Looking for a stretchy cast on that doesn’t snap back like a rubber band? This Tillybuddy tutorial is below but be sure to check out all of my knitting tutorials over on my knitting tutorial page!
If there’s one thing that can make or break the look of your ribbed cuff, it’s your cast on edge. And if you’ve ever struggled with tight, unforgiving edges on 1×1 ribbing—girl, I’ve been there—then you’re about to meet your new favorite technique: the stretchy cast on.
Tillybuddy’s Very Stretchy Cast On might sound like something out of a children’s book, but trust me—it’s a game-changer for adult knitting problems. I’ve used this method on hats, socks, baby sweaters, and even chunky mittens. (More on those later!)
In this post, I’m breaking down how to do this stretchy cast on, what materials I used (spoiler alert: it’s KnitPicks Heatherly Sport yarn (affiliate link) and Clover bamboo needle (affiliate link), when to use it, and why it’s my go-to for ribbing.
So grab your yarn, grab your needles, and let’s cast on the right way—with a seriously stretchy cast on.
What is Tillybuddy’s Very Stretchy Cast On?
This stretchy cast on is a cast on that incorporates twisted loops to create extra elasticity. It was developed by Tillybuddy (her Ravelry username) and has gained a bit of a cult following among knitters who love a neat, flexible edge.
It’s perfect for 1×1 ribbing, and it works just as well for knitters who are knitting top-down socks, hats, mittens, or sweaters—anywhere you need a comfortable, stretchy edge that won’t cut off circulation or pucker weirdly.
Why I Love This Stretchy Cast On
There are a lot of stretchy cast ons out there—German twisted, tubular, even backwards loop in a pinch. But the Tillybuddy version just feels smoother and looks tidier, especially on ribbing.
Here’s where I’ve used it:
👉 Everyday Beanie Free Pattern
👉 Vanilla Ankle Socks Free Pattern
👉 Simple Bulky Mittens Free Pattern
👉 Baby Wheat Cardigan Free Pattern
If you’ve knit any of these patterns from my site, chances are you’ve seen how clean the edge looks. And now you know my secret: this stretchy cast on.
Materials I Used
For this tutorial, I used:
- KnitPicks Heatherly Sport yarn (affiliate link) – This is a dreamy blend of acrylic and cotton, perfect for soft, stretchy baby knits or comfy accessories.
- Clover bamboo knitting needles (affiliate link) – I love the slight grip and natural feel. They don’t slip like metal needles can, which is helpful when you’re working twisty loops.
Before We Begin: Working Needle vs. Holding Needle
In this tutorial, you’ll see me use the terms “working needle” and “holding needle.” This keeps the instructions clear and accessible for both right-handed and left-handed knitters.
- Working needle: The needle in your dominant hand (the one doing the work).
- Holding needle: The needle in your non-dominant hand (the one holding the stitches you’ve already cast on).
So if you’re right-handed, your right hand holds the working needle and your left holds the holding needle. If you’re left-handed, reverse it!
Written Instructions: Tillybuddy’s Very Stretchy Cast On
This stretchy cast on begins with a long-tail setup, just like the classic long-tail method.
Step 1: Hold your needles in an x with the holding needle on top and the working needle on the bottom.
Step 2:
Holding the yarn tail in your holding hand and the yarn from the skein in the working hand, bring the yarn over the top of the holding needle
Step 3:
Now bring the yarn under the bottom of the working needle
Step 4:
Bring the yarn up over the working needle
Step 5:
Pull the loop on the working needle through under the holding needle
Step 6:
Place the loop on the working needle onto the holding needle
Now repeat steps 2-6 until you have reached what your pattern asks you to cast on.
Note: Make sure the loops aren’t twisted on the needle and that your tension is relaxed. That’s the key to this being a truly stretchy cast on.
Want to Watch Me Do It Left-Handed?
If you’re a lefty like me, you’ve probably gotten used to flipping every knitting tutorial in your head. But not this time! I’ve filmed a full left-handed tutorial for this exact stretchy cast on, and it’s live now on my YouTube channel.
You’ll see the stitch moves in real-time with slow-mo parts and close-ups so you can follow along with confidence.
When to Use This Stretchy Cast On
Here are some projects and situations where this cast on shines:
✔️ 1×1 Ribbing
Like I mentioned before, this stretchy cast on is my #1 choice for ribbing. It has enough bounce to stretch over a head or hand but settles back down neatly.
✔️ Top-Down Socks
Nothing ruins a sock faster than a tight cuff. I use this cast on for my Vanilla Ankle Socks and my Granite Socks too—it stretches enough to slide over the heel without flaring out weirdly.
✔️ Baby Clothes
Delicate baby knits like the Baby Wheat Cardigan or my Baby Beth Tee patterns do best with a soft, forgiving edge. That’s where the stretchy cast on comes in again.
✔️ Bulky Yarn Projects
This cast on adapts beautifully to big yarns too. My Simple Bulky Mittens pattern uses it because you need stretch—but you don’t want bulk.
Tips for Getting It Just Right
- Use one movement – Steps 2-4 are done in 1 fluid movement. No need to start and stop!
- Don’t over-tighten – Let the stitches stay relaxed on the needle.
- Practice before you start your project – Cast on 20 stitches, knit a few ribbing rows, and see how it looks and feels.
How This Stretchy Cast On Compares to Others
I get asked this a lot—why not just use German Twisted? Or the Tubular Cast On?
Here’s my take:
- German Twisted: Nice, but adds a slight bump to the edge. Can feel a little firm on smaller needles.
- Tubular Cast On: Gorgeous, but takes FOREVER. Also doesn’t always stretch as much as I’d like or snap back very well.
- Backwards Loop: Just… no. It’s stretchy, sure—but so messy.
Tillybuddy’s stretchy cast on hits the sweet spot: fast enough to be practical, clean enough to look polished, and flexible enough to fit babies to adults.
Final Thoughts: Why This Stretchy Cast On Is a Staple in My Toolbelt
After 30 years of knitting, I’ve tried just about every cast on under the sun. But this one? It’s the one I come back to again and again. It’s quick, beautiful, and flexible enough to work for everything with a 1×1 rib from newborn bonnets to adult sweaters.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope this tutorial helps you feel confident to give it a go. And if you’re already a Tillybuddy convert—welcome to the fan club.
Let’s Chat!
Have you used this stretchy cast on before? Do you have a favorite project you use it for? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you and what you think of the tutorial!
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my work!