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FLTCO User Guide (Flexible Long-tail Cast On)

User Guide: FLTCO (FLEXIBLE LONG-TAIL CAST ON ) Calculator

Hello and welcome to the FLTCO (Flexible Long-Tail Cast On) User Guide for the Pattern Tailor! This will answer questions that may arise as you work through the Pattern Tailor Customization Window for the Flexible Long-Tail Cast On.  

This FLTCO User Guide to takes you through the process, which is way easier than it looks, but hey — it is new to you!

FLTCO User Guide. This CO is made using two needles of the same or different sizes. The base expands, making it flexible, based on how much yarn is worked onto the bottom needle.

General Guidelines

  • Before the Pattern Tailor customizes your pattern, it will ask for information. This guide breaks down how to answer the questions you are asked in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window.Need videos?  
    • Here are videos on the Pattern Tailor process.
    • This page has videos showing how to do the flexible long-tail cast on.
  • Armed with the information needed, you will enter them in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window.  As soon as your info is submitted and you click the download button(s), your download is immediately sent to your downloads file!
  • Before you click submit on the Pattern Tailor Customization Window, please be sure to check your answers to each question thoroughly. Only two submissions will be allowed per purchase.
  • Be sure to find out where your downloads go so they are easier to find.  Whatever you named the file before hitting the download button(s) is what the file is called.
  • Need to figure out your cast on yarn needs for another project? Just purchase again for each project.
  • Any questions/concerns/accidentally entered values into your customization window incorrectly? Email jill@jillwolcottknits.com for assistance.  I work between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm weekdays; outside of those times I am usually checking on things, but I may not be able to solve your problem until work hours.

1:  General Information 

  • The Pattern Tailor will start by asking Who and/or What Project is this for? and the Date you want on your Output Sheet.  This is for your reference so use what is meaningful for you.  In this case it may make more sense to put the project name in, rather than your own!
  • The next few questions are about the units to be used throughout and how you’d like those to appear in your Pattern Tailor generated FLTCO Output Sheet. 
  • You will be choosing from:
    • Q3. Yarn Length: Yards or meters
    • Q4. Yarn Weight: Grams or ounces
    • Q5. Measurements: inches or centimeters
    • Q6. Needle Sizes: US or metric
  • For all remaining questions in the customization window, answer ONLY with the units you have selected in Q3 through Q6. 
    • For example, if you enter that you would like to answer questions in inches in Q5, then answer all remaining questions in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window that call for inches or cm in inches.

2:  Yarn

  • Begin by identifying the yarn(s) you would like to use.  You can use any weight yarn you’d like, from lace weight to super bulky!
    • C1 is your yarn if you are only using one color. Q7
    • If you are using two colors or yarns, designate the second yarn as C2. Use na or n/a if not using a second yarn.  Q8

3:  Needles

  • This is the needle you will be using to cast on for your project.  The FLTCO allows you to use a second needle size for the bottom needle, so if you are doing that, be sure to put in a second needle size.  
  • The top needle is the needle for your project.  Q9
  • The bottom needle is a second needle of the same or a different size. Q10
  • Please use only the needle sizes that are compatible with the Pattern Tailor, which are presented here and in the Help on the Pattern Tailor Customization Window. 
  • When answering needle size remember to use the same units you selected in Q6.
3.a: Needle Conversion Table

4:  Do a Sample Cast On 

Using the FLTCO, cast on and mark the yarn as follows:

  • How Many Stitches to Cast On: If you are working a project with less than 100 stitches, cast on 10 stitches.  If your project is over 100 stitches, cast on 20 stitches.  Q14
  • Mark Your Yarn:  
    • Using 3 distinct pin markers, mark the end of the FLTCO, as close to the needles as possible, on the yarn tail and on the yarn coming from the ball.  
    • Place a marker in the top of the first loop on your needles OR at the base of the slip knot on the yarn coming from the ball.  
    • Note which marker is on the yarn used for the bottom needle, and which for the top needle.
  • Remove Both Needles.  Slide the top and the bottom needles out of the cast on stitches.
  • Undo Your Cast On:  Holding onto the marker in the first cast on loop, or at the base of your slip knot, undo the cast on.  You will have a length of yarn with three pins in it (it may have a slip knot as well).

5:  Yarn Length Measurements

  • Measure between the two end pins.  This is the total length.  Do not include the slip knot!  Q11
  • Measure from the top needle end pin to the center pin (log this as the length for top needle).  Q12
  • Measure from the bottom needle end pin to the center pin (log this as the length for bottom needle).  Q13

6:  Total Stitches to Cast On For Your Project

You will need the number of stitches to cast on for your project.  Q15