Casting on with your thumb is a fast way of working a long-tail cast-on, perfect for yarn with a firm twist. This method follows the knitted cast-on method, but uses a thumb instead of one needle. It's faster than working with two needles, hence its popularity!

What is the advantage of casting on thumb method?

The advantages of the thumb cast on: It creates a stretchy cast on and therefore is suitable for garments that need give e.g. sock and mitt cuffs (a revelation for me as hinted at in the introduction above!) It is simple to do in the middle of your knitting as you continue to work in the same direction.

What is the thumb method for casting on?

1Make a slip knot on your needle, leaving a short tail. 2Wrap the yarn around your left thumb. 3Insert the needle through the loop around your thumb, slide your thumb out, and pull gently on the yarn strand to tighten the stitch.