How to Knit a Simple Cast On

This tutorial will demonstrate how to complete a simple cast-on (different than a long-tail cast-on) technique. A simple cast-on technique is used to begin scarfs, basic rectangular-shaped knitting projects, and more. This is the first step to creating a magnificent knitting project, so it is key to learn this as a beginner or advanced knitter.

Attached is a complete video of the project given above and feel free to slow me down as the video is fast!

Enjoy and have fun!

For this project, you will need the ball of desired yarn you plan on using for your knitting project and the corresponding knitting needles (2) you will be using. For example, if I plan to knit a scarf, I use chunky yarn and two 9.0 mm Takumi 13 knitting needles.

Good tip: The size of the yarn and needles will differ depending on the project you are beginning.

The first step is to tie a simple slip knot and slip the knot onto one of your knitting needles. If you are unsure how to tie a slip knot, follow the steps below for guidance.

1. Starting with the tail end of your yarn, pull about 15cm from the ball
2. Make a loop around two of your fingers
3. Pull the working yarn through the loop you created over your fingers
4. Use your fingers to pull through a loop and tighten.
5. Slip the loop onto your needle, and with the yarn that's leading to the ball, pull and tighten

*You know you have done it correctly if you pull both ends of the yarn and the knot unravels completely and disappeared; this is not a permanent knot*

1. The second step is to slip your second knitting needle underneath and through the slip knot you put on your first needle.
2. After you have slipped your second needle into the loop, simply wrap the working yarn one time around the tip of the needle you just pushed through the slip knot.

*You will want to keep that wrapped working yarn tighter than I have shown in the photo as the next step will need a tight loop*

1. Next, slowly pull the second needle towards you with the newly created loop along with it.
2. While you pull the needle and loop, push the needle through the loop before the loop falls off the tip of the needle, as demonstrated in the photos attached.

*Keep your knots loose, so feel free to pull up on that new loop you created to make the knot looser*

1. Finally take the new loop you have created on that second needle and place it onto the original needle that you placed the slip knot onto.
2. You will repeat this same pattern until you've reached the desired knots or length you want for your project, usually about 15 for a scarf.
3. After casting on you can begin your knitting pattern!

*See the video in the introduction for more assistance, which demonstrates the entire casting-on process!*