Knitting in the round is an essential skill for any knitter, and it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for creating seamless projects. Whether you’re making hats, socks, or sweaters, joining in the round can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be knitting in circles like a pro.
Joining in the round involves connecting your knitting in a loop, so you can continue working in a seamless spiral. This eliminates the need for seams and allows you to create projects that are both comfortable and visually appealing. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of joining in the round, so you can start creating beautiful, seamless knitted items.
To begin, you’ll need a set of double-pointed needles or circular needles, depending on the project you’re working on. Make sure you have enough stitches cast on to comfortably fit around the needles. Once you have your materials ready, follow these steps:
- Create a slipknot: Start by making a slipknot on one of your needles. This will act as your first stitch.
- Slide the slipknot onto the other needle: Slide the slipknot onto the other needle, making sure it is facing the correct direction. This will create your first stitch.
- Hold the needles: Hold the needles with the working yarn in your right hand and the tail end of the yarn in your left hand. The working yarn should be behind the needles.
- Knit the first stitch: Insert the working needle into the first stitch on the left needle from left to right. Wrap the working yarn around the needle and pull it through the stitch, creating a new stitch on the working needle.
- Continue knitting in the round: Repeat step 4 for each stitch until you have completed one round. Make sure to keep your tension even and avoid twisting the stitches.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to joining in the round and creating seamless knitted projects. With some practice, you’ll become comfortable with this technique, and you’ll be able to tackle more complex patterns and designs. Happy knitting!
Choosing the Right Needles and Yarn
When it comes to knitting in the round, selecting the right needles and yarn is essential for a successful project. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:
- Needles: There are various types of needles available for knitting in the round, including circular needles, double-pointed needles (DPNs), and Magic Loop method with a long circular needle. Circular needles are the most commonly used for beginners as they are versatile and easy to handle. Choose a needle size that matches the recommended gauge for your yarn.
- Yarn: The yarn you choose can greatly impact the outcome of your project. Consider the fiber content, weight, and texture of the yarn. Different fibers have different characteristics, such as warmth, drape, and elasticity. When knitting in the round, it’s important to choose a yarn that is suitable for the desired finished item.
Here’s a quick guide to help you select the right needles and yarn:
- Consider your project: Are you knitting a hat, a sweater, or a pair of socks? The type of project will determine the size and length of needles you need.
- Check the gauge: The recommended gauge for your pattern will help you determine the appropriate needle size. Use a gauge swatch to ensure your tension matches the pattern.
- Choose the right yarn weight: Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn and is typically described using numbers from 0 to 7. Different projects require different yarn weights, so make sure to choose a yarn that matches your pattern.
- Consider the fiber: Natural fibers, such as wool or alpaca, are warm and breathable, while synthetic fibers, like acrylic or nylon, are often more affordable and machine washable.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to knitting in the round. Experiment with different needles and yarn until you find the combination that works best for your project and personal preferences.
Casting On
Casting on is the first step in any knitting project. It involves creating a row of stitches on the knitting needle to serve as the foundation for your project. Here is how you can cast on stitches:
- Hold the yarn: Hold the end of the yarn in your right hand and let the rest of the yarn fall over your left hand. This will create a loop around your thumb and a tail of yarn extending from your right hand.
- Create the slipknot: Take the tail of yarn and cross it over the loop around your thumb to form a loop. Insert your right-hand needle through the loop and pull the tail to tighten the loop around the needle.
- Cast on the first stitch: Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand and use your left hand to hold the yarn. Insert your right-hand needle into the slipknot from front to back, then wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the needle.
- Create the second stitch: Pull the right-hand needle back through the slipknot, bringing the new loop of yarn with it. Slip the new loop onto your left-hand needle, making sure to keep it loose.
- Continue casting on: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have the desired number of stitches on your left-hand needle. Each time you create a new stitch, transfer it to the left-hand needle.
Once you have finished casting on, you can begin working the first row of your project. Casting on is an essential skill in knitting, as it forms the basis for all your knitting stitches. With practice, you will become more comfortable with casting on and can use it to start various knitting projects.
Joining the Knitting in the Round
Joining the knitting in the round is an essential technique for creating seamless projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. It allows you to work continuously in a circular pattern without the need to turn your work at the end of each row.
To join the knitting in the round, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Cast on: Start by casting on the required number of stitches onto your circular knitting needles. Make sure you cast on an even number of stitches if you plan to join the knitting in a round.
- Slide stitches: Once you have cast on your stitches, make sure they are evenly distributed along the needle. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle so that the working yarn is at the right-hand side.
- Join: To join the knitting in the round, bring the first stitch on the left-hand needle over to the right-hand needle. Make sure that the working yarn is behind the needles and not twisted around them.
- Work the first round: Now that your knitting is joined, you can start working the first round. Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle and knit or purl as required for your pattern.
- Continue knitting: Continue knitting or purling in the round for the desired number of rounds or until your project is complete.
- Joining a new round: When you reach the end of a round, you will need to join a new round. To do this, simply slide the stitches to the other end of the needle again, making sure the working yarn is at the right-hand side, and repeat the joining process described above.
- Weaving in the tail: Once you have finished knitting in the round, you will need to weave in the tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it in and out of the stitches on the inside of your project to secure it in place.
That’s it! You have successfully joined the knitting in the round and can now enjoy creating seamless and beautiful projects. Happy knitting!
Understanding Circular Knitting Techniques
In traditional knitting, flat pieces of fabric are created by working back and forth in rows. Circular knitting, on the other hand, involves working in a continuous loop to create tubular or seamless garments. This technique is commonly used for items such as hats, socks, and sweaters.
One of the main benefits of circular knitting is that it eliminates the need for seams, resulting in a more comfortable and professional-looking finished product. It also allows you to easily knit in the round, which is great for creating intricate patterns and designs.
There are a few different methods for circular knitting, including using circular needles, double-pointed needles, or a combination of both. The method you choose will depend on the project and your personal preferences.
Circular Needles
Circular needles are a popular choice for circular knitting. They consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable. The length of the cable can vary, allowing you to choose the most appropriate size for your project.
To use circular needles, you simply cast on your stitches as you would for traditional knitting. Instead of turning your work at the end of each row, you continue knitting in the same direction, following the pattern instructions. The cable holds the stitches, allowing you to create a circular shape.
Double-Pointed Needles
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are another option for circular knitting. They are shorter than circular needles and have points at both ends. Typically, you will use a set of four or five DPNs.
To begin, you distribute your stitches evenly across the DPNs, with one or two extra needles left empty. You then work with a second empty needle, knitting with the remaining needle(s) as you go. This keeps your stitches in a circular formation.
Combination of Circular and Double-Pointed Needles
For larger projects, such as sweaters, you may choose to use a combination of circular and double-pointed needles. Circular needles are used for the majority of the work, while DPNs are used for sleeves, neckbands, or other smaller sections.
Using a combination of these techniques gives you the flexibility to work on different parts of your project at the same time, making the knitting process more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Understanding circular knitting techniques allows you to expand your knitting skills and create beautiful, seamless garments. Whether you choose to use circular needles, double-pointed needles, or a combination of both, it’s important to practice and experiment to find the method that works best for you. With time and experience, you’ll become more comfortable with circular knitting and be able to tackle more complex projects.
Knitting the First Round
Now that you have joined the round, it’s time to start knitting the first round. Follow these steps:
- Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand.
- Insert the empty needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from left to right.
- With your left hand, bring the yarn over the right-hand needle, forming a loop.
- With your right hand, pull the loop through the first stitch, forming a new stitch on the empty needle.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until you have knit all the stitches on the right-hand needle.
- At this point, the right-hand needle will be empty and the left-hand needle will have all the stitches. Switch hands so that the empty needle is now in your right hand and the needle with the stitches is in your left hand.
- Continue knitting in the round by repeating steps 2-6 until you complete the desired number of rounds.
Remember to keep your tension even and consistent throughout the knitting process. This will help to create a smooth and uniform fabric.
Once you have completed the first round, you can continue knitting in the round following your chosen stitch pattern or instructions for your project.
Working in the Round: Common Techniques
When knitting in the round, there are several common techniques that you can use to create different effects and achieve a professional finish. Here are some of the most commonly used techniques:
1. Circular Needles
Circular needles are the most common tool for knitting in the round. They consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable. Circular needles allow you to knit in a continuous spiral, eliminating the need to constantly turn your work. They are available in various lengths and materials, and the right choice depends on the project you are working on.
2. Magic Loop
Magic Loop is a technique used to knit small circumferences, such as sleeves or socks, on a long circular needle. It involves pulling a loop of the cable through the stitches to divide the work into two halves. Magic Loop is a handy technique that allows you to work with just one long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles.
3. Double-Pointed Needles
Double-pointed needles, or DPNs, are used to knit small circumferences or projects with a lot of decreases, such as hats or mittens. They come in sets of four or five and have points on both ends. With DPNs, you divide your stitches evenly onto the needles and then use a fifth needle to knit the stitches. This technique requires some practice to avoid ladders or loose stitches between needles.
4. Magic Ring/Adjustable Loop
The magic ring, also known as an adjustable loop or magic circle, is a technique used to start projects worked in the round that begin with a small center, such as hats or amigurumi. It involves wrapping the yarn around your fingers and creating a loop before starting to crochet or knit. The magic ring allows you to tighten the center of your project for a secure finish.
5. Jogless Stripes
When working with stripes in the round, the jog is the noticeable step or jog that occurs between color changes. To achieve a neater and seamless transition between stripes, you can use various techniques, such as carrying the yarn up the side, slipping stitches, or working a jogless join. Jogless stripes techniques help you create a more polished look for your striped projects.
6. Round Stitch Markers
When knitting in the round, it can be difficult to keep track of your stitches, especially if you are working on a project with a complex pattern or multiple stitch counts. Round stitch markers are small clips or rings that you can place on your needles to mark specific points in your pattern. They can help you keep track of increases/decreases, pattern repeats, or different sections of your work.
7. Joining in the Round
The process of joining in the round refers to connecting the beginning and end of your round to create a continuous circle. Depending on the project and your personal preferences, you can choose to join your work using various methods, such as knitting the first stitch together with the last stitch, using a slip stitch, or using a seamless join technique. The choice of joining method can affect the appearance and stretchiness of your finished project.
By mastering these common techniques, you will be able to confidently work in the round and enjoy the many benefits it offers, such as seamless garments, faster knitting, and the ability to create beautiful patterns without the need for seaming.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Joining the round knitting can be a little tricky, especially for beginners. Here are some common mistakes you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them:
Mistake: Twisted Stitches
One common mistake is accidentally twisting your stitches when joining in the round. This can happen if you don’t ensure that all your cast-on stitches are facing the same direction before joining. To fix this, carefully unravel the cast-on row and re-cast on, making sure that your stitches are all facing the same way.
Mistake: Gaps or Ladders
Another common mistake is creating gaps or ladders when joining in the round. This can happen if you have loose tension or if you’re not pulling your working yarn tight enough when transitioning from one needle to the next. To fix this, make sure to pull your working yarn snugly after joining and after completing the first few stitches of each round.
Mistake: Incorrect Stitch Count
If you notice that your stitch count is off after joining in the round, it’s likely that you made a mistake while knitting. Double-check your pattern instructions and make sure you haven’t accidentally skipped any stitches or added any extra stitches. If needed, carefully unravel the round and fix any mistakes before continuing.
Mistake: Forgetting to Join
It’s not uncommon to forget to join your knitting and accidentally work in a continuous spiral instead of in rounds. If you notice that your work doesn’t seem to be progressing in rounds, double-check that you remembered to join your work at the beginning of the round. If you forgot, simply slip the first stitch of the round onto the working needle to create the join.
Mistake: Uneven Tension
Uneven tension can be a common issue when joining in the round, leading to an uneven appearance in your stitches. To improve your tension, make sure to hold your needles and yarn comfortably and consistently. Practice and experience will help you develop a more even tension over time.
Remember, it’s normal to make mistakes when learning a new technique. The more you practice joining in the round, the more comfortable and proficient you will become. Don’t be afraid to unravel and start over if needed, as it’s all part of the learning process.
Binding Off and Finishing the Project
Once you have completed your round knitting project, it’s time to bind off and finish it off. Here are the steps to bind off and finish your project:
- Knit the first two stitches as usual.
- Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Lift the stitch over the second stitch and off of the needle, dropping it.
- Knit the next stitch.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until there is only one stitch remaining on the right needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Thread the tail through the remaining stitch and pull tight to secure.
Once you have bound off your stitches, you can finish off your project by weaving in any loose ends and blocking if necessary. Weaving in the ends involves threading the ends of the yarn through a yarn needle and weaving them back and forth through the stitches on the wrong side of the work. This helps to secure the yarn and prevent it from unraveling.
If your project requires blocking, follow the instructions for the specific yarn and stitch pattern you used. Blocking involves wetting the finished project, reshaping it if necessary, and allowing it to dry in the desired shape. This can help even out the stitches and give your project a more polished look.
Once your project is bound off, ends are woven in, and blocking is complete, you can proudly admire your finished round knitting project! Whether it’s a hat, a cowl, or any other circular project, following these steps will help you achieve a clean and professional-looking finish.
FAQ:
How do I join knitting in the round?
To join knitting in the round, you will need circular knitting needles. Start by casting on your desired number of stitches onto the needle. Then, make sure your stitches are not twisted before joining them in a circle. Knit the first stitch with the working yarn and the last stitch from the cast-on round together to join the round. Now you can continue knitting in the round.
What are circular knitting needles?
Circular knitting needles are knitting needles that are connected by a flexible cable in between. They are used for knitting in the round or for knitting large projects like blankets or shawls. Circular needles come in various lengths and sizes, allowing you to choose the right size for your project. They can be made of different materials such as metal, wood, or plastic.
Can I use double-pointed needles instead of circular needles?
Yes, you can use double-pointed needles instead of circular needles for knitting in the round. Double-pointed needles come in sets of four or five and do not have a cable connecting them. They are typically used for smaller projects like socks or sleeves. If you prefer using double-pointed needles, you can easily substitute them for circular needles in the round.
How do I know if my stitches are twisted when joining in the round?
To check if your stitches are twisted when joining in the round, lay your work flat on a table or surface. Make sure that all the stitches are facing the same direction and the cast-on edge is not twisted. If any of the stitches appear twisted or are facing a different direction, you will need to undo your work and start again to ensure a proper join.
Can I use a stitch marker when joining in the round?
Yes, using a stitch marker when joining in the round can be helpful. After joining the round, place a stitch marker on the right-hand needle to mark the beginning of the round. This will make it easier for you to keep track of your rounds as you continue knitting and prevent you from losing your place.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when joining in the round?
When joining in the round, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One is twisting your stitches before joining, as this will result in a twisted project. Another is not knitting the first and last stitches together properly, which can cause a gap in your work. Additionally, not using a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round can lead to confusion and mistakes in your knitting.
Can I join knitting in the round with a different stitch pattern?
Yes, you can join knitting in the round with a different stitch pattern. Once you have joined your stitches in a circle, you can begin knitting your desired stitch pattern. Just keep in mind that some stitch patterns may require adjustments when knitting in the round, such as adjusting the stitch count or adding markers for pattern repeats. It’s important to follow the instructions for the specific stitch pattern you are working with.