How To Knit the Long Tail Cast-on

by Hannah Gilly

August 3, 2021

What's all this long-tail excitement?

When it comes to casting on, the long tail cast on is a very popular method for all knitters. But it comes with it's hassles. Mainly that if you're not careful you have to repeat the casting on a few times because you run out of yarn. Yes, that is the big flaw with the long tail, and why I don't advocate it for very new knitters. I'll help you get the right length of yarn ready today. If you're curious and just want to learn about how the stitches are made up, this is a great tutorial to watch, even if you don't take action on it yet. - I watched quite a few similar tutorials and read about this method in books before being willing or even needing to try it myself. If the steps look familiar, that's because even though you're using a needle instead of your hand for part of the process, the thumb loop method moves the yarn in the same way, and creates the stitch in an identical fashion. But why use it? Starting your work with the Long Tail method means you’ll have a slightly more stretchy edge, which might be useful if your first few rows will be worked in rib. It takes some practice, so give yourself the time to get used to the movements. You'll look like a knitting wizard once you're used to it! To subscribe to the Knit With Hannah YouTube channel click here If you're looking for more tutorials, and enjoy the step-by-step videos that break down patterns, see the full tutorials for whole knits in the Knit With Hannah Academy:

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