How to Cast On in Knitting: 4 Easy Methods for Beginners (2026 Guide)

Introduction

If you’ve read our complete beginner knitting guide, you’ll know that casting on is the very first step in any knitting project.

Casting on creates the first row of stitches on your needle — and the method you choose can affect stretch, neatness, and the overall look of your project.

In this guide, we’ll show you 4 beginner-friendly cast on methods with step-by-step guidance.

👉 New to knitting? Start with our full beginner guide first.

1️⃣ Long Tail Cast On (Best All-Rounder)

Why it’s great:

✔ Neat edge

✔ Slight stretch

✔ Works for most projects

Basic Steps:

1. Make a slip knot and place it on your needle.

2. Hold the yarn in a slingshot position.

3. Scoop yarn with the needle and pull through.

4. Repeat until desired stitch count.

2️⃣ Knitted Cast On (Easiest for True Beginners)

This method feels like you’re already knitting — making it ideal for total beginners.

Why it’s great:

✔ Simple

✔ Easy to remember

✔ Great for practice

Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Make a slip knot and place it on your left needle.

2️⃣ Insert your right needle into the slip knot as if to knit.

3️⃣ Wrap yarn around the right needle (just like a knit stitch).

4️⃣ Pull the loop through — but don’t drop it.

5️⃣ Place that new loop back onto the left needle.

Repeat steps 2–5 until you reach your stitch count.

What It Feels Like

• Very controlled

• Slightly firmer edge

• Easy to correct mistakes

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Pulling the yarn too tight (makes first row hard to knit)

• Forgetting to place the new loop back on the left needle

• Twisting the stitch when transferring

When To Use It

✔ Scarves

✔ Dishcloths

✔ Practice squares

✔ First ever project

3️⃣ Cable Cast On (Firm Edge)

Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Make a slip knot and place it on your left needle.

2️⃣ Insert right needle into the stitch as if to knit.

3️⃣ Pull up a loop.

4️⃣ Instead of placing it back through the stitch — insert the right needle between the last two stitches on the left needle.

5️⃣ Wrap yarn and pull through.

6️⃣ Place the new loop onto the left needle.

Repeat from step 4.

What Makes It Different?

Instead of knitting into the stitch each time (like knitted cast on), you insert the needle between stitches.

This creates a tighter, more structured edge.

When To Use It

✔ Blanket edges

✔ Cardigans

✔ Button bands

✔ Projects needing structure

Common Mistakes

• Confusing it with knitted cast on

• Not inserting needle fully between stitches

• Making it too tight

Tip: Keep your fingers relaxed.

3️⃣ Backward Loop Cast On (Quickest Method)

Also called the Thumb Cast On.

This is the fastest way to cast on — but can feel loose and messy on the first row.

Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Make a slip knot and place it on your needle.

2️⃣ Hold working yarn in your right hand.

3️⃣ Wrap yarn around your thumb (front to back).

4️⃣ Slide the loop from your thumb onto the needle.

5️⃣ Gently tighten.

Repeat.

What It’s Good For

✔ Adding stitches mid-row

✔ Quick small cast ons

✔ Emergency beginner method

Downsides

• First row can feel unstable

• Loops may stretch

• Harder to keep even tension

🧶 Which One Should Beginners Use?

If you are brand new:

🥇 Start with Knitted Cast On

🥈 Try Long Tail once confident

🥉 Use Cable Cast On when you want a firm edge

⚡ Use Backward Loop only for small additions

FAQ – Casting On

What is the easiest cast on for beginners?

The knitted cast on is usually easiest to learn.

Which cast on is stretchiest?

Long tail has good stretch for most garments.

How much yarn do I leave for long tail?

Roughly 1 inch per stitch as a guide.