ByKristen McDonnell Last updated:
This Cast On Thumb Method helps you easily begin your knitting stitches. This is a variation on the basic Long-Tail technique, without the need to learn the traditional slingshot hold.
In just basic 5 steps, see exactly how to begin casting on any knitting project with this thumb version, giving you attractive edges with a bit of stretch. This knitting tutorial gives written and video help for both right and left-handed knitters!
Love Knitting Help? Visit my entire Cast On Knitting Techniques section for more great tips!
Table of Contents
- Knitting Preparation to Cast On
- Video Tutorial
- 5 Steps to Cast On with the Thumb Method
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast On Thumb Method for Knitters
- Printable Knitting Instructions
Table of Contents
Knitting Preparation to Cast On
- Decide how long of a yarn tail you need for your knitting project.
- Create a Slip Knot and place it on your knitting needle.
- RIGHT-HANDED KNITTERS: Make certain that your yarn tail is on the left side, while your working yarn (attached to the ball) is on your right.
- LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS: Make certain that your yarn tail is on the right side, while your working yarn (attached to the ball) is on your left.
Video Tutorial
LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS: Watch Cast On Thumb Method for Left-Handed Knitters on my YouTube Channel.
5 Steps to Cast On with the Thumb Method
Step 1: Wrap Yarn Around Thumb
RIGHT-HANDED KNITTERS: Grasp the yarn tail with the fingers of your left hand.
LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS: Grasp the yarn tail with the fingers of your right hand.
EVERYONE: Wrap the yarn around your thumb by bringing your thumb over the top of the yarn strand and down around. You will have the yarn originating from the knitting needle to inside your thumb. It then wraps around to the outside of your thumb.
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Step 2: Pick Up Yarn Tail
EVERYONE: Insert the tip of your knitting needle under the thumb loop to pick up the yarn.
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Step 3: Wrap Working Yarn
RIGHT-HANDED KNITTERS: Hold the needle with your left hand and wrap the working yarn around the needle counter-clockwise with your right hand.
LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS: Hold the needle with your right hand and wrap the working yarn around the needle clockwise with your left hand.
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Step 4: Pass Thumb Loop Over
RIGHT-HANDED KNITTERS: Holding the thumb loop with your left fingers, pass it over and around the needle tip.
LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS: Holding the thumb loop with your right fingers, pass it over and around the needle tip.
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Step 5: Pull Strands to Finish
EVERYONE: Pull the yarn strands taut to tighten the stitch as needed. Be careful with your knitting tension! Tighten the stitch lightly so it simply hugs the needle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast On Thumb Method for Knitters
Which Cast On Method is best in knitting?
The Long-Tail Cast On is the standard knitting choice for most projects. The edge is clean, has a little bit of stretch, but is also firm. It is a popular choice for most blanket, hat, and scarf knitting patterns.
Is the Thumb Method the same as the Long-Tail Cast On?
Yes! The result from the Thumb Method is identical to the Long-Tail Cast On. This technique uses your left thumb to more easily wrap your yarn than the traditional Slingshot hold.
What side of my knitted piece is the finished Cast On Row?
When you are casting stitches onto your stitches, you are doing so on the Wrong side of the work. Once you turn your needles and begin your knitting project, you are knitting on the Right Side.
Does the Cast On row count as the first row of knitting?
No, the row of stitches cast onto your knitting needle in preparation of knitting is not counted as a row. Your pattern will have the first stitches on the right side of your work counted as the first row.
How to Cast On Knitting Stitches Left Handed?
The technique is the same for right handed knitters, it is simply the mirror image for left handed knitters. Both the written and video tutorial instructions are available in this Studio Knit tutorial to Cast On with the Thumb Method for right- and left-handed knitters.
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Instructions
This Cast On Thumb Method helps you easily begin your knitting stitches. This is a variation on thebasic Long-Tail technique, without the need to learn the traditional slingshot hold.
Makes: Cast On Stitches with Thumb Method
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
Instructions
RIGHT-HANDED VERSION
KnittingPreparation to Cast On
Decidehow long of a yarn tailyou need for your knitting project.
Create a Slip Knotand place it on your knitting needle.
Make certain that your yarn tail is on the left side, while your working yarn (attached to the ball) is on your right.
__________
5 Steps to Cast On with the Thumb Method
- Step 1: Wrap Yarn Around Thumb
Now that you have your first stitch on your knitting needle, grasp the yarn tail with the fingers of your left hand.
Wrap the yarn around your thumb by bringing your thumb over the top of the yarn strand and down around.
You will have the yarn originating from the knitting needle to inside your thumb. It then wraps around to the outside of your thumb. - Step 2: Pick Up Yarn Tail
Insert the tip of your knitting needle under the thumb loop to pick up the yarn. - Step 3: Wrap Working Yarn
Hold the needle with your left hand and wrap the working yarn around the needle counter-clockwise with your right hand. - Step 4: Pass Thumb Loop Over
Pass your thumb loop over the needle tip. - Step 5: Pull Strands to Finish
Pull the yarn strands taut to tighten the stitch as needed. Be careful withyour knitting tension! Tighten the stitch lightly so it simply hugs the needle.
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LEFT-HANDED VERSION
KnittingPreparation to Cast On
Decidehow long of a yarn tailyou need for your knitting project.
Create a Slip Knotand place it on your knitting needle.
Make certain that your yarn tail is on the right side, while your working yarn (attached to the ball) is on your left.
__________
5 Steps to Cast On with the Thumb Method
- Step 1: Wrap Yarn Around Thumb
Now that you have your first stitch on your knitting needle, grasp the yarn tail with the fingers of your right hand.
Wrap the yarn around your thumb by bringing your thumb over the top of the yarn strand and down around.
You will have the yarn originating from the knitting needle to inside your thumb. It then wraps around to the outside of your thumb. - Step 2: Pick Up Yarn Tail
Insert the tip of your knitting needle under the thumb loop to pick up the yarn. - Step 3: Wrap Working Yarn
Hold the needle with your right hand and wrap the working yarn around the needle clockwise with your left hand. - Step 4: Pass Thumb Loop Over
Pass your thumb loop over the needle tip. - Step 5: Pull Strands to Finish
Pull the yarn strands taut to tighten the stitch as needed. Be careful withyour knitting tension! Tighten the stitch lightly so it simply hugs the needle.
Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit
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