How to knit the double twist loop cast-on

A step-by-step tutorial on knitting the double twist loop cast-on to create a super stretchy edge.

The Ranunculus sweater ranks among the all-time most popular patterns on Ravelry, and it features a technique that has many beginners stumped: the double twist loop cast-on. While the principle is easy (it’s basically a reverse backward loop cast-on twisted around two more times), doing it requires quite some acrobatics.

someone holding up a swatch with the double twist cast-on

The reward of these contortions, as you will shortly see, is an extraordinarily stretchy edge that ranks very high on my list of the stretchies cast-ons in knitting.

someone showing how stretchy the double twist cast-on ist

Let’s show you how it’s done (and remember that there is a video attached to this post and over on my second YouTube channel in case the pictures alone aren’t enough)

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Instructions: How to knit the double twist loop cast-on

someone showing how to do the double twist cast-on using blue yarn
No Ratings

This method requires a bit of practise and some finger acrobatics. Once you've got it down, it's not even half as hard but the beginning might be a bit slow and awkward.

Active Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Materials

Tools

Instructions

  1. Start with a simple slip knot. No need to leave a long tail; just enough for weaving in ends later on.
    starting the double twist cast-on with a slip knot
  2. Clench the working yarn with your pinky through your middle finger. Then wrap it around the index finger and then the thumb.
    bringing the yarn around the index finger and then thumb
  3. Bring the needle with your slip knot upwards until you form a nice triagnle with your yarn.
    forming a triangle with the yarn
  4. From here, go UNDER the strand between your middle and index finger using the tip of your knitting needle.
    going under the yarn between middle finger and index finger with the knitting needle
  5. Then, go OVER the strand connecting your index finger with your thumb.
    goving over the yarn between index finger and thumb
  6. Next, tilt your needle tip towards the bottom, so the strand between thumb and index finger is now BEHIND the strand connected to your middle finger.
    scooping the yarn through towards the middle
  7. Rotate the needle towards you to scoop up the strand in between the loop around your thumb
    bringing the yarn forward through the loop around your thumb
  8. Rotate your needle clockwise towards the top. There should be a twisted loop at the tip of your knitting needle.
    twisting the needle towards the top
  9. Carefully let go of the yarn around your thumb and index finger.
    letting go of the yarn
  10. Pull on the working yarn to tighten the first cast-on stitch up.
    tightening up the stitch around the needle
  11. From here, form another triangle around your index finger and thumb the way you did in steps 2 & 3
    creating another triangle around thumb, index, and middle finger to cast on another stitch
  12. Go over the yarn connecting middle finger and index finger, and under the yarn between thumb and index finger.
    going over and under the yarn around the index finger and thumb
  13. Scoop the yarn through towards the loop around your thumb.
    scooping the yarn through towards the bottom
  14. Rotate your needle towards the top to form another twisted stitch.
    rotating the needle towards the top
  15. Remove your thumb and index finger from the triangle and tighten up.
    letting go of the yarn to tighten the cast-on stitch
  16. Repeat steps 11-15 until you've cast on the required number of stitches.
    repeating these steps for the double stretch cast-on
© Norman

Now, if you watched the video, you probably saw that there are two alternative ways to achieve this. The steps above are the “textbook” instructions the way Midori Hirose showed it first.

Personally, I find it a bit clunky and rather prefer to do it like this:

Step 1: Start with a simple reverse backward loop around your thumb.

starting with a simple reverse backward loop around the thumb

Step 2: Guide your knitting needle under the loop and bring it over to the other side.

bring the needle tip under the loop

Step 3: From there, go around one FULL CIRCLE until you can enter the loop around your thumb from above again.

and then all way around

Step 4: Let go and tighten up.

let go and tighten up

Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4

I personally find this a lot easier, and it’s a bit more seamless. Try out both and see where it gets you. You will also notice that your tension differs slightly. So use your common sense, please.

Double Twist loop cast-on mid-project

a swatch with a double twist cast on used mid project

The double twist cast-on can also be a fascinating choice mid-project. While I possibly wouldn’t use it for buttonholes or for bridging the gap when knitting mittens (for these use cases I recommend the twisty knitted cast-on), it’s certainly an option when you want an extra stretchy edge.

Simply work across to the end of the row, and then follow either of the options detailed above. It’s literally that simple.

One note here: If you are looking for a similar cast-on that is slightly less stretchy, then consider using the double loop cast-on. A lot easier to knit and a bit more solid.

Anyway, that’s how to knit the Double Twist loop Cast-on. Comment below if you have any questions

Pinterst design for the double twist cast-on

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