This video knitting tutorial will help you learn how to knit the Estonian Cast On. This variation of the Long Tail Cast On creates a stretchy edge that is perfect for ribbing.
Skill: Intermediate
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure your yarn by wrapping it around your needle 5 times. This will equate to about 5 stitches. You can also measure about 1″ per stitch.
Step 2: Create a “U” with your yarn and place is in your non-dominant hand. Hold both strands together with the bottom three fingers of your hand.
Step 3: Insert your index finger and thumb into the loop you created and spread your fingers apart.
Step 4: Take your knitting needle and place it on top of the bridge of the yarn. Then scoop up the yarn going over the top and twist around. You should now have a loop around your knitting needle.
Step 5: Hold your yarn like a slingshot and using your knitting needle, pick up the outside strand of yarn on your thumb, going under and up through the loop on your thumb.
Step 6: Bring your needle over the top of the inside strand that is around your index finger and pick up that strand.
Step 7: Pull the strand back through the loop on your thumb.
Step 8: Release the loop from your thumb and tighten the stitch down. (one stitch added)
Step 9: With your thumb, pick up the strand that was around your thumb previously, but with the yarn attached to your knitting needle on the outside of your thumb rather than the inside.
Step 10: Pick up the inside strand of yarn on your thumb, going through the loop on your thumb and under the inside strand.
Step 11: Bring your needle over the top of the inside strand that is around your index finger and pick up that strand.
Step 12: Pull the strand back through the loop on your thumb.
Step 13: Release the loop from your thumb and tighten the stitch down. (one stitch added)
Repeat steps 5 – 13 until you have cast on all the stitches required by your pattern.
