a.k.a. Long-Tail cast-on This Cast on method creates a firm, elastic edge that can be used on many projects, and is quite commonly taught to beginners. To start, create a Slipknot on the needle. Next, place the yarn in the left hand such that the tail of the yarn (the loose piece from the slipknot) is draped over the thumb counter-clockwise, and the working yarn is draped over the index finger clockwise, in front of the remaining fingers, as shown: Next, grasp the two pieces of yarn firmly in the remaining fingers. Your left hand should now be in the classic "stick-em-up" position: