Knitted Cast On Tutorial | An Easy Step-by-Step for Beginners
- anouskaiap
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 22
The knitted cast on is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to start a knitting project. Using the knit stitch itself, this cast on creates a flexible, neat edge that’s perfect for beginners learning the basics.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the knitted cast on step by step, with photos and tips to help you master it quickly and confidently.
Why Choose the Knitted Cast On?
I often use the knitted cast on in my own projects, especially when adding stitches in the middle of a garment, like at underarms or for buttonholes. It’s quick, simple and forms a beautiful edge, which makes it one of my go-to methods when designing patterns.
While the long-tail cast on is stretchy and quick, the knitted cast on shines in other ways:
Easy for beginners: If you can knit a stitch, you can do this cast on.
No yarn tail estimation needed: Just start with a slip knot and a little tail... no need to count and estimate how long a tail you'll need.
Flexible edge: It’s not super stretchy, but it’s not rigid either. It's the perfect mid-ground.
Perfect for adding stitches mid-project: Great for buttonholes or shaping underarms and necklines.
Helps perfect your knit stitch: If you're just starting out this is a great way to get even more practise with the movement needed to make a knit stitch!
Knitted Cast On: Step-by-Step Tutorial (with Video)
Make a Slip Knot: Place it on your left needle.
Knit into the Slip Knot: Insert the right needle as if to knit, wrap the yarn around, and pull through a new loop.
Transfer the Loop: Place the new loop back onto the left needle. Tug gently to secure it.
Repeat: Keep going by knitting into your last-made stitch until you have your desired number of stitches.
Tips for Knitting the Cast On Edge Successfully
Keep an even tension: If it’s too tight, the first row of your work will be a struggle.
Check your loops: Ensure each stitch is sitting neatly on the needle and is the same size, otherwise you could end up with a messy edge.
Practice makes perfect: Being such an easy cast-on technique to practise, I recommend giving it a go a few times to get a hang of the movement before actually casting on your work.
If you’re diving into your first project, be sure to read my Beginner’s Guide to Starting Knitting before you begin. That way you are setting yourself up for success!
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