Long Tail Tubular Cast On

Long Tail Tubular Cast On

A seamless, stretchy edge with a beautifully polished finish

The Long Tail Tubular Cast On creates a clean, elastic edge that blends effortlessly into ribbing. If you’ve ever admired a sweater neckline or hat brim that looks smooth, rounded, and almost invisible at the edge—that’s often a tubular cast on at work.

This method combines the stretch of a long tail cast on with the structure of a tubular foundation, resulting in an edge that looks professional and feels comfortable to wear.

It may look advanced, but once you understand the setup rows, it becomes a repeatable and satisfying technique—especially for 1x1 ribbing.

Why You’ll Love the Long Tail Tubular Cast On

  • Beautiful, seamless edge
  • Excellent stretch and recovery
  • Blends perfectly into 1x1 rib
  • Professional finish for garments
  • Durable and long-lasting

If you want your ribbing to look intentional from the very first stitch, this is the cast on to use.

When to Use It

The Long Tail Tubular Cast On works best for:

  • Sweater necklines
  • Hat brims
  • Cuffs and hems
  • Sock tops
  • Any project beginning with 1x1 ribbing

It creates a rounded edge that mirrors the structure of ribbing, rather than sitting flat like a traditional cast on.

Technique Overview

The Long Tail Tubular Cast On is typically worked in three stages:

  1. Long tail cast on half the total stitches needed
  2. Work setup rows (often involving slipping stitches)
  3. Begin 1x1 ribbing

The setup rows are what create the tubular structure—they separate knit and purl columns so the edge can fold naturally into itself.

Basic Structure (for 1x1 Rib, Flat)

Step 1: Cast On

Using a long tail cast on, cast on half the number of stitches required for your project.

Step 2: Setup Row 1 (WS)
k1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front; repeat to end.

Step 3: Setup Row 2 (RS)
Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, p1; repeat to end.

Step 4: Setup Row 3 (WS)
Repeat Setup Row 1.

After completing the setup rows, begin working in 1x1 rib (k1, p1).

Repeat these setup rounds as instructed (often 2–4 rounds total), then begin 1x1 rib in the round.

What Makes It “Tubular”?

The magic happens in the slipped stitches.

By slipping alternating stitches during the setup rows, you create separated knit and purl columns before you ever begin ribbing. This allows the edge to:

  • Roll gently under itself
  • Stretch without flaring
  • Maintain clean stitch definition

The result is an edge that looks like the ribbing simply grows out of the cast on.

Tips for Success

  • Measure your tail generously. Tubular cast ons use more yarn than standard long tail.
  • Keep tension even. Too tight and you’ll lose stretch; too loose and the edge can flare.
  • Use a smaller needle for setup rows if you want a firmer edge.
  • Practice on a swatch first. It builds muscle memory quickly.

If estimating yarn length feels tricky, try wrapping the yarn around your needle once per stitch, then add extra for safety.

Add It to Your Finishing Toolkit

The Long Tail Tubular Cast On is one of those techniques that instantly elevates your knitting. It takes a little more focus at the beginning—but the payoff is worth it every time you pull a sweater over your head or fold up a hat brim.

Once you’ve used it, it’s hard to go back.

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