Hands up, who here has used the long-tail cast on*?

If you’re anything like me, the long-tail cast on is something you use a LOT. It’s fast, it’s stable, it’s fairly flexible. There’s a lot to love about a long-tail cast on! But, there’s the odd occasion it can let you down. It can give you an edge that’s a little too firm or a little too tight. In those situations, what is a knitter to do?

Well, it turns out, Jen has an answer for us (of course she does!). And it’s not “use a bigger needle” because that, my friend, will not help. When you’re working a long-tail cast on, your thumb makes your cast-on stitch, then the needle knits that first stitch. So using a bigger needle just results in bigger stitches on your first row. If this is news to you, join the club! (Sidebar: I love that I get to learn this sort of stuff on the job!)

If a bigger needle won’t help, what will? Well, it’s all in the fingers… and super easy to do. Jen shows us how in this video tutorial. (If you’re reading on our email service, watch the Spaced Long-Tail Cast-On Method over on our YouTube.)

Why is Jen holding two yarns, you might ask? Well, the spaced long-tail cast-on method is the recommended method for the designs in MDK Field Guide No. 19: Marls. So if you’ve been planning a project from that delightful little book, do bookmark this tutorial. It’s also a handy one for sock cuffs or any spot where you require a cast-on edge with a bit more streeeetch.

Still not had a look at this latest Field Guide? Well, what are you waiting for? It’s a joyful exploration of what happens when you hold two yarns together and has some lovely, small projects that sit at that perfect intersection of stash bushing + gifting. Jen got a bit carried away microswatching with her Coop Knits Socks Yeah! 4ply stash (a method designer Ceceila Campochiaro describes in the book to quickly see if your chosen yarns will work) and gosh, are the results cute.

You’ll find MDK Field Guide No. 19 in the online shop, alongside a pretty rad collection of Field Guide titles — why not treat yourself to a little bundle and explore something new in your knitting. Happy knitting!

*PS: Never tried a long-tail cast on? The above tutorial is a great introduction! Jen goes through all the info you’ll need, from measuring out your tail to how to hold your yarn… just follow the instructions, and don’t worry about using your finger to create space between the formed stitches. It’s a game changer!