Knitting in the Round with Circular Needles for Beginners

Posted by KnitPro Mindful Collection on December 19th, 2022

Circular knitting refers to the style of knitting in seamless rounds. For knitting in the round, you can choose fixed circulars, interchangeable circular needles, or a set of five double-pointed knitting needles. The general rule of knitting in a circle is that the circumference must be larger than the needle length, especially for circular knitting needles, so that the stitches are not stretched, and the knitter can work comfortably. For example, if you have a 50 cm (approx 20-inch) circumference, you can comfortably knit with 40 cm (16") circular needles. Or another way to accommodate a small diameter is the magic loop, where you knit with a long circular needle of 100 to 150cm (40 - 47 inches). To craft a tubular project, you need to join the round. In fact, that is how you can knit in rounds.

There are many ways to do so but do you need help figuring out how to start? Or did you finish your hat or sock only to notice a weird gap or overlap right at the beginning? To make things simpler, we'll walk you through the steps of how to join the round with circular knitting needles without a gap or jog.

Anyway, let's dive right into it.

To join a round, you need to join the first and last cast-on stitches together. Start with cast-on stitches as you usually do. Read the knitting pattern for the stitch count and the cast-on method. Different projects instruct different ways to cast stitches. Socks, hats, and sweater necklines would require stretchy stitches, while home décor would require a constricted cast-on that would retain its shape. Cast an extra stitch; this would help later. The only rule you need to follow is to avoid twisted stitches. Align all the stitches in the same way. Twisted stitches mean you'll have to start over, and no knitter would like to do that.

Let's look at the methods to join the round.

Method 1: Stitch Swap Join

Cast on the required number of stitches. Make sure to keep the stitches loose and neat. Spread the stitches on the entire length of circular needles but do not stretch them.

Insert your knitting needle tip into the first cast stitch. The slip knot is counted as the first stitch.

Slip the first cast-on stitch on the left knitting needle as if to purl.

Then, insert your needle into the last cast-on stitch. Pass this stitch over the other.

Now begins the most critical step to join the round. Pass the first stitch on the knitting needle over the stitch you just slipped.

Insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle and begin knitting in the round.

Method 2: Double Strand Join

This method of joining the round reduces the stretchiness of the cast on stitches.

Cast on only the required number of stitches on one tip of a circular needle.

Grab the yarn and the yarn tail together and begin knitting.

While you can knit with the doubled yarn for a few stitches, it is recommended to knit the entire round so that the yarn tail is secure enough. Working this method prevents you from having to weave in that pesky yarn tail later and also creates a strong join.

Method 3: Invisible Join

Using this method, you'll need to cast on one additional stitch than what your pattern calls for.

Slip the first cast stitch (not the slip knot) purlwise.

Pass the extra stitch over the slipped stitch and drop it off the needle for the invisible join.

Then, slip the first stitch back on the knitting needle.

Move this stitch back to the left needle purlwise to create the invisible join.

Now, cinch up the excess thread with the active yarn and the yarn tail. This will create the invisible join.

The cast-on stitches are joined, so begin knitting in the round.

Method 4: Add 1, Decrease 1, Join

This method of joining the round is easy; just remember to place a stitch marker to show the beginning of your round.

Cast on an extra stitch. If your pattern asks for, say, 50 stitches, cast 51. Take advantage of this step whether you knit with circular needles.

Move this extra stitch to your knitting needle purlwise.

Add 1 stitch, and decrease 1 stitch to join the round.

To compensate, knit two together (k2tog) and continue knitting.

Your round is joined. You only have to follow the pattern instructions. Once you have finished knitting, cast off stitches.

Get to your favorite socks or hat without a weird join. With stainless steel circular knitting needles from the Mindful Collection, you'll have a smooth crafting experience. With these methods, you can knit with your circular needles. Each needle tip has an inspirational word that has a mindful effect on the knitter. Besides individual needles, complete sets of circular knitting needles are available in the collection too. With unique conscious names laser-printed on the needle body, each kit contains multiple needle sizes, cables, and accessories.

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