How to join knitting in the round without a gap

If you’re a knitter, you know that joining your work in the round can be a bit tricky. One of the most common problems knitters face when knitting in the round is the dreaded gap that can occur when joining the beginning and end of a round. This gap can be frustrating and can ruin the look of your finished project. But don’t worry! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to join knitting in the round without a gap.

First, it’s important to understand why this gap occurs. When knitting in the round, you are essentially creating a spiral. After completing a round, you join the last stitch of the previous round to the first stitch of the new round. However, if you simply start knitting the new round without making any adjustments, you will end up with a gap between these two stitches.

To avoid this gap, you can use a technique called “jogless join.” This technique involves slightly shifting the beginning of each round, which helps to blend the two ends together and create a seamless transition. The jogless join method can be used for any type of knitting in the round, whether you’re working on a hat, a sweater, or a pair of socks.

Note: Before attempting the jogless join, it’s important to have a basic understanding of knitting in the round and be comfortable with knitting, purling, and joining stitches. If you’re a beginner knitter, you may want to practice knitting in the round with a simple project before attempting this technique.

To begin the jogless join, knit the first round as usual, until you reach the end of the round. Instead of joining the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch or a regular knit stitch, you will need to make a slight adjustment. Here’s how:

Understanding the Basics of Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a technique that allows you to create seamless, circular projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. Instead of knitting back and forth in rows, you will be working in a continuous spiral, joining the beginning and end of each round to form a seamless tube. This method has the advantage of eliminating the need for side seams and can create a more polished finished product.

Before you start knitting in the round, there are a few essential concepts and techniques that you should understand:

Circular Needles: Circular needles are essential for knitting in the round. They consist of two pointed needles connected by a flexible cable. The length of the cable can vary depending on the size of your project.
Circular Knitting Needles Sizes: Circular needles come in different sizes, just like straight needles. The size of the needles will depend on the thickness of the yarn and the desired tension or gauge.
Knitting a Tube: When knitting in the round, you are essentially creating a tube of fabric. Instead of turning your work at the end of each row, you will continue working in the same direction, joining the ends to form a seamless circle.
Joining the Round: To join the round, you will bring the first stitch of the current round together with the last stitch of the previous round. This creates a smooth transition without a noticeable gap between the beginning and end of each round.
Right-Side (RS) and Wrong-Side (WS): Just like knitting flat, you will have a right side and a wrong side when knitting in the round. If you are knitting stockinette stitch, the right side is the knit side, and the wrong side is the purl side.
Working in the Round Stitch Patterns: Some stitch patterns may need to be slightly adjusted or modified when working in the round. For example, if a pattern calls for a ribbed edge, you may need to knit in the round with a smaller needle size to achieve the desired elasticity.

By understanding these basic concepts, you will be ready to start your knitting in the round projects. As with any new knitting technique, practice and patience are key. Remember to follow the instructions for joining the round carefully to ensure a seamless and professional-looking finish.

Choosing the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin joining knitting in the round without a gap, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials. Having the proper equipment will make the process easier and result in a more professional finish.

Here are some essential tools and materials you will need:

Knitting Needles: Choose a set of circular knitting needles that are appropriate for your yarn weight and desired project. The length of the needles will depend on the circumference of the project you are working on.
Yarn: Select a yarn that is suitable for your project and desired gauge. It’s important to ensure that the yarn is suitable for knitting in the round without any gaps.
Tape Measure: Use a tape measure to measure the gauge of your knitting and to check the circumference of your project.
Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are essential for marking the beginning of the round and any other important points in your pattern. They can be either removable or fixed markers.
Yarn Needle: A yarn needle is used for weaving in ends and finishing your project.
Scissors: A pair of scissors will be needed to cut the yarn as needed.
Pattern: Have a knitting pattern or instructions at hand that guide you through the joining process and help you create the desired item.

By ensuring you have the right tools and materials, you’ll be well-prepared to successfully join your knitting in the round without a gap. This will result in a seamless finish and a more enjoyable knitting experience.

Preparing to Join the Knitting in the Round

Before you can begin knitting in the round without a gap, there are a few things you need to do to prepare:

Choose your project: Decide what you would like to knit and make sure it is suitable for knitting in the round. Many patterns are written for either flat or circular knitting, so double-check that your project can be worked in the round.
Gather your materials: Make sure you have the appropriate yarn and needles for your project. If you are using a specific pattern, follow the recommendations for yarn weight and needle size. You will also need stitch markers and a tapestry needle for later steps.
Cast on stitches: Use your preferred cast-on method to cast on the required number of stitches. If you are working with a pattern, it should specify how many stitches to cast on. For a stretchy cast-on edge, consider using a long tail cast on or a tubular cast on.
Join your work in the round: After casting on, you need to join your work to form a continuous circle. Hold the needles parallel with the working yarn behind them and make sure the cast-on edge is not twisted. Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle and knit it. This will create the first stitch of the round, and you can now begin working in the round.
Place a stitch marker: To keep track of the beginning of each round, place a stitch marker on the right needle after the first stitch. This will help you keep your place and ensure a seamless join.

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to start knitting in the round without a gap. From here on, you can follow the instructions specific to your pattern or project to create beautiful and seamless knitted items.

Beginning the Round and Avoiding a Gap

Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your project, you can begin working in the round by joining the first stitch to the last. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Make sure that your cast-on stitches are not twisted around your circular needles. The first stitch of your cast-on edge should be on the right-hand needle, and the working yarn should be at the back.
Step 2: Insert the right-hand needle, with the first stitch on it, into the first stitch on the left-hand needle. The tip of the right-hand needle should go in from front to back.
Step 3: Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle counterclockwise.
Step 4: Use the right-hand needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
Step 5: Slip the old stitch off the left-hand needle, transferring it onto the right-hand needle.

By following these steps, you have successfully joined your stitches in the round without leaving a gap.

If you find that there is still a small gap between the first and last stitches, try gently pulling on the yarn tail to tighten the join. This can help close any remaining space and create a seamless beginning. Additionally, when working the first few rounds, be mindful to pull the yarn tight after each completed round to ensure a snug and even fabric.

Continuing the Round and Keeping a Smooth Join

After joining your knitting in the round without a gap, it’s important to continue the round smoothly to avoid any noticeable transitions or ladders in your work. Here are some tips to help you maintain a smooth join as you continue:

Use a stitch marker: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of your round to help you keep track of where the round starts and ends. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally move your starting point and create a visible seam.
Pull tight: As you start knitting the next round, make sure to pull the working yarn tightly to close any gaps that may have formed between the first and last stitches. This will create a seamless look and prevent any loose stitches from showing.
Take care with your tension: Pay attention to your tension as you continue knitting in the round. Keeping your tension consistent will help maintain an even fabric and prevent any noticeable changes at the join.
Alternate needle positions: If you’re using double-pointed needles or a circular needle with a large cable, try alternating the positions of your needles as you knit. This will help distribute any tension differences more evenly and prevent ladders or gaps from forming.
Knit a couple of extra stitches: To further ensure a smooth join, consider knitting a couple of extra stitches after the join. This will help blend the join into the rest of the round and make it less noticeable.
Block your work: Once you’ve finished knitting your project, blocking it can help even out any minor imperfections and give your knitting a more polished and professional look.

Following these tips will help you maintain a smooth join and create a clean, seamless finish in your knitting. Practice and experimentation will also help you develop your own techniques for achieving a flawless join when knitting in the round.

Fixing Gaps in the Knitting

If you notice gaps in your knitting, don’t worry! There are several ways to fix them and ensure a smooth and seamless finish.

Here are some tips and techniques to help you fix gaps in your knitting:

Assess the Gap: First, identify the specific gap or hole in your knitting. Determine its size and location, as this will help you determine the most appropriate method to fix it.
Tighten Stitches: Sometimes, gaps occur due to loose stitches. Use a knitting needle or your fingers to gently tighten the stitches around the gap. You can do this by pulling on the working yarn or adjusting the tension of the stitches to make them snugger.
Use Duplicate Stitch: If the gap is relatively small, you can use duplicate stitch to fill it in. Duplicate stitch involves embroidering over the gap with a matching yarn color. By mimicking the adjacent stitches, you can effectively close the gap.
Add a Stitch: Another way to fix a gap is to add a stitch. This is especially useful if the gap is larger or if you notice gaps forming consistently in the same area. To add a stitch, use a crochet hook or knitting needle to pick up the yarn in the gap and create a new stitch. Be careful not to create too many stitches, as this can throw off the stitch count.
Knit a Patch: For larger gaps or holes, you may need to get more creative. Consider knitting a patch or insert to cover the gap. This can be done by picking up stitches around the gap and knitting in a contrasting color or pattern to create a decorative element while also fixing the gap.
Finishing Techniques: Once you have addressed the gap, make sure to secure the ends of the yarn properly. Weave in any loose ends and block your finished knitting to even out the tension and ensure a polished look.
Preventative Measures: To prevent gaps from occurring in the first place, be mindful of your tension as you knit. Pay attention to the tightness of your stitches and adjust as needed. Additionally, using stitch markers or counting your stitches regularly can alert you to any potential gaps as you knit, allowing you to address them before they become more significant.

Remember, gaps in knitting can happen to anyone, but with these techniques, you can fix them and achieve a professional-looking finish. Happy knitting!

Finishing and Securing the Join

After you have completed the join, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it is secure and neat-looking. These steps will help to prevent any gaps or loose stitches from forming.

Weave in the tail: Start by weaving in the tail of yarn from the beginning of your round. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the stitches of the first round, making sure to catch the yarn strands as you go. This will secure the beginning of your round and prevent any gaps.
Check the tension: Take a moment to check the tension of your join. Gently pull on the stitches around the join to ensure that they are snug and there are no loose areas. Adjust the tension if necessary by pulling on the yarn tails or redistributing the stitches.
Anchor the join: To further secure the join, you can anchor it with a small stitch or knot. Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle and pass it through a few stitches around the join. This will help to reinforce the join and prevent it from unraveling.
Continue knitting: Once your join is secure, you can continue knitting in the round as usual. Pay attention to the first few stitches after the join to ensure that they are smooth and tight, as these can sometimes become loose.
Block your project: Finally, after you have completed your project, consider blocking it to even out the tension and make the join less noticeable. You can block your knitting by wetting it, gently squeezing out the excess water, and then laying it flat to dry.

By following these steps, you can join knitting in the round without a gap and create a clean and professional-looking finish to your project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Joining Knitting in the Round

Joining knitting in the round can be a bit tricky, especially for beginner knitters. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure you have a seamless join:

Forgetting to untwist: It’s important to ensure that your cast-on stitches are not twisted before joining in the round. Take a moment to double-check that the stitches lie flat and are aligned correctly.
Leaving a gap: One of the most common mistakes when joining knitting in the round is unintentionally leaving a gap between the first and last stitches. This can result in a noticeable hole in your work. Make sure to snugly join the first and last stitches together to avoid this gap.
Skipping the first stitch: When joining in the round, it’s essential to knit the first stitch after the join. Skipping this stitch can lead to an uneven edge and disrupt the overall pattern or stitch count.
Misplacing the join: It’s easy to lose track of where you made the join when knitting in the round, especially with larger projects. Using a stitch marker or a different colored yarn to mark the join can help you keep track and avoid any confusion as you continue knitting.
Twisting the join: A common mistake is accidentally twisting the join when moving from the circular needle to knitting in the round. Ensure that both sides of the join are facing the same direction to maintain a seamless appearance.
Pulling too tightly: While it’s important to snugly join the stitches together, pulling too tightly can create tension and affect the overall stretchiness of your knitted item. Be mindful of your tension and avoid pulling too tightly when joining in the round.
Not counting stitches: When joining in the round, it’s crucial to count your stitches to ensure you have the correct number for your pattern. Skipping or adding stitches can throw off the alignment and shape of your project.
Not practicing: Joining knitting in the round can be challenging at first, so it’s important to practice and familiarize yourself with the technique. By knitting a few small swatches or practicing with scrap yarn, you can gain confidence and avoid common mistakes when joining in the round.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve a seamless and professional-looking join when knitting in the round. Happy knitting!

FAQ:

Why is it important to join knitting in the round without a gap?

Joining knitting in the round without a gap is important because it creates a seamless and smooth fabric. A gap can create a noticeable break in the pattern and disrupt the overall appearance of the finished project.

What materials do I need to join knitting in the round without a gap?

To join knitting in the round without a gap, you will need circular knitting needles, stitch markers, and your chosen yarn. The circular knitting needles allow you to knit seamlessly in a round, and the stitch markers help you keep track of your rounds.

Can I join knitting in the round without a gap using double-pointed needles?

Yes, you can join knitting in the round without a gap using double-pointed needles. The process is similar to using circular knitting needles – you need to make sure your stitches are not twisted, join them in a circle, and begin knitting in the round.

What techniques can I use to join knitting in the round without a gap?

There are a few different techniques you can use to join knitting in the round without a gap. One common technique is to slip the first stitch of the second round purlwise with the yarn in front, which helps tighten the gap. Another technique is to knit the first stitch of the second round extra tight, helping to close any gaps.

Join Knitting in the Round without a Gap