If you’re new to knitting in the round, it can be a bit confusing to figure out how to join your stitches without twisting them. However, once you learn the proper technique, joining for knitting in the round becomes a breeze. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, so you can confidently start your next circular knitting project.
One of the most important things to remember when joining for knitting in the round is to make sure your stitches are not twisted. This can be easily achieved by carefully laying out your cast-on stitches in a flat circle before joining. Take the time to make sure all the stitches are facing the same direction, and adjust them as needed.
Once your stitches are properly aligned, it’s time to join! Hold the two needle tips together in your dominant hand, with the working yarn coming from the back needle. Insert the empty needle tip into the first stitch on the front needle, being careful not to split the yarn. Wrap the working yarn around the empty needle tip as if to knit, and pull it through the stitch. This will create a new stitch on the empty needle.
Continue knitting in the round, being sure to keep your tension even and not too tight. As you work, you’ll notice that the stitches will start to form a continuous circle. Before you know it, you’ll be knitting in the round with ease and creating your own seamless projects!
Benefits of Knitting in the Round
Knitting in the round offers several benefits compared to traditional flat knitting. Here are some of the advantages:
- Seamless results: Knitting in the round allows you to create seamless projects, which means there are no seams to sew together at the end. This gives your finished knitted items a professional and polished appearance.
- No purling required: When knitting in the round, you only need to knit in the knit stitch, eliminating the need for purling. This can make your knitting go faster and reduce the strain on your hands and wrists.
- Faster knitting: Knitting in the round can be faster than flat knitting because you are continuously working in a spiral. There is no need to turn your work at the end of each row, which can save you time and effort.
- More versatile projects: Knitting in the round opens up a wider range of project possibilities. You can easily create seamless hats, socks, sweaters, and other tubular items. It also allows you to incorporate colorwork, cables, and other intricate patterns more easily.
- Portable and compact: When knitting in the round, you only need to carry a set of circular or double-pointed needles, which are smaller and more compact than straight needles. This makes it easier to take your knitting projects with you on the go.
- Efficient use of yarn: Knitting in the round can help you maximize your yarn usage, as there are no wasted edge stitches along the sides of your project. This can be especially beneficial when working with expensive or limited quantities of yarn.
- Fun and engaging: Knitting in the round can be more enjoyable and engaging than flat knitting, as you are constantly working towards a circular shape. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you see your project take shape.
Overall, knitting in the round offers numerous benefits that make it a popular technique among knitters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, learning how to knit in the round can open up a whole new world of possibilities for your knitting projects.
Tools and Materials for Knitting in the Round
When knitting in the round, it’s important to have the right tools and materials on hand. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
- Circular Needles: Circular needles are a must for knitting in the round. They consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cord, allowing you to work in a continuous loop. Make sure to choose a needle length appropriate for your project.
- Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): DPNs are used for smaller projects or when working in small circumference, such as the top of a hat or the fingers of gloves. They come in sets of four or five and help you achieve a seamless round shape.
- Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your rounds. They can be placed on the needle or inserted into the knitting to mark specific stitches or sections.
- Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in ends and sewing seams. It’s helpful for finishing your projects and giving them a polished look.
- Yarn: Choose a yarn suitable for your project and the desired stitch pattern. The weight and fiber content of the yarn will affect the drape and warmth of the finished piece.
Having these tools and materials ready will make knitting in the round a breeze. Once you have everything you need, you’ll be able to create seamless and professional-looking projects.
Casting On for Knitting in the Round
Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless tubes of fabric, such as hats, socks, and sleeves. Before you can start knitting in the round, you need to cast on your stitches. Here are a few different methods for casting on when knitting in the round:
Long Tail Cast On
The long tail cast on is a versatile and widely-used method for starting knitting projects. To cast on using the long tail method, follow these steps:
- Hold your knitting needle in your right hand, with the tail of your yarn hanging down.
- Hold the working end of the yarn in your left hand, with your thumb and index finger creating a “V” shape.
- Insert your right needle through the “V” from front to back.
- Wrap the working end of the yarn around the needle, going over the top and under the bottom.
- Pull the loop of yarn through the “V” shape, creating a new stitch on your right needle.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.
Cable Cast On
The cable cast on method is another option for casting on when knitting in the round. To use the cable cast on method, follow these steps:
- Hold your knitting needle in your right hand, with the tail of your yarn hanging down.
- Make a slipknot and place it on your right needle.
- Insert your left needle through the slipknot from right to left.
- Wrap the working end of the yarn around the left needle, going over the top and under the bottom.
- Pull the loop of yarn through the slipknot, creating a new stitch on your left needle.
- Transfer the new stitch from your left needle to your right needle.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.
Emily Ocker’s Circular Cast On
Emily Ocker’s circular cast on method is specifically designed for creating a tight and invisible center when knitting in the round. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Hold your knitting needle in your right hand, with the tail of your yarn in front of your work.
- Create a slipknot and place it on your needle.
- Hold the slipknot in your left hand, with your thumb and index finger.
- Insert your right needle through the slipknot from front to back.
- Wrap the working end of the yarn around the needle, going over the top and under the bottom.
- Bring the working end of the yarn under the slipknot and back up through the center of the slipknot.
- Close the slipknot by pulling up on the working end of the yarn.
- Continue knitting as normal, working into the stitches created by the slipknot.
These are just a few different casting on methods you can use when knitting in the round. Each method has its own advantages and creates a slightly different edge, so feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
Joining in the Round
Joining in the round is an essential skill for knitting in the round. It allows you to seamlessly knit in a continuous loop, creating items like hats, socks, and seamless sweaters. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to join your knitting in the round:
- Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your project, make sure the stitches are not twisted around the needle.
- Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand, and insert the left needle into the first stitch from the cast-on edge, making sure the right side of the work is facing you.
- Slip this stitch from the left needle to the right needle, joining the round. Pull the working yarn tightly to anchor this stitch.
- Place a stitch marker on the right needle to mark the beginning of the round.
- Continue knitting in the round as instructed in your pattern.
It’s important to ensure that the stitches are not twisted when joining in the round. Twisted stitches can result in a twisted or distorted finished project. Take care to check that the cast-on edge is facing the same direction as the stitches on the needle to avoid any twists.
Using a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round is also crucial, especially when working on larger projects. It helps you keep track of where you started and makes it easier to count your rounds.
Additionally, when joining in the round, your stitches may appear to be “inside out,” with the purl side facing you instead of the knit side. This is completely normal and is due to the fact that you are knitting in a continuous loop. If you prefer to have the knit side facing you, you can simply turn your work inside out once you’re done with the joining round.
By mastering the skill of joining in the round, you’ll be able to create seamless and beautiful knitted projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this technique is an essential one to add to your knitting repertoire.
Knitting Techniques for Knitting in the Round
When knitting in the round, there are several techniques that can help you join your work and create a seamless piece. These techniques are particularly useful when working on projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters.
1. Magic Loop Method: The magic loop method is a popular technique for knitting in the round using a long circular needle. It involves dividing the stitches in half and using the cable of the circular needle to create a loop. This method is helpful when working with a small number of stitches and provides flexibility for adjusting the size of your project.
2. Double Pointed Needles: Double pointed needles (DPNs) are another option for knitting in the round. These needles come in sets of four or five and are used to evenly distribute stitches across multiple needles. With DPNs, you can easily move from one needle to the next, allowing you to work in a continuous circular motion.
3. Circular Needles: Circular needles are the most versatile option for knitting in the round. They come in various lengths and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of projects. To join your work with circular needles, simply bring the last stitch of the row to the first stitch and continue knitting.
4. Provisional Cast-On: The provisional cast-on method is used when you need to create a temporary cast-on edge for your project. This technique allows you to easily pick up stitches and join your work in the round without leaving a visible seam.
5. Kitchener Stitch: The Kitchener stitch is a method used to seamlessly join two pieces together, such as when closing the toes of socks. This technique creates a row of stitches that mimic the appearance of the surrounding knitting, resulting in an invisible seam.
By practicing and mastering these knitting techniques, you will be able to join your work in the round with ease and create beautiful, seamless projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When joining for knitting in the round, there are a few common mistakes that beginners often make. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Twisted stitches: One of the most common mistakes is accidentally twisting your stitches when joining in the round. Make sure all your stitches are facing the same direction before you join.
- Gaps: Another common mistake is creating gaps between stitches when joining in the round. To avoid this, make sure your tension is consistent and snug all the way around.
- Accidental increases or decreases: Sometimes, when joining in the round, beginners accidentally add or drop stitches without realizing it. Pay close attention to the number of stitches on your needle to prevent this mistake.
- Forgetting to mark the beginning of the round: It’s important to place a marker at the beginning of each round to keep track of your progress. Forgetting to do this can lead to confusion and mistakes.
- Using the wrong method for joining in the round: There are different techniques for joining in the round, such as magic loop or double pointed needles. Make sure you are using the method that is best suited for your project.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you join for knitting in the round with ease and achieve more professional results. Remember to take your time and practice before starting a project to improve your skills and confidence.
Finishing Off Your Knitting in the Round Project
Once you have completed your knitting in the round project, there are a few steps you need to follow to finish it off and achieve a professional-looking result.
- Bind off: Before you can finish off your project, you will need to bind off your stitches. This involves knitting two stitches, then lifting the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Repeat this process until you have only one stitch left on your needle, then cut the yarn and pull it through the final stitch to secure it.
- Weave in ends: After binding off, you will have two loose ends of yarn. To prevent these ends from unraveling, you will need to weave them into your project. Thread each end onto a tapestry needle and carefully thread it through the back of your stitches, following the path of the yarn. Once you have woven in the ends, you can trim any excess yarn.
- Block your project: Blocking is an important step in finishing off your knitting in the round project. It helps to shape your project and even out any uneven stitches. To block your project, dampen it with water or a blocking spray, then gently stretch it into shape. Use pins or blocking wires to hold it in place and let it dry completely.
- Add finishing touches: Depending on your project, you may want to add some finishing touches. This could include buttons, a zipper, or other embellishments. Sew these onto your project using a tapestry needle and matching yarn or thread.
- Care for your project: Finally, remember to care for your finished project. Read the yarn label for instructions on washing and drying, and store it properly to prevent damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your knitting in the round project is finished off neatly and looks professional. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful!
FAQ:
Why should I join for knitting in the round?
Joining for knitting in the round allows you to create seamless projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters without needing to stitch pieces together. It also eliminates the visible seam that you would get from knitting back and forth on straight needles.
What tools do I need to join for knitting in the round?
To join for knitting in the round, you will need circular knitting needles of the appropriate size for your project, stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Can I join for knitting in the round with double-pointed needles?
Yes, you can join for knitting in the round with double-pointed needles. Simply distribute the stitches evenly among the needles and knit in the round as usual. However, circular knitting needles are often preferred for larger projects as they provide more flexibility and stability.
How do I join for knitting in the round without twisting my stitches?
To join for knitting in the round without twisting your stitches, make sure that all your cast-on stitches are facing the same direction. Before joining, take a moment to spread out your stitches evenly on the circular needles and ensure that they are not twisted around the needle. Once you are sure they are aligned correctly, join by knitting the first stitch of the round.
What is the magic loop method for joining for knitting in the round?
The magic loop method is a popular technique for joining for knitting in the round with a long circular needle. It involves pulling out a loop of the cable between the stitches to create two sections of stitches, and then working on one section at a time. This method is especially useful for small circumference projects such as socks or sleeves.
Are there any tips for beginners when joining for knitting in the round?
For beginners, it can be helpful to use a different colored stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. This will make it easier for you to keep track of your progress and ensure that you are not accidentally adding or subtracting stitches. Additionally, taking the time to check that your stitches are not twisted before joining will save you a lot of frustration later on.