How to Long Tail Cast On Purlwise

Learn how to Long Tail Cast On Purlwise in 3 easy steps with my close-up photo and video tutorial. This knitting technique is also called the reverse long tail cast on. It is helpful when casting on in-pattern.

My easy-to-follow demonstration shares how to tie a slip knot, create the slingshot hold with your yarn, then finish by casting on your first stitches purlwise. Below find my video tutorials that include up-close demonstrations for both right and left-handed knitters.

What Does it Mean to Cast On Purlwise?

Unlike the classic knitwise long tail cast on, casting on purlwise creates the purl bumps on your cast on side, rather than the smooth knits. This technique is reversed and allows you to cast on in-pattern on stitch textures like ribbing.

Yes, it takes a bit of patience to learn this knitting technique, so please approach it with some patience and be gentle with yourself. Once you try it a couple of times, you’ll find yourself performing this technique automatically and without even thinking.

3 STEPS TO LONG TAIL CAST ON PURLWISE

STEP 1: Create a Slip Knot with Yarn

Begin by learning how to tie a Slip Knot, then place your needle inside that loop.

A Slip Knot allows you to easily tighten by pulling on the working yarn and loosen it by pulling up from the loop. This helps the yarn fit securely onto your knitting needle.

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STEP 2: Slingshot Method of Holding Yarn and Knitting Needle

Holding your knitting needle in your right hand, place the yarn ball on your right and yarn tail to your left.

Place these two yarn strands inside your palm, with the yarn attached to the needle over your index finger.

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With your thumb and index finger, go inside these yarn strands and scoop upward to create your slingshot hold.

Once you have your yarn in your hands in this configuration, you are ready to continue on. Again, my complete video tutorial below is really helpful, if these instructions are making your head spin, haha!

STEP 3: Cast On Purlwise

Bring the tip of your knitting needle around the outside of your index finger and bring the yarn up through its loop.

Then go around to the outside of the yarn strand attached to the slip knot and your thumb and scoop it up, as well.

Move the needle tip through your index finger loop from front to back.

Release the loop on your index finger and cinch up your needle to create your first purlwise stitch.

Repeat these steps until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.

Note: You may at any time cast on knitwise onto the same needle, if needed.