German Twisted Cast-On Knitting Tutorial

The German Twisted Cast-On is my go-to cast on for most projects. It’s a relatively stretchy cast-on that creates a first row of stitches. Learn the technique in this knitting tutorial!

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Long Tail Cast-On

Many of us learned a long tail cast-on early in our knitting journey. The German twisted cast-on is just a slight variation of that cast-on. See a demonstration of the long tail cast-on in Lunchtime Live Episode 61. The demo portion is near the end of the video.

How to Knit the German Twisted Cast-On

(Scroll down for video tutorial)

This cast-on requires only one needle. When you are first learning it, I suggest using a needle 1 size larger than you will be knitting with, as it tends to get tight until you are used to the motions.

First, make a slip knot leaving a tail about 3-4 times the length of your cast-on edge. Place the slip knot on your needle and hold it in your dominant hand. This slip knot counts as your first stitch cast on. Then lay both the tail and ball end of the yarn across your other palm and grip it with your last 3 fingers (middle, ring, and pinky).

Next, insert your thumb and index fingers between the two strands.

Turn your hand so that your thumb and index finger are pointing up, creating a V or Y shape with the yarn between your hand and the needle. There should be one loop around your thumb and one loop around your index finger. Each has an inner and outer strand.

Now begin the repeating steps to cast on each stitch: *Insert your needle under both strands on your thumb. Twist it backwards and insert it between the strands to twist the loop that is on your thumb.

Allow your thumb to bend, opening up the loop. Bring the needle over and around the inside strand on your index finger and pull that strand through the twisted loop on your thumb.