult either, so it can be performed by a beginner. Besides, it's not too tight or too loose, which makes it a very versatile casting on method for most projects. Here's how to use it:

1- Create a slipknot

For making a slipknot, create a loop with yarn and pull the string through the loop, making sure the end doesn't come out through the loop. That would create a regular knot. Make sure you leave a long tail on the end not attached to your yarn ball. The slipknot results in an adjustable loop. Put in the left needle.

2- Use the slingshot position

As its name says, we need to resemble a slingshot with our fingers and the yarn. Holding the needle with the slipknot with your right hand, tighten the yarn with your left pinky finger and pass the loose end of the yarn over your left thumb, and the other strand over your index finger, from the back to the front, while keeping the slipknot tense with the needle. Here you’ll see the slingshot position.

3- Cast on the stitches!

Now comes the key step. Insert the needle through the loop formed on your thumb. grab the yarn from the loop around your index finger and pull it through the first loop. Continue pulling until it gets completely adjusted around your needle. After you’ve done this, you’ll see the yarn is back at the slingshot position with no effort. Always remember to keep the tension, as it will keep everything in place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-gdAUEjQjU The only thing left to do is repeat the process until you have created as many stitches as you need for your project. We hope this long tail cast on tutorial was useful!