The Long-Tail Cast On is so popular because it's versatile and stable. But whichever method is used, there's always a few problems: what to do with the tail, and how much yarn does the tail need, and what to do if the yarn runs out before the tail is finished?
How Much Yarn Should Be Allowed for the Tail?
How much yarn should be reeled off when using the long-tail cast-on? The rule of thumb is to use at least three times the width of the piece. For instance, for an 8"-wide scarf, at least 24 inches of tail will be required. Be sure to keep the tail on the thumb when using this cast on; since this part of the cast on uses a wee bit less yarn, the tail should then never run out.
If casting on for an item such as a sweater piece that will require seaming, add additional seaming to the tail. However long the seam will be, reel off 1.5 times its length for mattress seaming. For example, if a sweater back is being cast on and the seam to the underarm is going to be 12", reel off 18" of seaming yarn.
How to Protect the Tail Yarn and Keep it Out of the Way
In order to prevent accidentally knitting with the tail/seaming yarn, and to keep the seaming yarn clean and tidy without knotting up while working, use the free notched-plastic ties (not the covered-wire twist ties) that come with many types of bread. View these as free mini-bobbins, perfect to wrap seaming yarn onto.
Try Casting on “Backwards”
“Cast 254 stitches onto a pair of circular needles.” Somewhere about stitch number 247, it’s obvious the tail yarn is going to run out. A common problem when casting on in knitting is to run out of yarn before the cast-on is complete. There is a way around it, without pulling all the stitches out.
If, for whatever reason, the tail yarn of a project runs out as the cast-on is executed, turn the piece around as if to work the next row. Then purl the needed remaining stitches on. That is, purl into the first stitch without taking that stitch off the left-hand needle. Instead, place the new stitch that is on the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle in order to gain a new stitch. * Now purl into this new first stitch and place this one onto the left-hand needle as well. Repeat from the * until the number of stitches needed is produced.
More information is available in Knit Cast-on Long Tail.
Resource: Knit and Crochet With Beads
By Lily Chin
2004, Interweave Press
Interweave Press Inc.
Website: www.interweave.com
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
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