Casting on is the name given to the process of putting stitches on a needle in preparation to knit. I teach knitting at my LYS (Local Yarn Shop) and my students are always surprised to find out that there are many different ways of casting on. Each one has its pros and cons, and is designed to perform a specific function. Here are the three most common cast ons, their best and worst features and some video tutorials from YouTube to show you how to do them. I even ran across a great video on how to make a slip knot, the first stitch of your cast on row.

Slip Knot

A slip knot is an adjustable loop with a knot that slides up and down the yarn. If you are using the Loop or Knitted Cast On, make the knot at least six inches from the end of the yarn. These six inches are referred to as the “tail” and are woven into your knitting with a large-eyed yarn needle when you’ve finished your project. This prevents the first stitch from coming undone and ruining your first row. If you are using the Long Tail method, you use the tail to cast on. Because of this, you must guess how much yarn to reel out before you make the slip knot. A good estimate when using worsted (medium) weight yarn is one inch per stitch, plus the six inches needed to weave in. When you place your slip knot on a knitting needle, you should be able to pull the ball yarn (as opposed to the tail) to make the loop snug. Don’t pull too tightly, though. Remember, your other needle must fit comfortably into this loop when you knit the first row.

Loop Cast On

Popular with six year olds the world over, Loop Cast On is the easiest cast on ever. Anyone can learn it, even if they’ve never picked up a knitting needle before. But when you use it, it’s very hard to control the tension in the first row of knitting. The yarn can stretch out between stitches, leaving messy loops on your cast on edge.

Long Tail Cast On

The long tail is what I usually teach to beginner knitters. It’s a stable cast on, and if done loosely it has enough elasticity to use with ribbing. It can be difficult to remember, though, so don’t feel bad if it takes a few projects to sink in. Again, remember to reel off enough yarn before making the slip knot.

Knitted Cast on

This is a firm cast on that creates an attractive edge. It’s not very elastic, but because you only use the ball yarn to cast on you don’t have to guess how long to leave the tail. It’s what I use when casting on something large that doesn’t need to stretch, like a baby blanket or place mat. It’s also an easy cast on to remember because it’s so similar to the action of knitting.

These are just the most common cast ons. There’re lots more out there. You may run across Cable Cast On (similar to Knitted Cast On), the Provisional Cast On (used when you want to rip out the cast on row later to knit a decorative edging), or the Double Needle Cast On (a very stretchy cast on similar to the Long Tail.) Feel free to try them all out. You’ll eventually find the one that works great for your particular tension and style of knitting. And, you’ll have fun along the way!