Knitting: How-To Cast On

How to Cast On Knitting

Learn how to cast on knitting. Casting on is the first step in knitting and you'll be putting the stitches on the needle.

This is a good cast on method to use if you are just learning to knit and want to get going as quickly as possible. This basic cast-on is also known as the thumb cast on, loop cast on, or backward loop cast on. 

As shown in photos above:

Step 1:  Create a slipknot and place it on the left hand needle leaving a 4 to 5" tail to weave in later.

Step 2:  Loop the yarn over the middle and index finger of your right hand from back to front (yarn comes up behind your middle finger and over your index finger), and grip the tail lightly with your thumb.

Step 3:  Using the tip of your left hand needle, enter the loop on your right hand from right to left.

Step 4:  Tighten the stitch by lightly pulling on the working yarn at the top.

Step 5:  Continue Steps 2 - 4 until all stitches are cast-on. Your completed cast on should look like this.

Now you are ready to begin knitting. Let's move on to the knit stitch >