How to cast on stitches for Knitting with Video Tutorial
The first step in any knitting project is learning how to cast on stitches. Casting on creates the foundation row of loops that your knitting is built on. While it forms the first row on your needle, the cast-on row is not usually counted as Row 1 in your knitting pattern.
If you’re following along with my Knitting for Beginners series, we’ve already covered the basics to help you get started:
- Knitting for Beginners – Learn how to get started with knitting and discover the essential tools you’ll need.
- How to Make a Slip Knot – Master the simple first step before casting on your stitches.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn the Knit Cast On Method—one of the easiest cast-on techniques for beginners. It’s simple to learn, easy to remember, and a great choice for scarves, blankets, dishcloths, and many other beginner-friendly knitting projects.
More About Casting On Stitches
Casting on creates the foundation edge of your knitting. This edge, often called the cast-on edge or selvedge, usually forms the bottom of your project, such as the hem of a sweater, the edge of a scarf, or the beginning of a blanket.
A good cast-on should be:
- Neat and even
- Consistent in stitch size
- Loose enough for your needle to pass through comfortably, but not so loose that the edge looks untidy
It may take a little practice to find the right tension, but don’t worry—every knitter improves with time.
Common Methods of Casting On
There are many ways to cast on stitches, and each creates a slightly different edge. Some methods are stretchier, while others produce a firmer or more decorative finish.
One-Needle Cast-On Methods
- Single (Backward Loop) Cast On
- Double Cast On
- Provisional Cast On
- Thumb Cast On
- Crochet Cast On
Two-Needle Cast-On Methods
- Knit Cast On (the method used in this tutorial)
- Cable Cast On
- Rib Cable Cast On
- Thumb and Finger Cast On
- Invisible Cast On
- Long Tail Cast On
Don’t let all these names overwhelm you! There isn’t one “perfect” cast-on method, and you certainly don’t need to learn them all before you start knitting.
The Knit Cast On is the method my mom taught me many years ago, and it’s still the one I use in all my knitting projects. It’s simple, reliable, and suitable for a wide variety of knitting projects, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
As your knitting skills grow, you’ll naturally discover other cast-on methods that are better suited to specific projects. For now, choose a method that feels comfortable and enjoy the process of learning. The best cast-on method is the one that works well for you.
Above all, use the method that is most convenient to you.
Cast on stitches for knitting – Video Tutorial
How to Cast On Stitches (Written Instructions)
Abbreviation: CO (Cast On)
Now that you’ve made your slip knot, you’re ready to cast on your stitches using the Knit Cast On Method.
First Stitch
- Place your slip knot on the left-hand needle.
- Insert the tip of the right-hand needle into the front of the slip knot, just as if you were going to knit a stitch.
- Wrap the working yarn counter-clockwise around the right-hand needle.
- Draw the right-hand needle through the loop, creating a new stitch.
- Without dropping the original slip knot, place the new loop onto the left-hand needle. You now have two stitches on your left-hand needle.
Remaining Stitches
- Insert the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches on the left-hand needle.
- Wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the right-hand needle.
- Pull a new loop through.
- Transfer the new loop onto the left-hand needle to create another cast-on stitch.
Repeat these steps until you have the number of stitches your pattern calls for.
Beginner Tip
Try not to pull the yarn too tightly as you cast on. Your stitches should slide easily along the needle. A cast-on edge that’s too tight can make the first row difficult to knit and may affect the stretch of your finished project.
Once you’ve cast on the required number of stitches, you’re ready to pick up your pattern and start knitting!
Before You Start Knitting
You’ve successfully cast on your stitches—great job! Before you begin your first row, here’s something that surprises many new knitters.
If your pattern uses stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one row), you’ll notice that your knitting naturally curls at the edges. This is completely normal and happens because the knit and purl sides of the fabric behave differently.
To help keep your knitting flat, many patterns include a border of:
These stitch patterns balance the fabric and help prevent curling.
If you’re making your very first project, don’t worry if your knitting curls a little. It doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake—it’s simply how stocking stitch behaves.
common questions and answers when learning to knit
How many stitches should I cast on?
The number of stitches depends on your pattern, yarn weight and needle size. Always follow the pattern unless you’re designing your own project.
How much yarn do I need for the cast-on?
One of the trickiest parts of the Long Tail Cast On is estimating the length of yarn you’ll need. Fortunately, the Knit Cast On method doesn’t have this problem because you simply work directly from the ball of yarn.
Advantages of the Knit Cast On
| Advantage | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Easy to learn | Great for beginners |
| No measuring yarn | No wasted yarn |
| Strong edge | Ideal for everyday projects |
| Easy to correct | Mistakes are simple to fix |
When should you use the knit cast-on?
Perfect for:
- Scarves
- Blankets
- Dishcloths
- Cushion covers
- Baby blankets
- Practice swatches
Not ideal for:
- Socks
- Hat brims
- Stretchy necklines
How to count cast-on stitches
The easiest way to count your cast-on stitches is to gently slide each stitch from one side of the needle to the other, counting them one at a time.
Make counting your stitches a habit from the very beginning. As a new knitter, it’s easy to accidentally skip a stitch, add an extra stitch, or let one slip off the needle without noticing.
By counting your stitches after casting on—and again every few rows—you’ll catch mistakes early. It’s much easier to fix a small error straight away than to unravel (or “frog”) several rows of knitting later.
tension tips
Avoid tension as follows:
- don’t grip needles tightly
- don’t pull each stitch hard
- slide stitches often
- relax your hands
PRO TIP: Beginners often cast on too tightly, making the first row difficult to knit. An easy solution is to use your normal-sized needle in your left hand and a needle one size larger in your right hand while casting on. This creates a slightly looser cast-on edge without affecting the rest of your knitting.
before you leave –
Now that you’ve learned how to cast on, try one of these beginner-friendly projects:
- Easy Garter Stitch Potholder
- Beginner Dishcloth
- Phone Cover for Beginner Knitters
- Garter Stitch Snood for Teens
- Knit Square Pattern
Coming up next: Learn the Knit Stitch, the first stitch you’ll use after casting on.
