Join the Round on a Circular Needle
Knitting in the round using circular knitting needles is an ingenious technique for creating seamless projects. This method is essential for crafting hats, socks, cowls, and various other cylindrical or tubular designs without the need for sewing seams. Joining the round on circular knitting needles can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with the right techniques, it can be a breeze. Here’s a detailed blog on how to join the round on a circular needle:
Understanding Circular Needles
Circular needles consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cord. They come in various lengths and materials, allowing versatility in projects. They’re convenient for knitting in the round, eliminating the need for seams and making handling large or heavy projects easier.
Tools of the Trade
Before getting into the knitting process, gather your essentials: a pair of circular needles suitable for your yarn weight and project, scissors, and a stitch marker. The stitch marker will help you identify the beginning of your round.
Let’s explore the distinct methods for joining in the round with Circular Needles.
1. Simple Circular Join
The simple circular join method is straightforward to start your circular knitting project.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cast On Stitches: Cast on the required number of stitches using your preferred method. It’s crucial to ensure that your stitches face the same way and are not twisted as you place them on the needle.
- Distribute Stitches: Slide the stitches to the center of the needle, ensuring they’re evenly distributed along the cord without twists.
- Joining: Hold the needle with the first cast-on stitch in your right hand. Take the second needle tip (empty) in your left hand. Insert the empty needle tip into the first stitch on the right-hand needle. This stitch will become the first stitch of the new row.
- Be Mindful: Ensure your stitches are aligned correctly without any twists along the needle. The cast-on edge should form a continuous circle, and the working yarn should be at the back of your work.
- Knit the First Stitch: To start knitting, hold the working yarn (attached to the last stitch on the right-hand needle) at the back of your work. With the empty needle in your left hand, knit the first stitch by inserting the needle into the stitch from left to right and pulling the yarn through.
- Establish the Round: Continue knitting all stitches in the round. The first few rounds might feel a bit tight due to the cast-on edge, but it will loosen up as you proceed.
- Mark the Beginning: Consider placing a stitch marker on the right needle to indicate the beginning of the round. This helps keep track, especially in larger projects.
Advantages: This method is quick and straightforward, making it suitable for beginners or when simplicity is preferred. It results in a nearly invisible join when done correctly.
2. Magic Loop Technique
The Magic Loop technique is a valuable method for small-circumference knitting.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cast On: Cast your stitches onto a longer circular needle, typically 32 inches or longer.
- Loop Creation: Find the midpoint of your stitches and pull the cable out to create two loops, ensuring half the stitches are on each side.
- Starting to Work: With one loop on each side, use one knitting needle tip to start working across the stitches on one side. Ensure the other half of the stitches stay on the cable.
- Loop Adjustment: Pull the cable through to access the second set of stitches and work across those stitches with the other needle tip. Repeat these steps to knit in the round.
Advantages: Ideal for small projects, like socks or sleeves, this method eliminates the need for double-pointed needles. It allows for continuous knitting without interruption.
Experimenting with these methods lets you discover the best technique for your project and knitting style. As you practice this technique, you’ll gain confidence and proficiency, enabling you to explore various knitting projects.
