yarn gets longer between needles as I go!

[Topotraveler]

What am I doing wrong, I am using 10" alum. needles with regular old yarn, nothing fance, kinda small not the old bulky yarns..I cast on fine, started knitting X style behind needle in right hand..but as I go the yarn is now at foot or more in length between my needles, starting to tangle..whats going on?

[Jan in CA]

If I had to guess I'd say you you used the backward loop (or single) cast on. That one is really only good for casting on a few stitches. Long tail is the most popular, but the knitted cast on is easier to learn if you're new.

Here's the backward loop to see if that's what you used.
http://www.knittinghelp.com/apps/fla...ayer/play/35/1

Here's the main page of cast ons.
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on

[suzeeq]

Yep, you likely used the backward loop cast on, which does that, and it's not a great one for starting projects with. Knitted or cable CO are easy, long tail's not too hard, especially if you use the two handed version - the thumb yarn is like the backward loop, then you 'knit' the other yarn with the right hand.

[Mokumegane]

Yes, I either prefer the knitted cast-on or the long-tail one, myself. I never have problems with either of those. You just need to make sure your tail is long enough, is all.