The cast-on is the first row of your knitting and it sets the tone for everything that follows. A cast-on that is too tight will cause the bind-off edge of a sock to cut into the wearer's calf; a cast-on that is too loose will make a neckline gap. Choosing the right cast-on for the right project is a quiet but significant skill — and adding two or three solid cast-ons to your repertoire will improve your finished objects noticeably.
Pro tip: For most cast-ons, your tension on the cast-on row should match your knitting tension exactly. If you have a tendency to cast on tightly, try going up one needle size for the cast-on only and then switching back to your project needle for row 1.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify whether your project needs a stretchy edge (socks, necklines, hats) or a firm edge (button bands, blanket borders).
- Choose a cast-on appropriate to your yarn weight — thinner yarns benefit from the long-tail; thicker yarns work well with the cable cast-on.
- Make a slip knot and place it on the needle — this is your first stitch and counts in your total.
- Work the cast-on at the same tension as your knitting, not looser and not tighter.
- Count your stitches after every 20 cast on — it is much easier to recount now than to fix a mistake on row 1.
- Before joining in the round (if applicable), lay the cast-on flat and check that no stitches are twisted around the needle.
Long-tail cast-on — the workhorse
The long-tail cast-on produces a neat, moderately stretchy edge that works for most flat and circular projects. It is faster than the knitted cast-on once you have the motion in muscle memory, and it creates a clean, stable first row that is easy to pick up from. Estimate your tail length at about 1 cm per stitch plus 15 cm extra.
German twisted cast-on — for stretch
The German twisted cast-on (also called the old Norwegian cast-on) creates a very stretchy, durable edge that is ideal for sock cuffs, hat brims, and any project that will need to stretch significantly. It starts exactly like the long-tail cast-on but adds an extra twist as each stitch is formed, locking the edge strand and giving the cast-on its elasticity.
Provisional cast-on — for seamless joins
A provisional cast-on is used when you want to come back to the beginning of your work later — either to knit in the opposite direction, to join two pieces with Kitchener stitch, or to add a hem or edging. The crocheted provisional cast-on uses a length of waste yarn and a crochet hook to create a temporary chain.
Cable cast-on — for mid-project additions
The cable cast-on inserts new stitches between existing stitches and is the standard method for adding stitches at the end of a row — for a buttonhole, a thumb gusset, or sleeve underarm stitches. The edge it creates is firm and defined, which makes it ideal for buttonholes and any application where you want a crisp structural result.