There are many ways to cast on stitches, but the longtail method has to be my absolute favorite.

Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s a very sturdy cast-on! After you learn this method I can guarantee this will be your go-to method for every project. Let’s get started!

Notes:

• Be sure to give lots of extra length to the tail when you create your slip knot! The Longtail method requires a “Long tail”!

Make a slip knot and tighten it onto one of your knitting needles.

Want to know how to make a slip knot? Check out How to Make a Slip Knot!

Grab both strands of yarn with your pinky, ring, and middle fingers. Then use your pointer and thumb to spread open the strands.

Face your hand up to see the loops you’ve created. You’ll see something that looks kind of like a slingshot!

Move your needle under the loop on your thumb (back to front).

Then move your needle over the loop on your pointer finger (front to back).

Pull the yarn you grabbed from your pointer finger back through the loop on your thumb (front to back).

Drop the loop on your thumb.

Pull the tail and working yarn strands to secure the stitch onto the needle.

Repeat steps 1 to 5 until you reach your desired number of stitches!

Awesome job! Now that you’ve learned this cast-on technique, you can start up almost any knitting project with ease!