long tail cast-on

 Although this method of casting on may look complicated at first, once out figure out the motions, it is very quick and easy.  It is one of the most frequently used cast-on methods in knitting and creates a neat, elastic edge.  The long tail cast-on does not start at the begining of the yarn tail.  Instead, you start with a long tail and the stitches are formed using the tail end of the yarn and the yarn attached to the ball.  The tricky part of this cast-on is making sure your tail is long enough to support of the cast-on stitches needed for your project.