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Long Tail Cast On

About this skill

Welcome to our comprehensive step-by-step guide to mastering the long tail cast on knitting technique. Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned knitter, the long tail cast on is an essential skill that ensures your knitting projects start with a clean and professional edge. Follow our detailed instructions to achieve neat and secure stitches, setting the foundation for successful knitting.

Video tutorial

Learn the long tail cast on knitting technique and start your knitting projects with an easy-to-master edge. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and exploring new knitting adventures.

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How-to guide

Step 1: Determine the length of yarn you need by wrapping the yarn around the needle for each stitch required.

Step 2: With this 'long tail' of yarn measured, begin by making a slipknot. Make a loop with the yarn, tuck one end under, and pull it through to create a secure starting point.

Step 3: Insert the needle through the loop of the slipknot and tighten gently, making sure the long tail is at the front. This loop is your first stitch.

Step 4: Use your index finger and thumb to slip through the two hanging pieces of yarn on the needle, while the other three fingers clamp down to hold the yarn in place.

Step 5: Guide the needle down towards your thumb, then up through the loop around your thumb. Pass the needle over the yarn on your index finger and bring it through the thumb loop. Tighten the stitch.

Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 until you have the required number of stitches on your needle.

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Bring Your A Game

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The Little Cropped One - Easy Chunky Knitting Pattern

Patterns

The Little Cropped One Chunky Knitting Pattern

FAQ

At Yearn, we understand that learning a new skill comes with its own set of questions and curiosities. Our FAQ section is meticulously crafted to provide you with immediate and comprehensive answers to your queries related to the specific skill you are exploring.

Whether you are a beginner embarking on a new journey or an experienced learner seeking to refine your knowledge, our FAQ section is here to guide you every step of the way.

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The long tail cast on is a versatile and commonly used method to start knitting projects. It creates a firm yet slightly stretchy edge, making it ideal for a wide range of knitting projects, from scarves to sweaters.

The long tail cast on is moderately stretchy, making it suitable for most projects. However, if you need a more elastic edge, consider using a different method like the German twisted cast on or the tubular cast on.

No, the double cast on and long tail cast on are different techniques. The long tail cast on uses a single strand of yarn, while the double cast on involves using two strands of yarn simultaneously to create a unique edge.

The terms “long tail cast on” and “single cast on” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the same cast-on technique where a single strand of yarn is used to create the initial row of stitches.

No, the long tail cast on is not counted as a knitting row. It serves as the foundation for your project but is not considered part of the row count for your main knitting pattern.

At the end of the long tail cast on, you should have the required number of stitches on your needle. Trim the excess yarn, leaving a tail of a few inches, and secure it by tying a knot or weaving it in to prevent unraveling.

Beginners can start with the long tail cast on by watching instructional videos or following step-by-step tutorials. It’s one of the easier cast-on methods to learn and is a great starting point for novice knitters.

The long tail cast on offers benefits such as a tidy edge, moderate stretchiness, and versatility for a wide range of knitting projects. It’s a fundamental technique every knitter should have in their toolkit.

To secure the long tail cast on, after completing the cast on, you can tie a knot with the tail end and the working yarn. Alternatively, you can weave the tail into the edge of your knitting using a yarn needle to prevent it from unraveling.

The main difference between the knitted cast on and the long tail cast on is in the method. The knitted cast on involves creating stitches one at a time, while the long tail cast on creates multiple stitches at once. The long tail cast on is generally more versatile and widely used.

When using the long tail cast on method, the yarn ball should be behind you, and the tail should be in front. This positioning ensures that the tail is used to create the initial stitches while leaving the working yarn easily accessible.

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Long Tail Cast On

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