Today, we’re going to talk about this simple and easy long tail cast on stitch. Now, if you’ve never tried the long-tail cast on, then it may appear difficult, but once I tried it just a couple of times(in a row, a few stitches), then I had it, and it flows really well. I think it may be my new favourite cast on.
If you’ve used the long-tail cast on in the past but didn’t like it because it was too hard to determine how long your tail needs to be and you either end up with way too much, or not enough yarn, I have an easy little hack I learned from Sheep & Stitch that I just love.
It solves the problem of having too much or not enough yarn at the end of your cast on row! Alright, so here it is, hold your yarn about 2-3″ from the end, and hold your needle with it. Then, wrap the yarn around your needle as many times as you have stitches to cast on. Then, I’d add 2 more inches, and that’s it. Hold the yarn at that spot. This location is where you will place your slip knot to begin casting on.
Long Tail Cast On
So, using the method above, determine the length of the long tail you need. For our example we measured for 15 stitches, adding a few extra inches, to ensure our length.
Setting it up
Place your slip knot on one of your needles, and hold it in your right hand. You’ll want to hold your 2 pieces of yarn in your left hand, tail to the front, and working yarn(on your ball) to the back. Grab both strands and hold around both with your fourth and pinky fingers. Then, bring your index finger and thumb between the strands separating them, like the pic at right. Make sure to keep your tail at the front, and working yarn to the back.
Starting to add stitches
Hold the needle with your right hand, bring the tip around and under the front strand by your thumb, and up the middle.
Now, wrap the needle around the working yarn(on top of index finger, left),
And back through the center of the loop around your thumb.
Slip your thumb out, and use it to tighten the long tail to complete the stitch.
Now, you’re in position to start your next stitch!
Now, I know it seems like a lot of steps, but give it a try, once you do it a couple of times, it becomes like second nature.
So, if you’d like to watch this tutorial in video form, check it out below:
Normally, I recommend posting pics of your makes on Instagram and tagging us, but since this is more of a technique than a pattern, so, if you can do me a favour and go to the video on YouTube and like it!
Thank you so much for hanging out with me!
Much Love,
