Long Tail Cast On (thumb method)

Also known as the thumb method, this produces a stretchier edge than the two-needle or cable cast-ons, which is ideal for edgings or lace work which will need to be blocked

Step 1

Make a slip knot, leaving a long tail. Each stitch to be cast on requires around 2cm of yarn so make sure you measure out enough before making the slip knot. Hold the ball end in your right hand and stretch the tail end out to the left of the needle. Hook your thumb over and under the tail strand to create a loop
Step 2

Insert the needle into this loop and wrap the ball end around the tip of the needle as though you were knitting the stitch.
Step 3

Bring the needle back through the loop on your thumb and pull tight. Repeat steps one to three until you have cast on the correct number of stitches

Why not give one of these patterns a go?

Striped Nappy Cover Knitting Pattern
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Simple Baby Socks Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Party Percy the Elephant Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Spring Flowers Blanket Knitalong: Part Three
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
Benson Bear: Shorts and Star T-shirt Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Benson Bear Teddy Knitting Pattern
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Spring Flowers Blanket Knitalong: Part Two

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- knit
  Stitch Techniques
Dress Up Frog Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques