How to Cast On for Knitting in the Round

Knowing how to long tail cast on in knitting is such an important technique to learn.  If you want to cast on to knit in the round, you’ll be happy to know that it’s so easy to do.

In today’s post, we’ll teach you how to cast on for knitting in the round in just a few, quick steps. Let’s get started.

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Knitting Cast On Methods

There are many different types of cast ons in knitting. Two of our favorite ways are:

• The long tail cast on.
• The knitted cast on.

Why? Well, for several reasons.

First of all, they’re both stretchy cast on knitting methods. Secondly, they’re universal in your knitting. This means you can use them in most knitting projects. They’ll always look good. Finally, they’re also easy knitting cast ons for beginners. So easy, in fact, that new knitters tend to learn them first.

For this knitting tutorial, though, we’ll focus primarily on the long tail cast on method.

Now let's take a look at what knitting supplies you'll need to learn how to cast on in the round.

Knitting Supplies List

For this knitting tutorial you’ll need:

• Knitting Yarn. I’m using Cascade 220 worsted weight yarn in Sky Blue (#1006).
  
• Circular Knitting Needles. You’ll want to knit in the round with circular knitting needles. You can use Double Pointed Needles (DPNs), fixed circular needles, or interchangeable knitting needles.
  
  You cannot cast on in the round using straight knitting needles. You'll need to be able to work the stitches from left to right in a circle. You can see this better when you swatch in the round.
  
  For this knitting tutorial I’m using ChiaoGoo interchangeable knitting needles in size U.S. 8 (5 mm). These are some of the best interchangeable knitting needles I’ve used. I love them so much, I bought both the 4” and 5” sets. I even keep a spare set in my car. No joke. Because you never know when you might have a knitting emergency.

But back to business.

If this is your first time learning how to knit with circular needles, I would not recommend using DPNs. They’re too fiddly for beginners. It’s better to use a pair of knitting needles that you’re comfortable handling.

•  Stitch Markers. These are to help you mark the beginning of the round.
  
  I’m using some hexagon shaped metal stitch markers here. You can use locking stitch markers or round stitch markers like these. There are endless types and materials for stitch markers.

Ready to learn how to cast on knitting in the round? Let’s begin.

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How to Cast On Knitting for Beginners

Here’s the good news. Casting on stitches in the round is much like flat knitting cast on. So if you know the easy how to cast on in knitting, you can make this stretchy cast on in the round.

First, begin by making a slip knot. Slide this onto one needle and hold it in your right hand.

With both strands in your left hand, drape the tail yarn over your left thumb and the working yarn over your left index finger. It should look like an open V with your left palm facing you.

As shown below in step 1, lift the yarn from under your thumb with the tip of your right knitting needle.

Next, go right, under the yarn on your index finger. Move back through the loop on your thumb as shown in step 3.

Step 4 shows the release of the yarn off of your thumb. The new stitch should be on your right needle at which point you can cinch it down on the needle.

Repeat the steps in the collage until you have the necessary number of stitches cast on.

The image above shows only a small amount of stitches. Obviously, you couldn't join in the round to knit a hat or anything. This is because the next step is learning how to knit a gauge swatch in the round.

Knitting Tension

Remember to keep an even knitting tension on the stitches you cast on.

Think of it as the Goldilocks rule. You don’t want your stitches too loose. They’ll look messy or slip off your needle. And you don’t want them too tight.  You won’t be able to work your needle into them and the edge will pucker.

You want your knitting stitches with just the right amount of knitting tension control. Getting the perfect knitting tension will give you a neat, tidy edge that’s stretchy enough for your knitting project.

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That wraps up our knitting instructions for casting on.

But wait a minute.  You’re probably asking, well, what do I do next?

Let’s say you want to knit a a cowl in the round, or maybe a knitted hat. Then your next step is to learn how to join to knit in the round.

Before you do, though, be sure to check out our collection of easy scarf knitting patterns. You can also grab this free hat pattern, too.

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We hope you found these knitting instructions for casting on helpful. If you did, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a note.

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