The backwards loop cast on is just the thing when you need to cast on stitches in the middle of a row or round.
This cast on doesn’t have quite the right structure to be recommended as a regular cast on, but it is great for casting on stitches at the underarm of a top-down sweater, or for a mitten thumb.
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Three Steps to work the Backward Loop Cast-on
- Place the working yarn over your thumb
- The right hand needle goes under the yarn at the base of your thumb (as indicated below) and over the yarn at the top of your thumb
- Tighten up your newly cast-on stitch

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December 18, 2021 @ 6:41 pm
Can you help me with your Maize fingerless gloves?
I can’t figure out when or how to knit and bind off the thumb gusset.
Thank you
Eva
December 21, 2021 @ 9:38 am
We have a step by step tutorial here: https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/lets-knit-a-mitten/ and if you have further specific questions please send us an email at tincanknits@gmail.com – best luck! Emily
October 24, 2019 @ 1:32 pm
Excellent article simply explained.
October 23, 2019 @ 7:14 am
Ahh yes the mitten thumb crotch!! Thank you so much for this! It is mitten time,almost!!
August 26, 2019 @ 10:56 am
Your patterns are soo easily for me to follow! And your help in tutorials are a life saver to continue on when one gets suck! Thanks soo much for your help in continuing educational in knitting! ❤️
July 28, 2019 @ 2:38 pm
When I need info or even just a reminder and I see Tin Can Knits, I go right for that site. I appreciate how simple your directions are.
July 5, 2015 @ 12:18 am
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