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?

Fourth July Eagle Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Garter
  Stitch Techniques
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Ruffle Edged Top Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Circular
  Needle Type
- Knit
  Stitch Techniques
- Rib
  Stitch Techniques
Sideways Cable Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Circular
  Needle Type
- Cables
  Stitch Techniques
- Knit
  Stitch Techniques
Beach Bag and Nautical Throw Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 3 / 3.25mm
  Needle Sizes
- 6.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- Chunky / Bulky
  Yarn Type
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
- Garter
  Stitch Techniques
Cross Stitch Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 3 / 3.25mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
- Garter
  Stitch Techniques
Fiesta Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Knit
  Stitch Techniques
- Purl
  Stitch Techniques
Sadie Sunshine Dolly Toy - Part Two

Difficulty
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Knit
  Stitch Techniques
- Picot Edge
  Stitch Techniques
Knitted Crab

Difficulty
- US 7 / 4.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- 4.0mm
  Hook Size
- Aran / Worsted
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Cable Needle
  Needle Type
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
- Cables
  Stitch Techniques