Backwards Loop Cast On (e-Loop)
The backwards loop cast on (sometimes called the e-loop or thumb loop) is the simplest cast on possible: each stitch is a single twist of yarn around the needle. It is fast and useful for adding a few stitches mid-row, but too loose and unstable for general use.
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When to use
Adding 2–6 stitches at the end of a row (for example, the underarm of a top-down sleeve, or the second side of a buttonhole). It is also fine for casting on a few stitches in the middle of a row for an emergency repair.
When to avoid
Do not use it for the bottom edge of any garment or as the cast on for an entire project. The loops twist and tighten unevenly during the first row, producing a sloppy, distorted edge that no amount of blocking will fix.
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Mechanics
With the working yarn in your right hand, loop it around your left thumb so the strand running off your thumb to the needle crosses over the front of your thumb. Slip the loop off your thumb and onto the right needle. Snug the loop with the working yarn.
Better alternatives
For mid-row stitches over 6, switch to the knitted cast on or cable cast on. For a project cast on, use long-tail. The backwards loop is a tool for tiny jobs only.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Tips
- When adding more than 4 stitches mid-row, switch to the knitted cast on for stability.
- Tighten each loop after placing it; loose backwards loops spiral out of control during the next row.
- Always work the next row with extra care — the loops want to twist, and one untidy stitch can pull two more out of shape.
In depth
The backwards loop cast on creates a single, unsupported loop on the needle for each stitch. This is why it is fast (each stitch is just one motion) but also why it is unstable (no second strand anchors the loop). For more than a handful of stitches, the time saved is paid back many times over in the next row.