Ribbed Longtail Cast On

The ribbed Longtail Cast On is a variation of the traditional long tail cast on. In this video, Corrina Ferguson demonstrates how to work this cast on method, which is perfect for the start of patterns that begin with ribbing.

Corrina demonstrates the long tail cast on and then demonstrates how to work it in ribbing, using a 2×2 (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) pattern. This cast on will work for any ribbing pattern, working the reverse long tail to create the purl stitches.

To work the reverse long tail for the purl stitches of the ribbing, Corrina follows these steps:

1. Holding the yarn in the same way as a traditional long tail cast on, the right needle is brought under the strand on the right side of the forefinger (strand 4), and through the loop on the forefinger.
2. Bring needle over the second strand on the thumb and bring through the loop on the forefinger.
3. Tug slightly on yarn to tighten the stitch onto the needle.

There steps are repeated for the purl stitches of the 2×2 ribbing. Corrina notes that with a little practice, the Ribbed Longtail Cast On will become like second nature, making it easy to use for any ribbing pattern.