How To Knit A Stretchy Cast On: A Sock Shorty Tutorial by EarthtonesGirl

[@RosieNP73]

Thank you for this! Especially the reminder that there is no need to rush. There seems to be the general thought that faster is better in Knitting primarily to finish your project in less time. But as you have pointed out, this may not be the best goal to have. Thanks again!❤

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're so welcome!!!! Knit at your own pace and enjoy every stitch!!

[@patriciahenry8892]

Love love loved this stretchy cast on….its made all the difference to my socks . Thanks so much. 🩷🩷🩷

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome! I’m so glad it was helpful!!

[@Raenelyra]

Omg you are an Angel! I have been struggling and struggling and struggling - this is the first video of many that I have watched that makes sense to me! Thank you deeply for taking the time to share you knowledge, it is so helpful xx

[@valeriehowden471]

Thanks for showing in detail along with the theory behind it. Casting on is the hardest part of knitting for me and I'm always looking for easier methods and tips.

[@Janet-ov7zx]

Denise, you just solved one of the mysteries of my childhood. My mother was an amazing knitter. I remember her knitting argyle socks and vests for my dad, and her knitting herself a cocktail dress. I had any number of itchy cabled sweaters and hats as a child. She taught me to knit when I was 10 or 11. (It was a short -lived interest for me as my mother ripped out anything that had a mistake. I soon taught myself how to crochet which she knew nothing about, despite her mother being an amazing crochet lace maker. Hmm.) Anyway, I remembered her teaching me to cast on by what she called "knitting off your thumb." But since I started knitting 10 years ago, I had never seen this cast-on, to the point that I wondered if I was making up that memory. But no, you just had it on video. Method #2 is what I struggled with and never gained skill to do as a child. In my mother's world there was only one correct way (her way) to do anything, and this cast on was the only correct way. When I think of how many ways I know to cast on and bind off and how delightful it is to pick the one that best serves what you need in your knitting, I feel sorry for her and how she limited herself. And I always love how you emphasize that thee is no one right way to knit, no matter what skill you are teaching. Thanks so much for solving my childhood knitting mystery! (harping)Janet

[@pattyscheck5850]

000000 ink

[@themaidenoflight]

You finally solved my problem of too tight of a cast on for socks! I am a tight knitter and have tried every stretchy cast on to fix my socks with being too tight on cast on and could never figure out what I was doing wrong - the spacing between stitches!! Thank you!!!

[@sdh9165]

I really appreciated you showing how you cast on loosely with a long-tail cast-on, Denise. I have used that technique a lot, but always a bit too tight. Also really nice to hear your tip that an uneven cast-on evens itself out when you start knitting. Very good tips for a perfectionist ;-)

[@heatherleask3752]

Thank you for showing method #2. That is how I was taught and the only one I know how to do. However, I normally only see knitters use method#1 and thought my way was wrong. I am new to sock knitting, but now addicted.

[@christinealderton2949]

Thank you Denise, the best demonstration I've seen.

[@youngbloodsuz]

Denise, I can’t say thank you enough for this demonstration. I’ve avoided cuff down socks because my cast on is always too tight. When you showed the first method my jaw dropped! What a simple change to my cast on! I do exactly as you said when you showed snugging your the stitches tightly. Oh my I can hardly wait to cast on cuff down lol You are such a clear and wonderful teacher..thank you! Suzette

[@gailjahn8303]

Whoa! This is AMAZING. I had no idea a stretchier cast on could be achieved so simply! Thank you!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're so welcome!

[@denised139]

DENISE!!!!🎉❤ I’m casting on for a simple Ann Budd sock & was looking for a stretchy C/O… & LOOK who’s lovely face popped up!!🎉 - such a delightful surprise~~ thanks so much for the cast on tips & I can’t wait to check out your other videos soon. - Hope your spinning is still delighting you! Xoxo

[@tammythornock4309]

Thank you so much, Denise! This technique has worked so well for me. I am so glad I found you!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're very welcome!!!!

[@Lora2121]

Denise, you are a great teacher! This was such a game changer in the way my ribbing looks and fits. Thank you so much!

[@bobbieburrs2506]

Thanks so much, Denise, for these cast-on demonstrations. My mother taught my twin sister and me how to do Method #2 when we were little back in 1959. Still prefer it to any other cast-on method.

[@joyhendricks8466]

Oh my word. Thank you very much. That was a big problem for me

[@marysmith9109]

Wow, you are very clear. Thank you for the SLOW. And fr two methods for a stretchy cast on. Different yarns yeild tight knitting for me. I was kind of desperate to find a stretchy cast on for socks. I'll experiment with both your options. Thank you, again.

[@ansvantol6524]

Oh thank you very much for learning this nice and easy way of starting the first Row of socks. I am going to use it by every sock now. 🙏🥰

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so very welcome! Glad you like it!!

[@gailkorhonen8553]

Your second method is how I learned to do a long tail cast on:) I used that method for years.

[@thizizliz]

Oh Denise! I have tried so many times to other stretchy cast on but this is so simple & easy! Thank you.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome!

[@nancysaid9193]

Superb! I surprised myself by preferring the second method. Looking forward to knitting some socks now. Thanks so much!

[@catheyjoyce]

Denise, I love you! I wish I had found you 4 years ago! You are such an awesome teacher! My socks are going to be so much better now because of you! You are now my go-to whenever I have questions or problems! Thank You so much! ♥️

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome Cathey!

[@wendybradley8420]

Thank you Denise. I have tried and tried the German twisted cast on with no success. So happy I can now make my long tail cast on more stretchy.

[@carolyninthebigcity9601]

Thank you for going slow and showing it more then once. Oh and for both options. Much love.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome

[@magalii7083]

Hello Denise! Thank you for your video that is very very clear. I'm a French sock knitter and I just discover your channel, I think I will follow you. Thanks again !

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome! And thank YOU for following along!!!

[@pinkiedee]

Dude!!!! This is amazing! My tight tension could be used as a torture technique. This has solved my issue. I’m here on Kevin & Ray’s (Needles at the Ready) suggestion. I’m so glad I stopped in. Thank you so much for sharing your method.

[@sandimichaels2324]

Hi Denise, Thank you for showing this stretchy cast on. I will give it a try. I am a tight knitter so I may try the two hand. Thank you.

[@jenniferbarrett3272]

I have seen knitters doing that second cast on and wondered what they were doing. Thanks for the clear demo. I do the long tail cast on just like you with the spacing, anytime I use the long tail cast on. I have been using the German long tail cast on for socks and hats as it is really stretchy and looks even. I also love the cable cast on. It’s a bit slower, but you don’t have to measure and guess the yarn length, it’s stretchy and looks great. I sometimes do both knit and purl with the cable cast on which gives a similar appearance to ribbed cuffs as the tubular cast on.

[@LessienCelebrindal]

Thabkyou! So happy I finally found a sock cast on that makes sense to me. Thanks to your very clear explanation and why's:)

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

So glad I could help!

[@angelasprecco4246]

You are a treasure! So happy I found your podcast! Can’t wait to keep learning with you ❤️

[@sarahb4330]

Thank you so much - the finger spacing - such a simple and elegant adjustment

[@deniseschueller986]

I taught myself the one handed method and I don't use a knot either. I don't use my finger to space out my stitches, but I'm going to try this next time as I've found I do knit tightly. Thanks for sharing!

[@annmilleville1983]

Thank you Denise, this will help me for sure!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elaineenstone6834]

Thank you. Will give the first method a try. 🇬🇧

[@pamfreel8983]

Thank you Denise💕 This will definitely be my go to cast on for socks. Thank you for your patience and precise instructions. No fear now…easy peasy.

[@Top-g919]

Thank you for this demonstration, it really helps.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're so welcome, I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@michelleLuna1209]

Your video's abour sock knitting have been sooooo helpful! I would LOVE a tutorial from you in avoiding ladders when working with the magic loop. I have been having a lot of trouble with it and nothing seems to work. You are an amazing instructor and I love your excitement ❤

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Hi Michelle, I cover this topic in class 5 (and I think 6) of my No Fear Sock Knitting Classes here on my channel. There is a playlist for the class series.

[@michelleLuna1209]

@@EarthtonesgirlPodcast I totally missed that, thanks so much!! Going to look it up straight away ♡

[@brookedowns3531]

Omg! This is everything! I might actually make a sock❤

[@OllieandMay]

Thank You Denise, I’ve been sticking to knitting Toe Up as I couldn’t get the Cuff stretchy enough for a proper fit. ❤️

[@korichamberlain]

I cast on super tight, so while the two needle cast on doesn't usually lead to an exagerated flair, I do struggle with getting the second needle back out once completed, lol. Excited to expand my skills and have more options to pull from.

[@loopyloop1]

#2 is the english longtail cast on ❤

[@lisahurst8565]

I learned to cast on like method #2 from my grandma when I was a child (way back). This has been my normal method of casting on (without the spacing ) for all these years. I have never seen anyone else cast on with two hands like me. I thought I was the last weirdo left on the planet. I'm going to try adding the spacing for a stretchy cast on. Otherwise, I have followed various KZbin videos for the more involved stretchy cast on similar to your method #2 but with more steps for my socks. Years ago I used the two needles together but I was never happy with it. Thank you for all your tips.

[@beththoreson9216]

I switched from long tail to German cast on a while ago because it was always so tight. After watching this video I am going to go back to long tail. Great tutorial!

[@astrakanproject]

That's gonna be a life changer! Simple, yet I never thought about having the space btw each stitch! Thank you so much!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@Rop6ckc]

I will sometimes CO to a one size larger needle and knit it off with the working needle. I have gotten pretty good, though, at the 2-handed, no-knot long-tail CO. Thanks for the tip about spacing. That might be easier than constantly reminding myself not to cinch the yarn too tight. 😉

[@carolg5770]

Super tutorial, Denise! I do a long tail cast on for everything but socks....why? I have no idea! I always thought I had to do a German Twisted cast on to get the top loose enough. I'm gonna try the long tail using your trick and see how it goes when I cast on my next pair of socks. Thanks so much!!

[@Sapphira603]

I just made my very first sock using your shadow wrap heel pattern and kitchener stitch tutorial, and was kind of amazed that I actually was able to make a sock! The only problem? My stretchy cast on wasn't stretchy at all and I could barely get the sock on! I'm about to make its partner (these are basically practice socks so I can learn how to make a sock, no plans to wear them, might use 'em for sock puppets for the kids?), and now I will try this cast on and see if I can actually get the second sock on without as much trouble! Thank you so much for your tutorials, they are absolutely wonderful to me as a beginner.

[@suzannebright7932]

Very helpful!!! Thank you so much❤

[@kellybodie6022]

Denise, thank-you again for a wonderful tutorial. I love the idea of using your finger tip as a regulator. I am inconsistent in my cast ones where one sock will be fine but the second one too tight…maybe it is my state of mind at that time! I can’t wait for your next tutorial.

[@mariannefrippiat1485]

Great tutorial, again; I love how you explain things. I always use method #2, but without a slip knot. I make a loop on my thumb, slip it on the needle then cast on the following stitches the normal way. I also use a needle 2 sizes up so I don't need to space my stitches and my cuffs are stretchy enough.

[@wilddogmountain6157]

Thank you so much I have knitted for 10 years self taught and have struggled with sock knits this video helps sooooooooo much:)

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@944gemma]

The best of all!

[@jasminedee3960]

Thank you! Your video was very clear, calm voice, explanation, and instructions are well filmed (no blockages) and showing the reasons. So glad to of stumbled onto you!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're very welcome!

[@guylainepelchat3058]

Great video thanks Denise

[@MsKarenMR]

Thanks for Sharing Denise. Method #2 is a Great alternative! 💖

[@katedavy6272]

My great Aunt Mary taught me the two handed method. I couldn't remember it so i knitted on sts and tried to space them like you do. I will try these methods again now with your tutorial and see which works best. Thanks.

[@joycepastore3860]

Thank you for using a white background- it is much easier to see the stitches, compared to the mauve background of your early podcasts. I would also recommend a bright color yarn ( like dayglo green or bright blue) - would be a good contrast against a darker needle. Thanks 😊 I prefer the German twisted cast on- provides the most stretch for me.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thanks for your feedback Joyce.

[@ladycrafts1885]

Thanks for the tips Denise. This will definitely help my LTCO to loosen up. I enjoy your videos.

[@janeoliver5211]

This is such a game changer..thank you for the tutorial. This will also help with the necklines on top down sweaters.

[@julielandy9162]

Thank you Denise for both methods. I always thought(who knows why) that the German twist was the only one. Thankvyou for more options!!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Hi Julie, There is never only one way to do anything.

[@julielandy9162]

@@EarthtonesgirlPodcast Wow, thanks.

[@loue6563]

Always great to have options in doing methods. Thanks for sharing🌸

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You are so welcome!

[@2tinytreasures]

This was so helpful! That’s my exact problem. I’ve been making them too tight

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

So glad I could help!

[@cuthbert2546]

Brilliant! Thank you!!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You're very welcome!

[@Ntagati]

What a lovely tutorial. Thank you so much, gracious lady. 😊❤

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Aww, thank you so much!!

[@HelgesonVideos]

Great tutorial! Thanks so much!!

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Hi Kristen, I'm so glad it was helpful! And thank you so much for the contribution!!

[@kimnare7369]

Thanks that was very helpful.

[@yvonne2203]

You have just changed my world! Lol.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

I"m so happy to hear that!! Lol...

[@manicspinner1959]

Always thrilled to learn something new (right pointer as "regulator")... Also like the visual comparison between too tight and just right. The two-handed version is also new to me and fascinating, but a bit too fiddly for my taste. ;-)

[@marciamcguire6501]

FAAAABULOUS !!!!!! Thank you SO much ! This was an ' AHAAAAAAAAAAAA ' moment for sure !!!! Al the very best, marcia

[@barbmckinlay3400]

You just solved one of my problems. I also had good luck with the German cast on but don’t always want to do that one. 🤗

[@madisonelizabeth2765]

This is awesome, I’m using it on a cardigan sleeve. also your voice is so nice, I watched the whole thing cause it just made me feel so calm. 😂❤

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thank you so much!!

[@phf3238]

Thank you! Was just about to cast on with two needles.

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kvcaps]

Oh my goodness! This has been my problem all along. Thank you! I am sending big hugs. Now I need to cast on for a sock! Bye.

[@marieo305]

Thank you so much❤

[@M3Monica]

Thank you ❤

[@EvieO1950]

Well it obvious now why my cast on is often too tight. 😝. I used your two needle cast on to start your shorty socks In making now and it worked well (I did use smaller needles). I’m definitely going to give the two hand method a try next time. Great information!!! Thanks!!

[@adelahorakova5341]

How interesting! It never occurred to me to do it this way. I usually use German long-tail CO, but of course it creates a slightly different edge. I also combine German long-tail CO with casting on on both needles held together (which I generally do for all my cast-ons including sweaters).

[@dorothychadwick3674]

My mother taught me your method #2 cast on, never liked it because the stitches were way too tight. (60+ years ago) Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful day and stay safe!

[@Mary_Lou_1]

This is great Denise!! Thanks so much!!❤️❤️

[@BonnieBrown426]

Great tip!

[@catherinekhalili4412]

I always feel calm and happy watching your videos 🌸💕 I’m going to try both

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Awww, thank you so much Catherine.

[@sandrahood9529]

Wow!😮

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thank you!!

[@desireewoodard2387]

As always, Thank you!

[@chillbro2275]

So cool!!

[@karenmowry4507]

Method 1 looks like a way I want to cast on the long tail CO. It certainly looks easier and faster than the German Twisted cast on IN Pattern that I've been doing!

[@debbietucker910217]

Thanks that is the one I always use.

[@lauraannbrooks3810]

Great!

[@brennaparansky7758]

Thank you so much! These tutorials are amazing. Can’t wait to try it on my next sock pair!

[@dinaelkelany5297]

Thanks ❤ love all your amazing jobs , I follow you on instagram 🎉

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thank you Dina!!!

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from Mounds Illinois. I use the long tail cast on but on a needle a size than I need.

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Hi Denise, New Subscriber here. Great tutorial on cast on. Never did my first stitch that way in Method 1 and #2 I want to try. Magic Loop is what I prefer. Question: have you used 9inch circulars. Going to watch your other videos. Thanks

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Hi Yvonne Thank you so much for your message and for subscribing!! I have used 9 inch circulars but I don’t like them. They hurt my hands. The way I have to hold the needle is uncomfortable!

[@virginiaestep6488]

I put a bandaid on my finger when I do the blanket stitch instead of marking skin.

[@annemacdonald2516]

You are amazing…talented, calming, informative!! I am wondering if you have a measurement for the length of yarn to leave for the long tail. I read that 1/2” per stitch is suitable for fingering weight yarn. So 32” for a 64 stitch sock. Plus I leave a bit extra for a length to weave in at the finish. This actually works for me. But what about sport weight socks, DK? Worsted? etc?? Thank you so much for your helpful tips and tricks 👏❤️

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Hi Anne, Thank you for your message. Yes I have heard/read about that calculation to figure out the amount of yarn you need for a long tail cast on but I have never used it. I have wrapped the yarn around the needle for as many stitches as I need and that works with any weight of yarn. I hope that makes sense and helps. I also estimate by pulling the yarn from my hand to my elbow 2 to 3 times and that works every time for me to regardless of yarn weight.

[@annemacdonald2516]

@@EarthtonesgirlPodcast thank you so much. I have done the hand to elbow estimation. Thanks for the wrapped around the needle tip 💕

[@rosepaul9681]

That was a question on my mind too. Thanks for the advice. I've used both ways and come up short a few times. Maybe it happens because I have a loose gauge?

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I tend to do the same as the first one.e. However I do tug them tight, I will correct this.

[@tammyredmon4703]

Thanks so much Denise! I’m gonna give it a try with my next cast on!! 😁💗

[@Blaize24]

These were great tutorials. I use the Estonian cast on which is gorgeous and decorative and is designed to be cast on over two needles. It's quite stretchy, and does flare as a result, though. I do pretty much the same as you showed for the spacing between the cast on stitches, cause that's where the stretch comes from.

[@judithburke3637]

Fab cast on thankyou and what lovely hands you have

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thank you! 😊

[@sylvanaire]

The method #1 demonstration was very helpful, especially like the part where you mentioned putting marks on your finger to keep the stitches even. I expect that would only be necessary for the first few times until I get the hang of it but it’s still a good tip for getting started. My only question is with a straight cast on, how do you get that ribbon candy look at the top of your sock? Does it just come automatically when you start the ribbing on the next round? I will have to experiment and find out! Thanks! 😊

[@EarthtonesgirlPodcast]

Thank you so much for watching!! I'm so glad you found it helpful!! And yes, the "ribbon candy" look happens when you start the ribbing!!

[@dominiquelajus4238]

Thank you so much I immediately ripped off the socks I started for my daughter’s boyfriend to cast on with your method

[@gwynhigginson4871]

I do german twisted long-tail cast on..similar