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How To Cast on

Howcast Studios
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Casting on—as opposed to casting away—has nothing to do with desert islands or little buddies named Gilligan. It's the second step in every knitting project—and you…more »
Added December 11, 2007

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You Will Need

A knitting needle with a slipknot of yarn attached

Step 1.
Hold needle & yarn

Hold the needle in your left hand at the point where the knot sits on the needle. Hold the tail end of the yarn under your finger to keep it out of the way.
As a beginner, use thicker needles—they’re easier to maneuver.
Step 2.
Make “gun”

Make a “gun” of your right hand and grip the attached end of the yarn under your 3 bent fingers. Your left hand and needle should be held above the gun.
Step 3.
Point “gun”

Point your “gun” straight up so your right hand is now making a “number one” with your thumb pointed out to the side, while also dropping your left hand down to the side with the needle pointing up.Ê The yarn should now be wrapped behind your right forefinger.
Step 4.
Cross hands

Cross your left hand, with the needle still pointing up, across your right hand so that the yarn is now looped around your finger.
Step 5.
Cast on

Insert the needle up through the loop along the outside of your forefinger and pull the yarn up so that it slips off of your finger and onto the needle. You have successfully cast on.
Don’t forget that your slip knot counts as your first stitch—and your cast on stitch is your second.
Step 6.
Repeat process

Point your “gun” up again, wrapping the yarn behind your right forefinger, and repeat the cast on process for your next stitch.
If you’re using a pattern, check the instructions to see how many stitches you’ll need to cast on. If you’re just practicing, try starting with 30.
Step 7.
Continue & knit

Continue casting on until you have as many stitches as you need for your project, and get ready to knit!
The number of 25 to 34 year-old Americans who knit jumped 150% during a recent two-year period.

Comments View all (4)...

I love the simplicity of these videos. They're super easy to follow and understand. And is she cute or what!

Reply about 1 year ago by Ronna

This video was sooooooooooo helpful! Thank you so much!

Reply 9 months ago by Simple_Pleasures

I went through about 16 sites and 20 videos looking for a good guide on casting on. This one was by far the most entertaining and easiest to understand, as well as very well made. Thank you so much for making this video!

Reply 5 months ago by philia

Thanks, you finally taught me what 2 knitting books and various video's on the internet failed to teach me... Now on to the knitting... I hope your knitting video's will be just as useful ;) Thanks again!!!

Reply 5 months ago by Gadisha

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