How to Work the Alternating Long-Tail Cast-On in One or Two Colors
The standard long-tail cast-on is the default for most knitters. And it’s a good choice in many situations. This cast-on produces a row of knit stitches, so it has a definite right side and wrong side. However, if you want a cast-on edge that is the same on both sides and looks great with ribbing? The alternating long-tail cast-on is the solution you need.
Above: The alternating long-tail cast-on, with k1, p1 ribbing in one color, and with brioche rib in two colors.
I’ll show you how to work this cast-on in both one color and two colors.
Benefits of the Alternating Long-Tail Cast-on
Instead of casting on a row of knit stitches, with the alternating long-tail cast-on, you’ll cast on both knit stitches and purl stitches. While my sample alternates one knit stitch with one purl stitch, you could alternate two knits with two purls, or whatever ribbing sequence works best with your pattern. Your ribbing will flow smoothly from the cast-on edge, without a row of purl bumps on the wrong side. The alternating long-tail cast-on will also stretch more than a standard long-tail cast-on because both strands of yarn travel around the needle to form stitches.
Video Tutorial
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Begin with a slip knot on your needle and set up your hands as you would for a standard long-tail cast-on. One strand of yarn will run from the needle, around your index finger and down your palm. The other strand will run from the needle, around your thumb, and down your palm. Both strands are held securely against your palm with your ring finger and pinky.The slip knot (hidden under my right thumb in the photo) counts as a knit stitch (Photo #1).
2
We’ll begin by casting on a purl stitch. Bring your needle tip up through the loop on your index finger, catching the strand of yarn that runs from your finger to your palm (Photo #2).
3
Bring the needle tip toward you and catch the strand of yarn that runs from the needle to your thumb (Photo #3).
4
Move the needle tip back down through the loop on your index finger, bringing the thumb yarn with it to form the stitch (Photo #4).
5
Release the loop of yarn from your index finger and snug it up under the base of the new stitch. Return to your starting position (Photo #5).
6
Now we’ll cast on a knit stitch. This is just like a standard long-tail cast-on. Bring your needle tip up through the loop on your thumb, catching the strand of yarn that runs from your thumb to your palm (Photo #6).
7
Move the needle tip away from you to catch the strand of yarn running from the needle to your index finger (Photo #7).
8
Move the needle tip back down through the loop on your thumb, bringing the index finger yarn with it to form the stitch (Photo #8).
9
Release the loop of yarn from your thumb and snug it up under the base of the new stitch. Return to the starting position (Photo #9).
Keep going, alternating knits and purls in whatever sequence you like, until you have the required number of stitches on your needle.
As you continue casting on, notice that the purl stitches on your needle are formed with the yarn wrapped around your thumb, and the knit stitches are formed with the yarn wrapped around your index finger. This creates the opportunity to work a two-color cast-on where the knits and purls are different colors. Here’s how:
Two-Color Alternating Long-Tail Cast-On
1
Start with a slip knot made with both strands of yarn held together. Set up your hand with the color for the knit stitches running from the needle around your index finger and down to your palm, and the color for the purl stitches running from the needle around your thumb and down to your palm (Photo #10).
This slip knot will not count as a stitch; after your cast on is complete, drop the double-strand slip knot off the needle.
2
We’ll begin by casting on a knit stitch. Again, this is just like a standard long-tail cast-on. Bring your needle tip up through the loop on your thumb, catching the strand of yarn that runs from your thumb to your palm (Photo #11).
3
Move the needle tip away from you to catch the strand of yarn running from the needle to your index finger (Photo #12).
4
Move the needle tip back down through the loop on your thumb, bringing the index finger yarn with it to form the stitch (Photo #13). Release the loop of yarn from your thumb and snug it up under the base of the new stitch. Return to the starting position.
5
Now we’ll cast on a purl stitch with the other color. Bring your needle tip up through the loop on your index finger, catching the strand of yarn that runs from your finger to your palm (Photo #14).
6
Bring the needle tip toward you and catch the strand of yarn that runs from the needle to your thumb (Photo #15). Move the needle tip back down through the loop on your index finger, bringing the thumb yarn with it to form the stitch.
7
Release the loop of yarn from your index finger and snug it up under the base of the new stitch. Return to your starting position (Photo #16).
Continue alternating knit stitches and purl stitches until the required number of stitches are on your needle. Don’t forget to drop the double-strand slip knit off your needle when you’re done.
This two-color cast-on makes a beautiful beginning for two-color brioche rib. It also works well with stranded corrugated ribbing, a traditional edging for Fair Isle-style knits.
Choose the Right Cast-on for the Project
Even experienced knitters tend to rely on one or two cast-on methods most of the time. But there are many specialty cast-ons to explore. Choosing the perfect cast-on for your project is one more way you can elevate your knitting practice.
Sandi Rosner
Technical Content Editor, Yarn
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