Katia Academy | Learn 6 different methods to cast on with our videos, tips, and tricks

As with any other project using two needles, the first step is to cast on the stitches. There are various methods you can use to do this for both straight needles and circular needles. Learn how to cast on in 6 different ways with our videos: Long Tail, Tubular, Twisted German Method, Knitted, Turkish, and Judy´s Magic Cast On. Take note of tips or advice for employing these techniques, depending on the type of project or parts of a knitting pattern.

How to Cast On

1. Long Tail Cast On

In this video we want to show you the most popular technique used: the long tail cast on in the continental style. With a bit of practice, the Long Tail method will become your favourite method for quickly casting on stitches.

💡 Tip: Use this method for nearly all kinds of projects and achieve a firm, but elastic, cast on. 

Simple Cast-On

And, in this other video, we share how to knit the Simple Cast On with Long Tail in the English style. This is the most common way to place stitches with straight knitting needles.

2. Tubular Cast On

In this method, you will need scrap yarn and must cast on half the number of stitches you need. This method works for both circular and straight needles. Use this technique to create an “infinite” and stretchy beginning with a rounded edge. In the following video, we teach you how to make Tubular Cast On with straight needles and English style.

💡 Tip: To cast on ribbing at the waist, neckline, or sleeve cuffs.

In this other video, we show you how to knit Tubular Ribbing including the Tubular Cast-On with circular needles and Continental style.

💡 Tip: In this method, you get a double knitted layer, a hollow rib, that can be used as front bands, plackets, cuffs, hem… to introduce and hide laces or elastic bands.

3. German Twisted Cast On

The Twisted German Cast On consists of placing twisted stitches on a knitting needle. In this way, In this way, the edging can be stretched and returned to its initial position. Use this German Twisted technique when you need a flexible, stretchy beginning.

💡 Tip: To cast on rib stitches at the waist, neckline, sleeve cuffs, or the ribs on a pair of socks.

4. Knitted Cast On

Knitted Cast On is a quick and easy way to place stitches. This technique does not require a second strand, as in the Long Tail way. Therefore, it is also not necessary to calculate the starting amount of yarn.

💡 Tip: This is the type of increase or adding extra stitches at the ends, such as in sleeves, armholes, or necklines.

5. Turkish Cast On

For the Turkish method, grab the two needles together, take the yarn and wrap them as many times as indicated in the pattern, but divided by 2. That is, if it indicates cast on 20 stitches, wrap the needles 10 times, since each loop around the needles counts as two stitches. Then knit the stitches of the first needle and then those of the second.

💡 Tip: Use this technique to start socks from the toe or Toe Up. This whole process belongs to the cast on, the knitted stitches are not the first row.

6. Judy´s Magic Cast On

Like the Turkish method, Judy’s Magic Cast On is an invisible cast-on technique. Therefore, it is perfect to start knitting toe-up socks.

💡 Tip: The methods to knit socks from the toe are perfect to try them on, use the full ball to the end or decide the length of the sock shaft easily.

Katia Academy

Finally, tell us, what would you like to learn in 2022? If you want to learn knitting, crochet, sewing or macramé, dive into Katia Academy and enjoy hundreds of videos and free patterns. Start to transform Katia yarns and fabrics by Katia Fabrics into unique, simple, and fun projects.