Study Buddy Mitts Cast-On
Below are my photo tutorials that walk you through how I worked the long-tail cast-on in my Study Buddy Mitts pattern. I used the thumb method of this cast-on – you can also view my video tutorial of this cast-on here.
Estimating the long tail
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LongTail-1.png)
- First create a tail that is approx. 30″ long. This tail is used later, during the Finishing section.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LongTail-2.png)
2. Now you want ‘extra’ tail to use for the actual casting-on. I estimate how much I would need to cast-on 10 stitches…
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LongTail-3.png)
3. Then I pinch at that point…
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LongTail-4-1.png)
4. …and then estimate another 10 stitches worth. I continue like this until I’ve estimated the total cast-on amount.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LongTail-5.png)
5. Then I make a slip knot.
Working the long-tail cast-on (thumb method):
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-1.png)
- Put slip knot on needle – this counts as first cast-on stitch. Long tail should be on your left and working yarn on your right.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-2.png)
2. Create loop on left thumb by wrapping tail yarn around thumb, from front to back.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-3.png)
3. Insert needle tip into this thumb loop.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-4.png)
4. Holding needle with left hand, wrap working yarn around needle, from back to front.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-5.png)
5. Lift the thumb loop up and over the needle tip.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-6.png)
6. And then gently tug the tail to secure stitch on needle.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-7.png)
7. Try not to tug too tightly – you don’t want the stitches cast-on too tightly in this pattern.
![](https://elizabethsmithknits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CO-8.png)
8. Continue in this manner until all your stitches have been cast-on.