How to Join Yarn Knitting in the Round: A Step-by-Step Guide

Joining yarn when knitting in the round is an essential skill for any knitter. Whether you’re starting a new project or adding a new color, knowing how to properly join yarn ensures a seamless transition and prevents any unsightly gaps or loose stitches.

To join yarn when knitting in the round, first, knot the end of the new yarn to the working yarn with a secure double knot. Then, insert your needle into the next stitch as if to knit and knit the first few stitches with both strands of yarn held together. After a few stitches, drop the tail of the new yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn only.

It’s important to join yarn in a way that is both secure and smooth to avoid any lumps or bumps in your knitting. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve a seamless join that will not only hold up to wear and tear but also ensure a professional finish to your knitting project.

Step 1: Start by knotting the end of the new yarn to the working yarn. This will keep the new yarn securely in place while you knit. Make sure to leave a tail of at least 6 inches to weave in later.

Step 2: Insert your needle into the next stitch as if to knit, with both yarn strands held together. Knit the first few stitches using both strands of yarn, gently pulling them tight to ensure a snug join.

Step 3: After knitting a few stitches, drop the tail of the new yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn only. Be sure to keep the tension consistent with your previous knitting to avoid any gaps or loose stitches.

By following these steps, you can confidently join yarn when knitting in the round and achieve a seamless finish to your projects. With practice, this technique will become second nature, allowing you to smoothly transition between colors or start new rounds without any visible seams.

Preparing Your Yarn

Before you begin joining yarn in the round, it’s important to properly prepare your yarn. Here are a few steps to follow:

Choose your yarn: Select the yarn you want to use for your project. Consider the weight, fiber content, and color.
Calculate yarn requirements: Determine how much yarn you will need for your project based on the pattern or your own calculations. Make sure you have enough yarn on hand to complete the project.
Wind the yarn: If your yarn is in a skein or hank, you’ll need to wind it into a ball or cake before you can start knitting. You can use a yarn winder or do it by hand. Make sure the yarn is wound tightly and evenly to prevent tangling while you knit.
Check for knots or joins: Examine your yarn to look for any knots or joins. If you find any, carefully untie or cut them and rejoin the yarn to create a continuous strand. This will ensure smooth and uninterrupted knitting.
Prepare additional yarn: If your project requires multiple colors or if you anticipate running out of yarn, it’s a good idea to prepare additional yarn ahead of time. Wind these additional yarns into separate balls or cakes, and keep them easily accessible.
Consider yarn management: Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need to manage multiple yarn strands, especially if you’re working with different colors. Consider techniques like bobbins, yarn holders, or colorwork guides to keep your yarn organized.

By properly preparing your yarn before joining in the round, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and more enjoyable knitting experience.

Choosing the Right Yarn

When joining yarn for knitting in the round, it is important to choose the right type of yarn for your project. Here are some factors to consider when selecting yarn:

Fiber: Different fibers have different characteristics and properties. Some common options include wool, cotton, acrylic, and blends. Consider the intended use of your project and choose a fiber that suits it. For example, wool is known for its warmth and elasticity, making it suitable for winter garments.
Weight: Yarn comes in different weights, ranging from laceweight to super bulky. The weight of the yarn will affect the finished look and feel of your project. Thinner yarns are typically used for delicate items like shawls, while thicker yarns are great for cozy blankets or chunky sweaters.
Color: Selecting the right color is a personal choice. Consider the color palette that you prefer and that complements the item you are knitting. Keep in mind that some color combinations can create interesting visual effects, while others may be more subtle.
Texture: Yarns can vary in texture, from smooth and even to fluffy and textured. Think about the desired texture of your finished project and choose a yarn that matches your vision.

Before starting your project, it is always a good idea to make a gauge swatch using your chosen yarn. This will help ensure that your knitting will be the correct size and that the fabric will have the desired drape and appearance.

Winding the Yarn Into a Ball

Before joining the yarn for knitting in the round, it’s important to wind the yarn into a ball or cake. This process helps to organize the yarn and makes it easier to work with while knitting.

Here are the steps to wind the yarn into a ball:

Find the tail end of the yarn, which is usually tucked into the center of the skein. Gently pull it out.
Hold the skein in one hand and the tail end of the yarn in the other hand.
Create a loop around your fingers, using the tail end of the yarn as the starting point.
Wrap the yarn around the loop, creating a small bundle.
Continue wrapping the yarn around the loop, moving slightly away from the starting point with each rotation.
Rotate the loop and wrap the yarn in the opposite direction to create a cross shape.
Keep wrapping the yarn around the cross shape, gradually building up the ball.
When you reach the end of the skein, tuck the loose end of the yarn under a few strands to secure it.
Gently pull the loop off your fingers, forming a ball of yarn.
Give the ball a gentle squeeze to ensure it holds its shape.

Tip: If the skein becomes tangled while winding the yarn, stop and carefully untangle it before continuing. This will prevent any potential frustration or knots in the yarn.

Now that the yarn is wound into a ball, it is ready to be joined for knitting in the round. Following these steps will ensure the yarn stays organized and tangle-free throughout your knitting project.

Starting the Round

Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your project, you are ready to start knitting in the round. The first step is to join the yarn and create a continuous loop of stitches.

Step 1: Take the working end of your yarn and leave a tail of about 6 inches.

Step 2: Insert your knitting needle into the first stitch on your left-hand needle as if you were going to knit it.

Step 3: Knit the first stitch with your working yarn, pulling the yarn through the stitch and onto the right-hand needle.

Step 4: Now, take the tail end of your yarn and hold it along with the working yarn, making sure both strands are positioned behind your work.

Step 5: Knit the second stitch with the tail end and the working yarn held together. This will help secure the tail end in place.

Step 6: Continue knitting the second stitch as you normally would, completing the stitch with the working yarn only.

Step 7: Repeat steps 5 and 6 for a few more stitches to ensure the tail end is securely joined.

Step 8: Once you are confident that the tail end is secure, you can drop it and continue knitting with the working yarn only.

Step 9: Arrange your stitches in a circle on your needle by pulling the working yarn to tighten the stitches and close the gap between the first and last stitch.

Note: It is important to make sure that your stitches are not twisted when joining in the round. To ensure this, double-check that the tail end is positioned behind your work and that all the stitches are facing the same direction before starting the first round.

Casting On Stitches

Casting on stitches is the first step in starting a knitting project. It creates a row of loops on the needle that will be used as the foundation for your work. Here are some methods for casting on stitches:

Knitted Cast On: This is a simple and versatile casting on method, and it produces a neat and stretchy edge. To do the knitted cast on, start with a slipknot on your needle and then knit into it. Twist the new stitch to create a loop and continue knitting into each loop until you have the desired number of stitches.
Long-Tail Cast On: This is a popular casting on method that is quick and creates a nice edge. To do the long-tail cast on, measure a length of yarn that is approximately three times the width of your knitting project. Make a slipknot and place it on your needle. Then, using both the working yarn and the tail, loop the yarn over your thumb and index finger. Insert the needle under the loop on your thumb and catch the working yarn with the needle. Pull the loop through the thumb loop and slip it onto your needle. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches.
Slingshot or Backward Loop Cast On: This is the simplest casting on method and is often used for adding stitches in the middle of a row. To do the slingshot or backward loop cast on, make a loop with the working yarn and place it on your needle. Pull the loop tight, but be careful not to make it too tight, as this can make it difficult to knit into the stitches.

Once you have cast on your stitches, you are ready to begin knitting in the round. Make sure to join your yarn and place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round. You can then start working the pattern according to the instructions.

Casting On Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Knitted Cast On	Neat and stretchy edge	May take longer to complete
Long-Tail Cast On	Quick and nice edge	Requires measuring and estimating yarn length
Slingshot or Backward Loop Cast On	Simple and easy to learn	May create loose stitches

Joining the Round

Joining your yarn to work in the round is an important step in many knitting projects. Whether you’re making a hat, a sweater, or even socks, joining the round allows you to create a seamless, continuous fabric without any visible seams.

Follow these steps to join your yarn and start knitting in the round:

First, cast on the required number of stitches onto your circular needle. Make sure the stitches are distributed evenly around the needle.
Hold the working yarn in your right hand and the circular needle in your left hand.
Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit.
Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front, creating a loop.
Pull the loop of yarn through the stitch on the left-hand needle, transferring the stitch to the right-hand needle.
Continue knitting each stitch in the round until you reach the end of the round.

When joining the round, it’s important to be careful not to twist your stitches. Make sure all your cast-on stitches are facing the same direction before joining the yarn. Twisted stitches can lead to a twisted or misshapen fabric.

After joining the round, you can start working the pattern or stitch of your choice. Enjoy the seamless, circular knitting experience!

Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless tubes of fabric, such as hats, cowls, and socks. It is a great way to avoid seaming and gives a professional finish to your projects. Instead of knitting back and forth in rows, you will be working in a continuous spiral, creating a seamless and smooth fabric.

Materials Needed

Circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs)
Yarn
Stitch markers

Getting Started

To knit in the round, you will need a set of circular knitting needles or a set of DPNs. Circular needles are recommended for larger projects, while DPNs are more suitable for smaller projects or projects with a small circumference.

Besides needles, you will also need yarn in the color and weight of your choice. Make sure to choose a yarn that is suitable for the project you have in mind. Additionally, using stitch markers can be helpful to mark the beginning of your rounds or any special sections in your pattern.

Joining Yarn

When starting your project, you will need to join your yarn in the round. Here is a step-by-step guide to joining yarn:

Hold your needles with the working yarn behind your project.
Insert your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if to knit.
Bring your working yarn between the needles to the front of your project.
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle counterclockwise, just like you would for a regular knit stitch.
Pull the loop of yarn through the stitch, creating a new stitch on the right needle.
Slide the stitch from the left needle onto the right needle, joining the yarn in the round.

Working in the Round

Once you have joined your yarn, you can start working in the round. Depending on your pattern, you will either continue knitting every stitch in a continuous spiral or follow a stitch pattern that includes increases, decreases, or color changes.

When working in the round, it is important to keep track of your rounds. You can use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round or any pattern sections. This will help you keep your place in the pattern and ensure that your project has the correct number of rounds.

Finishing Your Project

When you have reached the desired length or completed the required number of rounds for your project, you can finish off your knitting. This usually involves binding off, weaving in any loose ends, and blocking your project to give it a polished look.

Remember to follow the instructions in your specific knitting pattern for finishing, as different projects may have their own unique finishing techniques.

Kntting in the Round: Pros and Cons
Pros	Cons
No seaming required Creates seamless tubes of fabric Professional finish Continual knitting without turning work	Requires special needles and techniques Can be more challenging for beginners Harder to fix mistakes in the round

Despite the challenges it may present, knitting in the round is a valuable technique to learn. It opens up a world of possibilities for creating seamless, professional-looking projects. So grab your circular needles or DPNs, join your yarn, and start knitting in the round!

Working with Double Pointed Needles

Working with double pointed needles (DPNs) is another method for knitting in the round. DPNs are a set of straight needles with points at both ends, usually made of metal or bamboo. They come in sets of four or five, depending on the pattern and personal preference.

Here are some steps to get you started with DPNs:

Select the appropriate needle size: Choose double pointed needles that match the recommended gauge for your project. This will ensure that your stitches are the right size and your finished project turns out as expected.
Cast on: Begin by casting on the required number of stitches onto one of the DPNs. Divide the stitches evenly among three or four needles, depending on the pattern.
Join in the round: Hold the cast-on edge of the needles with the working yarn at the right end. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round. Make sure the stitches are not twisted around the needles.
Work the pattern: With the first needle, start knitting the stitches following the pattern instructions. As you finish knitting each needle, slide the stitches onto the right end of the next needle to continue working in the round. Keep the tension even and avoid splitting the yarn with the needle tips.
Switch needles: Once you have finished knitting with one needle, use it to start knitting with the next needle in the round. This will ensure that each section of your project is worked evenly and prevents any noticeable ladder or gap between needles.
Repeat until complete: Continue knitting in the round, switching needles as necessary, until you have completed the desired length of your project. Remember to follow the pattern instructions for any shaping or stitch changes along the way.

Working with DPNs may feel a bit fiddly at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more comfortable. It offers flexibility and is a handy method for smaller projects, such as socks, gloves, or hats, that can’t be worked easily on circular needles. Experiment with different patterns and projects to improve your skills and become more confident in knitting with DPNs.

Working with Circular Needles

Circular needles are a great tool for knitting in the round. They consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable. Here are some tips for working with circular needles:

Choose the right length: Circular needles come in various lengths. Choose a length that allows your stitches to comfortably fit around the needle without stretching them too tightly or having too much excess cable.
Joining in the round: To join your work in the round, bring the first stitch on the left-hand needle over to the right-hand needle. Make sure the stitches are not twisted before joining.
Working on a small circumference: If you are working on a small circumference, such as for knitting a hat or a small circular project, you may find it easier to use a technique called magic loop knitting or using double-pointed needles instead.
Sliding stitches: When using circular needles, you may need to slide your stitches across the cable from one needle tip to another. Be careful not to let your stitches slip off the cable accidentally!
Using stitch markers: Marking your stitches with stitch markers can help you keep track of pattern repeats or important sections in your project.
Working with lace patterns: Circular needles are great for working with lace patterns since they allow you to easily move your stitches without having to constantly turn your work.
Switching needle tips: Some circular needles allow you to switch needle tips, which can be helpful if you prefer a different material or different tip shape.

Remember to experiment and find the method that works best for you when working with circular needles. They can be a versatile and comfortable way to knit in the round!

Finishing the Round

Once you have completed the desired number of stitches in your round, it’s time to finish the round and join your yarn. Here’s how to do it:

Knit the last stitch of your round as usual.
Slip the first stitch of the next round onto your right-hand needle without working it.
Take your new yarn and make a slipknot.
Place the slipknot on your right-hand needle and tighten it around the stitch.
Hold the tail of the new yarn along the working yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn.

By joining your yarn in this way, you create a seamless transition between rounds without any visible gaps or loose ends.

It’s important to ensure that the tension of the joined yarn is consistent with the rest of your work. Adjust the tension as needed to ensure an even and smooth fabric.

If you are using a different color for the new yarn, you can carry the unused color along the inside of your work by twisting the yarns together every few stitches. This will prevent long floats of yarn from showing on the outside of your work.

Once you have joined your yarn and continue knitting in the round, you can repeat these steps as necessary to create a seamless and continuous fabric.

FAQ:

What is the best way to join yarn when knitting in the round?

The best way to join yarn when knitting in the round is to overlap the old and new yarns by a few inches and then knit a few stitches with both yarns held together. This creates a secure join without any loose ends.

Can I just tie a knot to join the yarn?

Tying a knot to join the yarn is not recommended because the knot can create bulkiness and an uneven surface in your knitting. It’s better to overlap the old and new yarns and knit a few stitches with both held together.

What if the old yarn and new yarn have different thicknesses?

If the old yarn and new yarn have different thicknesses, you can still join them by overlapping and knitting a few stitches with both held together. Just make sure to adjust your tension accordingly to keep your gauge consistent.

What if I run out of yarn in the middle of a round?

If you run out of yarn in the middle of a round, you can join a new ball of yarn using the same method described earlier. Make sure to weave in the ends of the old yarn and new yarn to secure them.

Can I join yarn in the middle of a row?

The method described in the article is specifically for joining yarn when knitting in the round. If you need to join yarn in the middle of a row, you can use a similar method of overlapping and knitting a few stitches with both yarns held together.

Is there a specific type of yarn that is easier to join?

There isn’t a specific type of yarn that is easier to join, but it’s generally easier to join yarns that have a similar thickness and texture. This helps to create a seamless join without any noticeable changes in your knitting.

Learn How to Join Yarn Knitting in the Round