Video Tutorial: Simple Backwards Loop Cast On

There are so many ways of casting on your stitches. When I tried to teach my younger cousins to cast on so that they didn't have to constantly run to a more experienced knitter for the service, there was a great deal of frustration because they had trouble casting on the way that I cast on. I enjoy using long tail cast on because it generates a really stretchy edge but it can be super confusing. After a whole lot of self deprecation (because knitting really isn't easy when you first start), I showed them the backwards loop cast on.

One of my best girlfriends casts on using this method. It is fast and easy. As the queen of "the edge should look nice or I will rip it and start over", I get a bit frustrated with this cast on method because the edge doesn't always look neat and it isn't stretchy. It is really good for a beginning knitter because it provides a sense of independence and competence. Once this method is mastered, it is easier to learn other methods.