This cast on is called the long tail cast on. There are dozens of ways to cast on. We find this the most useful, general purpose, and a great cast on for someone just learning.
Video instruction for each step as you knit a fringed shawl, from beginning to end!
how to make a slip knot
how to cast on
how to make a purl stitch
how to make a knit stitch
how to make a M1 (Make One) increase
how to make a SSK decrease
how to unravel for fringe
how to work in ends