German Twisted Cast On (Old Norwegian)
Also called the Old Norwegian cast on, this is a long-tail variant that adds a tiny twist to each thumb loop. The result is a markedly stretchier edge that recovers when stretched — exactly what you want for top-down sock cuffs and ribbed sweater hems.
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What changes from long-tail
Instead of dipping the needle straight up through the thumb loop, you dip down and around the back, then come up through the front. The extra twist adds elasticity and a slightly more textured look. The motion takes ten minutes to internalise; after that it feels just like long-tail.
Why it stretches more
The twist effectively shortens the cast-on yarn at rest and lets it lengthen under load. On a 60-stitch sock cuff, German Twisted typically stretches 25–35% more than long-tail before the edge feels strained.
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Recommended pairings
Pair with k1, p1 ribbing for socks; with k2, p2 ribbing for sweater hems; and with garter stitch for baby blankets that get pulled and tugged. It is the only cast on many sock knitters use.
Tension tips
A common error is pulling the working yarn too tight after the twist, which negates the elasticity. Keep the working yarn relaxed and let the twist do the work. The cast-on row should look slightly puffy, not flat.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Tips
- Cast on over two needles held together for maximum stretch on top-down sock cuffs.
- Practice on a swatch — the motion is unfamiliar at first but quickly becomes muscle memory.
- The wrong-side bumps are slightly more visible than long-tail; some knitters work the first row in the round to hide them.
In depth
The German Twisted cast on is functionally identical to a long-tail cast on with a yarn-over twist worked into each thumb loop. It gives roughly 30% more vertical stretch with no significant change in horizontal width, which is why it is the gold standard for top-down sock cuffs.