How to Knit the German Twisted Cast On
Similar to the longtail and old Norwegian cast ons, this stretchy cast on is handy for knitting socks!
Many people who are familiar with the German twisted cast on think of it as a sort of derivative of the longtail cast on. This stretchy alternative to the classic cast on method that most beginners learn is perfect for top-down socks or the collar of a sweater.
You might also know this cast on as the Old Norwegian cast on, although there is a small difference between the two techniques. With this cast on, there's a slight twist introduced right at the end that makes the whole thing a little bit less stretchy.
If you've given stretchy cast ons a try, you know that some of them actually can stretch your work too much. The German twisted cast on, on the other hand, doesn't do this because of that handy little twist!
Here's how to do it:
Step 1
Measure your tail of yarn that you will need for this cast on. Make a slip knot.
Step 2
Wrap the yarn around your thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand and secure the yarn with your remaining fingers to create a "slingshot."
Step 3
Bring your needle under both strands of yarn around your thumb.
Step 4
Bring your needle back down in between the two strands of yarn around your thumb.
Step 5
Then, bring the needle back up and grab the strand from your index finger.
Step 6
You will notice that the strands of yarn coming from your thumb are twisted. Bend your thumb down so that these strands are untwisted.
Step 7
Once you've untwisted the strands of yarn, take your needle and bring it down, in between the strands of yarn coming from your thumb.
Step 8
Release the yarn around your thumb and tighten.
Repeat this process until you have the proper number of cast on stitches for whatever you are knitting!
