Joining in the round is an essential technique for any knitter who wants to create seamless and continuous projects. Whether you’re new to knitting or an experienced knitter looking to expand your skills, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of joining in the round with confidence.
When you join in the round, you essentially connect the beginning and end of your knitting to create a loop. This allows you to knit in a continuous spiral, eliminating the need for seams and creating a neater finished project. Whether you’re knitting a hat, socks, or a sweater, joining in the round will help you achieve a professional-looking result.
In this guide, we will cover all the essentials of joining in the round. We will start by discussing the different methods you can use to join in the round, including the magic loop method, double-pointed needles, and circular needles. We will then walk you through the step-by-step instructions for each method, highlighting any special techniques or tips along the way.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence and skills to join in the round with ease. Whether you’re knitting small projects or tackling larger, more complex designs, joining in the round will open up a world of possibilities for your knitting projects. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s get started on this exciting knitting journey!
What is knitting in the round?
Knitting in the round is a technique used in knitting to create seamless tubes or circles, such as hats, socks, or sleeves. It involves using a set of circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles instead of straight needles.
When knitting in the round, the fabric is created by continuously working in a continuous spiral, rather than back and forth in rows. This eliminates the need to seam the project together later.
There are several advantages to knitting in the round, including:
- Seamless construction: Knitting in the round creates seamless garments, which means there are no bulky seams to sew together.
- Easier pattern reading: Many knitting patterns are written for knitting in the round, as it simplifies the instructions and eliminates the need to convert patterns written for flat knitting.
- Efficiency: Knitting in the round allows you to work faster, as you don’t have to constantly turn your work at the end of each row.
There are different methods to knit in the round, such as using circular needles or double-pointed needles. Circular needles are a popular choice as they allow you to knit larger projects, such as sweaters, hats, or blankets, with ease. Double-pointed needles are used for smaller projects, such as socks or gloves, where fewer stitches are required.
Overall, knitting in the round is a versatile technique that opens up a world of possibilities for creating seamless and beautiful knitted projects.
Advantages of knitting in the round
Knitting in the round refers to knitting in a continuous circle or tube without the need for seams. This method has many advantages, making it a popular technique among knitters.
- No seams: One of the major advantages of knitting in the round is that you don’t have to sew any seams. This means that there are no visible seams on your finished project, resulting in a cleaner and more professional-looking piece.
- Efficiency: Knitting in the round allows you to work more efficiently. Since you’re constantly knitting in the same direction, you can complete your project faster compared to knitting flat pieces and then seaming them together.
- Continuous pattern: When knitting in the round, you can easily create continuous patterns, such as stripes or cables. This is because the right side of the work is always facing you and you don’t have to turn the piece to work on the wrong side. This makes it easier to keep track of your pattern and creates a seamless and uninterrupted design.
- No purling: Another advantage of knitting in the round is that you can avoid purling. When knitting flat pieces, you usually have to alternate between knitting and purling rows. However, when knitting in the round, you can simply knit all the stitches, eliminating the need for purling.
- No need to flip: With knitting in the round, you don’t have to constantly flip your work back and forth. This can be particularly beneficial when working on larger projects, as it reduces strain on your hands and wrists.
Overall, knitting in the round offers several advantages, including a seamless finish, efficiency, continuous pattern possibilities, and a reduction in purling and flipping. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, learning this technique can greatly enhance your knitting skills and expand your project options.
Step-by-Step Guide
Joining in the round when knitting is an essential technique that allows you to create seamless projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to join in the round:
- Gather your materials: You will need a circular needle or a set of double-pointed needles, depending on the project. Make sure to choose the appropriate needle size for your yarn.
- Cast on stitches: Follow your pattern instructions to cast on the required number of stitches onto your needle. Ensure that your stitches are not twisted.
- Join in the round: Hold your needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand. Insert the tip of your needle into the first cast-on stitch, making sure not to twist the stitches.
- Knit the first stitch: Bring the working yarn over the left-hand needle and knit the first cast-on stitch. This completes the first round.
- Place a marker: Slip a stitch marker onto the right-hand needle before knitting the first stitch of the second round. This will mark the beginning of each round.
- Continue working in the round: Knit each stitch of the second round as usual. Your work will start to form a circular shape.
- Repeat the rounds: Continue knitting each round, placing the stitch marker before the first stitch of each new round. Follow your pattern instructions for any stitch patterns or shaping.
- Finishing: When you have finished knitting in the round, you can either bind off your stitches or proceed with the next steps of your pattern.
Joining in the round can take a bit of practice, but with time it will become second nature. Now you’re ready to start knitting seamless projects!
Gather your materials
Before you begin knitting in the round, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A set of double-pointed needles or circular needles, depending on the project you’re working on.
- A skein or ball of yarn in the color and weight specified in your pattern.
- A pair of scissors to cut the yarn.
- A tapestry needle or yarn needle for weaving in ends.
- A stitch marker or a scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of your round.
It’s important to choose the right needle size for your project and follow the recommended gauge in your pattern. This will ensure that your finished project matches the desired measurements.
Once you have gathered all your materials, you can move on to the next step of joining in the round.
Cast on Stitches
Before you can join in the round, you will need to cast on the desired number of stitches. The type of cast on method you choose will depend on the project and the type of edge you want to create. Here are a few common methods:
- Long Tail Cast On: This is one of the most commonly used cast on methods. It creates a sturdy, yet flexible edge.
- Knit Cast On: This method creates a similar edge to the long tail cast on but is easier and quicker to work.
- Cable Cast On: This method creates a neat and firm edge, making it ideal for projects that require stability.
- Emily Ocker’s Circular Cast On: This method is specifically designed for starting projects worked in the round and creates a seamless circle.
Once you have cast on your stitches, place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round. This will help you keep track of your progress as you work.
Now you are ready to join in the round and start knitting your project. Make sure your stitches are not twisted and that the working yarn is at the back of your work. You can then start working the first round according to the pattern instructions.
Joining in the round can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and soon you will be able to confidently knit projects in the round!
Join in the round
Joining in the round is an essential technique for knitting projects in the round, such as hats, socks, and seamless sweaters. It allows you to create a continuous loop of stitches instead of working in rows. Here are the steps to join in the round:
- After casting on the required number of stitches for your project, ensure that they are not twisted around the needle.
- Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand and insert the tip of the left needle into the first cast-on stitch from front to back, as if to purl.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the stitch, slipping the stitch from the left needle to the right needle. This creates a knit stitch.
- Slide the newly created stitch to the right end of the right needle, ensuring that the working yarn is at the back of the work.
- If you are using circular needles, place a stitch marker on the right needle after the first stitch to mark the beginning of the round.
At this point, you have successfully joined in the round and can continue working on your project. It’s important to note that the first stitch you knit after joining in the round is considered the beginning of the round.
Joining in the round can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Remember to always knit the first stitch tightly after joining in the round to avoid any gaps or ladders in your knitting.
Now that you know how to join in the round, you can confidently tackle any knitting project that requires working in the round!
Knit your rounds
Now that you have successfully joined your stitches in the round, it’s time to start knitting your rounds.
1. Knit your first round: Start knitting your first round by following the stitch pattern for your project. If you are working with a simple stockinette stitch pattern, you will knit all stitches in this round.
2. Continue knitting: After you have completed your first round, continue knitting all subsequent rounds in the same manner. Remember to always follow your stitch pattern and any shaping instructions if applicable.
3. Mark your rounds: As you progress with your knitting, it can be helpful to mark your rounds if you need to keep track of your progress or the number of rounds you have completed. You can use a stitch marker or even a contrasting piece of yarn to mark the beginning of each round.
4. Pay attention to tension: When knitting in the round, it’s important to maintain an even tension throughout your work. Be mindful of any changes in your tension as you work your rounds and adjust accordingly.
5. Join new yarn: If you run out of yarn or need to change colors, you can join a new yarn by simply tying a knot to secure the new yarn to the working yarn. Make sure to leave a tail of yarn to weave in later.
6. Finish your rounds: Continue knitting your rounds until you have reached the desired length or have completed the required number of rounds for your project.
7. Bind off: When you are ready to finish your project, you will need to bind off. Follow your pattern instructions or use a basic bind off method to secure your stitches and create a finished edge.
Remember to always consult your knitting pattern for specific instructions and stitch patterns for your project. With practice, you will become comfortable knitting in the round and be able to create all sorts of beautiful projects!
Switching Colors
Switching colors in knitting is a great way to add visual interest and create unique designs in your projects. Whether you want to create stripes, color blocks, or intricate colorwork patterns, mastering the art of switching colors is an essential skill for any knitter. Here’s how you can do it:
- Select Your Yarn: Choose the colors you want to use in your project. If you’re new to color knitting, start with two contrasting colors to make the switching process easier.
- Secure the New Color: When you’re ready to switch colors, start by knitting to the point where you want to introduce the new color. Take the new color yarn and tie a secure knot with the old color yarn to anchor it in place.
- Carry the Yarn: As you start knitting with the new color, carry the old color yarn along the edge of your work. This prevents loose ends and makes it easier to switch back to the old color later if needed.
- Weave in Ends: To avoid loose ends and ensure a neat finish, weave in the loose ends of your yarn as you go. You can do this by knitting over the ends or using a tapestry needle to weave them into the back of your work.
- Changing Colors in Stripes: To create stripes, simply continue knitting with the new color for the desired number of rows or rounds. When you’re ready to switch back to the old color, follow the same process, tying a secure knot with the new color yarn and carrying the old color yarn along the edge.
- Creating Colorwork Patterns: If you want to create more intricate colorwork patterns, such as Fair Isle or intarsia, you’ll need to learn specific techniques for each. These techniques involve knitting with multiple colors in a single row or round and managing multiple yarns at once. Practice these techniques with smaller projects before attempting more complex patterns.
Remember to take your time and practice switching colors to become more comfortable with this technique. With practice, you’ll be able to add beautiful color transitions to your knitting projects and create stunning designs.
Finishing your project
Once you have completed knitting in the round, there are a few steps you need to take to properly finish your project.
Weaving in ends
Start by weaving in any loose ends of yarn that are still hanging from your work. Thread the end of the yarn through a yarn needle and carefully weave it in and out of the stitches on the inside of your project. Make sure to weave it in securely so that it doesn’t come undone.
Blocking
If your project requires blocking, now is the time to do it. Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished piece to give it its final shape and size. Follow the blocking instructions for your specific yarn and project, and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Seaming
If your project has multiple pieces that need to be sewn together, such as a sweater or a hat with a brim, you will need to seam them together. Use a yarn needle and the same yarn you used for your project to carefully sew the pieces together, following the pattern instructions for the correct method of seaming.
Adding closures or embellishments
Finally, you can add any closures or embellishments that your project requires. This could include sewing buttons onto a cardigan, crocheting a border along the edge of a shawl, or adding a pompom to the top of a hat. These finishing touches will give your project a polished, professional look.
Enjoying your finished project
Once your project is complete, take the time to admire your handiwork. You have successfully joined in the round and finished your knitting project! Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, your finished project is a testament to your knitting skills and creativity. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!
Bind off stitches
To bind off stitches means to remove them from the knitting needle in a controlled way, creating a finished edge. It is typically done at the end of a knitting project to secure the stitches and prevent unraveling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bind off stitches in knitting:
- Knit the first two stitches.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and completely off the right-hand needle.
- Knit another stitch and repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have one stitch remaining on the right-hand needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.
Once you have bound off all the stitches, you can weave in any loose ends and finish off your knitting project. Binding off stitches gives your knitting a clean and neat edge, making it ready for blocking or wearing.
FAQ:
Why is joining in the round important when knitting?
Joining in the round is important when knitting because it allows you to create seamless and continuous knitting projects, such as hats, socks, or sleeves.
What is the easiest way to join in the round?
The easiest way to join in the round is to use circular knitting needles. Simply cast on your stitches onto the needle and then bring the working yarn to the first stitch, making sure not to twist the stitches. Then, start knitting in the round as usual.
Can you join in the round using double-pointed needles?
Yes, you can join in the round using double-pointed needles. To do this, you will need to divide your stitches evenly onto several needles and then join the yarn to the first stitch. Make sure to keep the tension even between the needles to avoid ladders or gaps in your knitting.
What should I do if I accidentally twist my stitches when joining in the round?
If you accidentally twist your stitches when joining in the round, you will need to start over. Untwist your stitches and make sure they are all facing the same direction before rejoining the round. It’s better to catch the mistake early rather than continue knitting with twisted stitches.