Casting On For Beginners

“Casting on” means casting on a certain amount of stitches onto the needle, so you can start a project.  I am so happy I finally learned how to do this on my own.  I learned how by following the pictures in one of the old books my grandma gave me, however I have posted some videos below to show you how. 

Before you cast on a certain number of stitches according to the pattern, you need to measure out that number of inches and at the spot make the first “slip loop” to begin.  

Next insert the needle through the slip knot. 

 The loose yarn is the string on top and the ball yarn is the string on the bottom. 

Next using your left thumb, move the loose yarn that is attached to the needle around over the top and then under the thumb.  Keep both of your hands near the needle. Make sure you hold the ball yarn separate from the loose yarn or in the right hand for now.  

Notice that the yarn makes a loop around the left thumb. Insert the needle through the underside of the loop. At first you might want to brush the tip of the needle against the thumb to swoop up the yarn. Bring the yarn in the right hand over the point of the needle from the back as if to knit. 

Draw it through the loop by pulling the left thumb over the needle.  Gently pull the free end of the yarn with the left hand to tighten the stitch.  Place the yarn around thumb as directed before and repeat until you have “cast on” that number of stitches required with the remaining loose yarn.

This method is also called the Thumb Method since you use your left thumb.  See the following videos on how to do so.  After casting on, you are now ready to start your first row!  

1. How to Knit - The Basics – The method I use and the one I reference above. This video also shows you how to knit row 1 and I have it in the reference table. It also shows you how to bind off.
2. This video is a little blurry and doesn’t show the first step of the slip knot, but it’s got the right idea.
3. This website is also a great demonstration of the thumb method. However it’s a bit easy since it omits the part where you move the ball yarn over the needle and you only wrap the needle around and under the loose needle and pull free the yarn to create the stitch.
4. In this video the lady reinforces her yarn by doubling it up at the loose end. It’s an interesting way to do the thumb method!
5. This video is the thumb method but with the right hand.
6. This video is also with the right hand but it’s much easier and faster than the left hand way.

More fabulous methods of "casting on" videos can be found here at KnittingHelp!