When you’re first learning to knit, you probably learn one cast-on method that becomes your personal go-to. There’s nothing wrong with that, but did you know there are several different ways to cast on? They all look a little different and work best for different projects, and we are going to show you a few of the most popular.

Backwards Loop

This is also known as the single cast-on, and it’s the simplest. You start with a slip knot, then make a loop that you place on the needle. Each loop, including the slip knit, is a stitch. It’s best understood visually, so watch this video:

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This cast on works well for basics and it’s the easiest to learn, but it has its drawbacks. It can be tricky to get an even gauge on your first row. However, it’s a good choice if you don’t need too much stretch in the first row, you don’t want to add extra bulk at the beginning of the project, or you don’t want to measure out yarn for a long tail cast on.

Knitted Cast-On

The knitted cast-on, sometimes called knit on, is exactly what it sounds like. You start with a slip knot, insert your needle into the loop, and make a knit stitch, which you then put onto the left needle. You can see more detailed written instructions with images here, or watch the video below.

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This cast on creates a nice flat first row to work from. Because you’re doing knit stitches, it blends into your work flawlessly. It’s great if you want something unobtrusive, or if you’re going to be seaming your cast-on row later.

Long Tail Cast-On

For long tail cast-on, you need to measure out ahead of time how much yarn you will use, because you’re working from two strands at once. Even the most seasoned knitters often mismeasure and have to start over, so don’t despair if that happens to you. This cast-on is best learned by watching and doing, so check out the video below.

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This method gives your work a nice, firm, stable edge. It can be done loosely to give plenty of stretch to a garment, making it a good choice for hats, cuffs, and so forth. Long tail does create a sort of extra row of knitting at the beginning, so it won’t work for everything. If you need something more subtle, which blends into your work, it’s best to try a different one.

Of course, these three methods aren’t the only cast-on techniques out there. Provisional cast-on uses scrap yarn so have live stitches you can later either graft together a seamless piece or work in the opposite direction. Jeny’s Stretchy Cast-On uses slip knots to create an incredibly elastic edge. There are also special methods like the Turkish cast-on for casting on toe-up socks, hoods, and other seamless pieces.

Depending on your project, you may want to step out of your comfort zone and try different ways to cast on!