A step by step tutorial on the German twisted cast-on method with a very detailed slow-motion video so you can get it right the first time
Does your pattern require a super stretchy edge? And now you are looking for a tutorial on the German Twisted cast-on? Well, then look no further! As a local, I’m going to show you this ingenious method step-by-step. And at the end of this article, there’s even a much more simple alternative waiting for you.
The German twisted cast-on, also known as Old Norwegian cast-on, is a variation of the much more common longtail cast-on. It is knit in a very similar way but results in a much stretchier edge. That’s because the base loops get twisted in the other direction. Since the edge has so much give, it’s a very popular choice for hat or sock patterns.
Let’s dive right into it, eh?
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The German twisted cast-on method
The German twisted cast-on is a variation of the longtail cast-on. It also automatically creates the first row but does so with twisted stitches and results in a very stretchy edge.
Instructions
- Start with a slip knot around your knitting needles leaving a tail that is around 3-4 times as long as your project will be wide.
- Pick up the yarn with your left hand. The working yarn should be wrapped around your index finger/hand, the tail around your thumb. It should look a bit like a "slingshot".
- Next, go all the way around the loop around the thumb coming from below.
- Insert the needle into that loop coming from above.
- Go out on the left side/the side facing towards you.
- Grab the working yarn/strand towards your index finger coming from behind.
- Untwist the loop around your thumb by bending it towards the palm of your hands.
- Pull the yarn through the untwisted loop.
- Remove your thumb from the loop.
- Tighten up the stitch lightly by extending your thumb and index finger from the inside. This should result in another slingshot position.
- Repeat steps 2-10 over and over again until you cast on the required number of stitches.
Notes
Be careful as you tighten up the stitches. The stitches should be aligned side by side and not cross each other. Also, if you tighten up too fast, the spacing between the stitches can become a bit unregular.
When you are knitting in the round, consider skipping the slipknot and starting with a simple backward loop instead. This will result in a much smoother transition.
Also, consider starting the project on the wrong side if you are knitting stockinette stitch. If you knit across the first row, your edge will be a bit thicker and have one row of purl stitches. That's because the German twisted cast-on creates knit stitches in the first row as you do it.
An easier method to knit a german twisted cast on
Now, admittedly the German twisted cast-on is a tiny bit more complicated, maybe even the most complicated technique to start a project of them all. It’s quite easy to lose track, and then you end up wrapping and turning in the wrong direction. But there is actually a super simple solution.
In fact, it’s so simple every knitting beginner can do it.
*drumroll*
The German twisted cast-on produces the EXACT same edge as the single cast-on. The only difference is that the latter requires you to knit across one row while the German twisted cast-on creates that first row as you go.
And, I guess, this explains why this technique is so complicated. You are doing two things at the same time. But you can easily deconstruct the technique (something you also do with a 2-needle cast-on).
Step 1: Cast on the required number of stitches with a single cast on (so just a row of twisted loops around your needle).
Step 2: Knit across one row.
The only difference you might notice is that it’s a bit less stretchy – depending on how tight you pull those loops as you cast on. You can combat that by doing it around one or two needle sizes larger if you really want a super stretchy edge.
Reading tip: Here’s my tutorial on how to cast on stitches for beginners.
Casting on purlwise
Now, as I said above, you will create knit stitches as your first row. That’s great for garter stitch or stockinette stitch. But what if you want to knit a 2x2rib? In this case, you have to alternate between casting on knit and purl stitches. This means you have to learn the German Twisted Purl cast-on as well.
It’s a bit complicated but it will allow you to create perfectly mirror-inverted stitches and thus an edge that is in pattern. A great choice for advanced knitters!
Here’s my full tutorial on the German twisted purl cast-on
How much yarn do you need for a German twisted cast-on?
The German Twisted cast-on uses quite a lot of yarn. To calculate the yarn requirements, you can employ all the common methods for the longtail cast-on. A very reliable method is the wrap method.
Simply wrap yarn around your knitting needle. For a medium-sized project, you will need about 2.5 as many wraps as you want to cast on stitches. So, if you want to cast on 20 stitches, you will need around 50 wraps + a sizeable tail for weaving in later on.
If you want it super precise and you need a lot more stitches (say 400 or so), then I recommend casting on 10 or 20 stitches. Unravel them right away and measure how much yarn you needed. And then use simple math to find out how much yarn you need in total:
- Divide the length you measured with the number of stitches you cast on with (e.g 8 inches / 20 stitches = 0.4)
- Multiply the resulting factor times the stitches you need to cast on and add 5-8 inches for weaving in later on. (e.g 0.4*80 st = 32 inches)
Why is it called German Twisted Cast-On?
Quite honestly, I have no clue. The funny thing is, this cast-on method is barely known in Germany. In fact, you will only find it referred to as Verschränkter Deutscher Anschlag, which is a direct translation of German Twisted Cast-on and makes little sense. After all, nobody in England will call themselves an English-style knitter. They simply call themselves knitters.
Or take German Short Rows, we just call them short rows here in Germany. My only guess is that it is a mistranslation and/or misattribution. The standard longtail cast-on is called Kreuzanschlag – cross cast-on. Maybe whoever made the method popular learned it from a German and kind of made things up from there. After all, the technique is based on twisted stitches. But that’s just a guess.
Anyway, that’s how to do the German twisted cast-on. Feel free to ask your questions in the comment section below.
What type of cast-on would you suggest if you have to pick-up & knit later on that same cast- on
A provisional cast-on – either with or without a crochet hook.
Hi Norman,
Another brilliant tutorial, thank you! I looked up a million different tutorials for this, but yours was the only one I could follow effectively.
Can you recommend any bind off that would essentially be the mirror equivalent? I’m currently using the Jeny’s and it’s fine- very neat- but it’s not as stretchy as the German Twisted, and is a bit more visually intrusive.
Thank you again! I’ve used several of your patterns and many, many of your tutorials and find your work to be just an absolute pleasure.
Heather
Hey Heather,
i’m not sure that is possible. I want to write some tutorials and possible do a video on bind offs soon. So i probably will do some swatching. But off the bat I couldn’t say. sorry to disappoint you.
Hi Norman,
Oh that’s okay, I’ll just stick with the Jeny’s- just wanted to know if there was something else out there I hadn’t come across yet (still fairly new to knitting), and figured you were the best person to ask.
Cheers!
Heather
Hello,
Thank you for your excellent tutorial on the German twisted cast on. Can I use the simple method if I’m knitting in the round? I knit lots of hats and headbands.
Thank you,
Cecilia
Hey Cecilia,
there is no right or wrong in knitting. So kindly use whatever version you feel is easier for you. You will, however, notice that your tension may vary. Meaning one method might be looser or tighter than the other.
So, that’s definitely something you might want to test first. But other than that, it technically creates the same edge. So of course you can.
Thank you Norman. As usual very helpful lesson. I can’t tell you how many videos I watched trying to get the hang of how to do this correctly. This step by step pictorial format did the trick. I’m on my way. Thanks so much.
hi Norman
I just cast on for 2 socks using your instructions which totally worked for me. Thank you for the pictures and the clarity. I made one of your little pumpkins with a vine and leaf awhile ago – that was a super fun project and I learned lots. I used to knit 45 years ago but not much in the meantime – I have done other things like weaving and now a lot of quilting. But knitting is intriguing me again very much. Thank you!
very happy to hear that you are back to knitting again and I can be a part of that!
Norman,
You describe an easier method of producing this cast-on where one first does a single cast-on and then knits the cast-on stitches. You then mention that there is a purlwise form of the cast-on to produce in-pattern edges for ribbing, for example. My question is, may one combine both techniques? In other words, could I do the single cast-on and then knit two stitches, purl two stitches on repeat to produce an in-pattern 2×2 ribbed edge?
Thanks
of course you can do that! but when in doubt, always knit a little swatch and see where it gets you. cast on 16 stitches, knit across 4 rows and see if you like it.