Short Tail Cast On | Knitting Technique | Twisted Yarn Shop PDX

Learn the short tail cast on: one strand, no estimating how long the tail needs to be, quick and easy.

Set-up: make a slip knot close to the end of your yarn and put it on your needle tip. (How to make a slip knot:    • Slip Knot | Knit and Crochet Technique | T...  )

Step 1: Grab the yarn with three fingers (middle, ring, and pinkie) and wrap the strand around the outside of your extended thumb and index finger.
Step 2: Pick up the strand running from the needle to your thumb from beneath.
Step 3: Pass the needle tip over the strand running from thumb to index finger, and slide the needle tip up along your index finger to pick up a loop.
Step 4: Slide your index finger out of its loop.
Step 5: Pass the loop on your thumb over the needle tip.
Step 6: Pull tight.

Cast on as many stitches as necessary, without having to estimate the length of yarn you will need. Because of the way this cast on twists the yarn, it is not recommended for single ply or loosely spun yarns, because they will come apart. Also be aware of how the stitches will "twirl" around your needle as you cast on, and be sure to un-twirl them before joining in the round.

Elinor from Twisted Yarn Shop in Portland, OR walks you through this simple and useful cast on.

Visit Twisted online at www.twistedyarnshop.com for more techniques, original patterns, and plenty of yarn!

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Twisted opened on June 29, 2007 as a little local yarn shop in Portland, Oregon. Founded by two friends with a passion for knitting, the shop grew to become a hub of Portland's thriving fiber arts community. But brick and mortar retail is a hard gig. In 2014, Twisted consolidated to one owner, and in March of 2020 the shop went online-only. Today, we're still passionate about yarn and excited to bring the same exemplary customer service and products to you online that we used to share in-store.

Thank you for supporting our woman-owned small business!