Quick answer: The German twisted cast on is a variation of the long-tail cast on where you twist the thumb loop — it creates the most elastic cast-on edge, perfect for sock cuffs and any opening that needs serious stretch.
What it is
The German twisted cast on (also called old Norwegian cast on) is worked exactly like a long-tail cast on with one extra step: instead of inserting the needle straight through the thumb loop, you go under and around the front strand of the thumb loop. This creates a twisted, doubled bottom edge with exceptional elasticity — the stretchiest of all standard cast ons.
When to use it
- Sock cuffs — the edge needs to stretch over the heel without binding
- Hat brims worked in ribbing
- Any cuff or neckline where maximum elasticity is needed
How to do it
- Set up exactly as for a long-tail cast on: slip knot on needle, tail over thumb, working yarn over index finger, hold in slingshot position.
- Instead of inserting the needle up through the thumb loop from below, insert the needle under both strands of the thumb loop from below — go under the front strand first, then under the back strand.
- With the needle inside the thumb loop, bring it over and catch the yarn from your index finger.
- Pull the loop back through both thumb loop strands and slide your thumb out.
- Use your thumb to snug the new stitch onto the needle.
- Repeat from step 2 for each stitch.
Common mistakes
- Only going through one strand of the thumb loop — that's a regular long-tail cast on; make sure you go under both strands
- The resulting stitch looks twisted on the needle — this is correct; knit through the back loop on the first row to untwist