Casting on is the first step of every knitting project — it creates the very first row that everything else is worked into. In this video you’ll learn how to cast on stitches on knitting needles step by step, what tension to aim for, and how much yarn to leave so you don’t run out halfway through.
How to cast on stitches, step by step
The most widely used method is the long tail cast on (also called the two-strand cast on): it is stretchy, looks tidy on the right side, and works for almost any project.
- Measure the long tail. Leave roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) of yarn per stitch. For 80 stitches in chunky yarn, count on about two metres.
- Make the slip knot. Form a sliding loop and place it on the needle — that is already your first stitch.
- Position both strands. The long tail goes over your thumb, the working yarn from the ball over your index finger, both held in place by your remaining fingers.
- Cast on each stitch. Bring the needle up through the thumb loop, catch the yarn from your index finger and pull it through. Release the thumb and snug the stitch without tightening it.
- Repeat and count. Continue until you reach the stitch count in your pattern, then count the stitches before you work the first row.
Common cast-on mistakes
- Casting on too tightly. The most common problem: the edge pulls in and the first row is hard to knit. Fix it by casting on with a needle half a size larger, then switching to the needle your pattern calls for.
- Running out of tail. If the yarn runs short a few stitches from the end, don’t stretch it — undo it and start again with more margin.
- Uneven stitches. Keep the same spacing between stitches on the needle instead of crowding them together.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn should I leave for casting on?
As a rule of thumb, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of tail per stitch in worsted-weight yarn and a little more in chunky yarn. A quick alternative: measure three times the finished width of the piece and add 15 cm.
Does the cast-on count as the first row?
In most patterns, yes — the cast-on row counts as row 1, and the next row you work is row 2. If your pattern says otherwise, always follow the pattern.
What if my cast-on edge is too tight?
Undo it and cast on again over a larger needle, or leave slightly more space between stitches. A cast-on edge should stretch as much as the rest of the fabric.
What we used in the video
BeMe yarn by The Woolcatcher and circular knitting needles. You can browse the full natural yarn collection in our shop.
