The Thumb method cast-on is a commonly used long tail cast-on technique. A long tail of yarn is set aside on one side of the slip knot. The working yarn is on the other side of the slip knot. The thumb is used to form the loop that is used to make a new stitch on the knitting needle. Another example of a long tail cast-on technique is the slingshot method. In this method, the thumb and the index finger create a new stitch. The thumb method is beginner-friendly and a quick cast-on method. I use the thumb method cast-on mostly for knitting projects with few stitches (dishcloths, etc.). The written instructions and video below on how to do the thumb method cast-on are shown for right-handed knitting.

The Thumb Method Cast-On:

The Steps for the Thumb Method Cast-On:

1. Make a slip knot (Tutorial Series: How to Slip Knot) with a yarn tail that will be enough for the number of stitches for a specific knitting project
2. Insert the slip knot onto a knitting needle
3. Holding the yarn tail with some tension in the left fist, wrap the left thumb under and over the yarn tail to make a loop
4. Insert the right hand needle into the front strand of the loop on the thumb
5. Bring the working yarn around the top of the right needle and wrap it between the thumb and the right knitting needle
6. Catch and pick up the working yarn loop (a new stitch) with the right needle
7. Repeat Steps 3 – 6 to cast-on the required number of stitches needed for a knitting project