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.

Knitting Cast On Methods

As you probably know by now, there are many different types of cast ons. Two of our favorite ways are:

The long tail cast on.
The knitted cast on.

Why? Well, they’re both stretchy cast on methods, and they’re universal in your knitting. This means you can use them in most knitting projects, and they’ll always look good.

They’re also easy knitting cast ons for beginners. They're easy to learn and easy to do. This is why most new knitters learn them first.

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

Knitting Supplies List

Cascade 220 worsted weight yarn in Vermeer Blue. Chiaogoo interchangeable knitting needles in size 8 US. Stitch markers.

For this knitting tutorial you’ll need:

Knitting Yarn. I’m using Cascade 220 yarn in worsted weight. The color is Vermeer Blue.

Knitting Needles for your project. You’ll want to knit in the round with circular knitting needles. You can use Double Pointed Needles (DPNs), fixed circulars, or interchangeable knitting needles.

I’m using ChiaoGoo interchangeable knitting needles in size U.S. 8 (5 mm). If this is your first time learning how to cast on knitting 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.

Learn more: Guide to Circular Knitting Needles

Stitch Markers. You'll need to place a marker at the beginning of the round. You can also add markers to keep count of your stitches, but this is optional.

How to Cast On Knitting for Beginners

If you’re not sure how much yarn your long tail cast on will require, you might want to read this post first.

Step 1

First, make a slip knot. Slide this onto one needle and hold it in your right hand. Remember, when you cast on your stitches, you'll need extra to leave at least a 5 inch yarn tail.

Step 2

Next, you’ll notice there are two strands of yarn hanging off your knitting needle. One is the yarn tail, which has the end point. The other is the working yarn which is attached to the ball or skein. This should be coming from the back of your needle.

In the image below you can see the working yarn is coming from the left. When you have cast on your stitches and are ready to knit, this needle will be in your left hand. This will place the working yarn in the back, the yarn tail in the front, which is the correct way to knit.

Remember yarn placement when casting on stitches.

Step 3

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

Step 4

With the tip of your right knitting needle, lift the yarn from under your thumb, go between the loop to the right, under the yarn on your index finger, and back through the loop on your thumb.

Collage of knitting steps showing how to long tail cast on.

Step 5

When you move back through the loop on your thumb, release the yarn from your thumb. The new stitch should be on your right needle at which point you can cinch it down on the needle.

Long Tail cast on in knitting showing new stitch created.

Step 6

You will repeat steps 2 -5 until you have the required number of stitches cast on for your knitting pattern.

Cast on stitches on knitting needle for swatching in the round.

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

And there you have it, an easy how to cast on knitting tutorial.

But you’re probably asking, well, what do I do next? Let’s say you want to knit a hat in the round. Then your next step is to join to knit in the round.

Learn 4 Ways to Join Knitting in the Round on Circular Needles

Here's a Free Pattern just for you!

Andalusian Risa Knit Hat

If you found these knitting instructions for casting on to knit in the round helpful, please tell us so. Leave us a message below. We'd love to hear from you!

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