Casting on stitches in the round can be a daunting task, but it is a valuable technique that can be used to create beautiful and seamless circular projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. There are a few different ways to cast on in the round, but the most common method is the long-tail cast on. This method is relatively easy to learn and it produces a stretchy and flexible cast-on edge. However, It can be a bit tricky to join the first and last stitches together. There are several methods for joining stitches in the round, but one of the simplest and most effective is the slip-stitch join. This method is quick and easy to do, and it creates a strong and invisible seam.
To join stitches in the round using the slip-stitch join, simply slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle over the second stitch on the left-hand needle. Then, slip the next stitch on the right-hand needle over the first stitch on the right-hand needle. Continue slipping stitches in this manner until you have joined all of the stitches. The last stitch should be slipped over the first stitch to complete the round. The slip-stitch join creates a neat and invisible seam. It is a great way to join stitches in the round for any project.
Once you have mastered the long-tail cast on and the slip-stitch join, you will be able to cast on and join stitches in the round with ease. This will open up a whole new world of knitting possibilities. You will be able to create beautiful and seamless circular projects that are sure to impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your needles and yarn, and start knitting in the round today!
Casting On in the Round
Casting on in the round is a fundamental knitting technique that allows you to create a continuous, cylindrical piece of fabric without any visible seams. It’s commonly used for hats, socks, and other projects that require a seamless circular shape. There are several methods for casting on in the round, but the most common and versatile is the long-tail cast-on method.
To cast on in the round using the long-tail method, follow these detailed steps:
- Make a slip knot: Create a loop of yarn on your left thumb and bring the tail end up through the loop. Tighten the slip knot onto your right-hand needle.
- Transfer the slip knot: Use your left-hand needle to lift the slip knot up onto your left-hand needle. This loop is now your first stitch.
- Create a double loop: Using your right-hand needle, insert it into the first stitch from front to back. Bring the yarn up through the stitch, creating a loop on your right-hand needle.
- Lift the second loop onto your left-hand needle: Use your left-hand needle to lift the second loop from the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle. You now have two loops on the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 3-4: Continue creating pairs of loops by inserting the right-hand needle into the first loop from front to back, bringing the yarn up through the stitch, and lifting the second loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Join the cast-on and knit the first round: Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches, pull the tail end of the yarn to tighten the cast-on loop. Insert the working end of the yarn into the first stitch and knit into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle. Knit all the remaining stitches to complete the first round.
Tips for Casting On in the Round:
– Use a slightly larger needle size for casting on than you will use for knitting the rest of the project. This will help prevent the cast-on edge from being too tight.
– Keep your tension even throughout the cast-on process. Too loose tension can result in a flimsy edge, while too tight tension can make it difficult to knit into the stitches.
– If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Simply drop the stitches from your needles and start over from the beginning.
Using Double-Pointed Needles
To join in the round using double-pointed needles, you’ll need to distribute your stitches evenly across four needles, with one stitch on each needle.
Step 1: Cast On
Cast on as many stitches as you want in your round, ensuring that the number of stitches is evenly divisible by four.
Step 2: Distribute Stitches
Divide the total number of stitches by four to determine how many stitches should be on each needle. Using a tapestry needle or crochet hook, transfer the stitches to the four double-pointed needles as follows:
| Needle | Stitches |
|---|---|
| Needle 1 | First N/4 stitches |
| Needle 2 | Next N/4 stitches |
| Needle 3 | Next N/4 stitches |
| Needle 4 | Remaining N/4 stitches |
Note: N represents the total number of stitches cast on.
Step 3: Join the Needles
Hold the needles together in a circle, with the working yarn on needle 1. Insert the tip of needle 4 into the first stitch on needle 1, knit the stitch, and transfer it to needle 4. Continue knitting the stitches from needle 1 onto needle 4 until all the stitches from needle 1 have been transferred.
Your stitches are now joined in the round on four double-pointed needles, and you can proceed with your knitting project.
Joining with a Circular Needle
Joining with a circular needle is often necessary for working in the round, such as for hats, socks, and sweaters. To do this, you will need a circular needle that is the appropriate size for your yarn and pattern. The needle should be at least as long as the circumference of your project.
To join, first, insert one end of the needle into the first stitch on your left-hand needle. Bring the other end of the needle into the last stitch on your right-hand needle. You will now have two stitches on your circular needle.
Using the Yarn Tail
To secure the join using the yarn tail, knit a few stitches with the yarn tail. Then, cut the yarn tail close to the last stitch you knitted. This will secure the join and prevent it from coming undone.
To join using the yarn tail, follow these steps:
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on your left-hand needle.
- Bring the right-hand needle into the last stitch on your right-hand needle.
- Knit a few stitches with the yarn tail, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Cut the yarn tail close to the last stitch you knitted.
The Magic Loop Method
The magic loop method is a great way to join in the round without using a cable needle. It’s especially helpful for knitting small circumferences, like socks or hats.
Step 1: Cast on your stitches
Cast on the number of stitches required for your project. For example, to knit a sock, you would cast on about 60 stitches.
Step 2: Divide your stitches
Divide your stitches into two equal groups. For example, if you have 60 stitches, you would divide them into two groups of 30 stitches each.
Step 3: Put your stitches on the needles
Place the first group of stitches on one circular needle and the second group of stitches on the other circular needle. Make sure the stitches are not twisted.
Step 4: Join the needles
To join the needles, simply insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle. Pull the needles together to tighten the join.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle |
| 2 | Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle |
| 3 | Pull the needles together to tighten the join |
Step 5: Knit in the round
Once the needles are joined, you can begin knitting in the round. Simply knit around and around, making sure to keep the stitches on the needles.
The Russian Join
This is a flexible join that works well with both light and bulky yarns. It creates a nearly invisible seam that is perfect for socks and other items that will be stretched or washed frequently.
To do the Russian join, follow these steps:
1. Knit one round
Knit one round to create a new row of live stitches on the left-hand needle.
2. Knit the first stitch of the next round
Knit the first stitch of the next round onto the right-hand needle.
3. Slip the first stitch back to the left-hand needle
Without knitting it, slip the first stitch back to the left-hand needle.
4. Knit the first stitch again
Knit the first stitch again, this time onto the right-hand needle.
5. Knit the next two stitches together
Insert the left-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle, as if to knit them together. Lift the yarn over the left-hand needle and through both stitches, then slip them off the left-hand needle. This will create a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
**Tip:** To make the join even less visible, use a tapestry needle to weave the tail of the old yarn through the back of the stitches around the join.
| Pro | Con | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Invisible seam | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Ease of Use |
The Kitchener Stitch
The Kitchener stitch is a nearly invisible way to join two knitted edges together. It is often used to join the ends of a circular or tubular piece of knitting, such as a sock or hat. The Kitchener stitch can also be used to repair a hole in a knitted fabric.
To work the Kitchener stitch, you will need two tapestry needles. Thread one needle with the yarn that is attached to the first edge of the knitting, and thread the other needle with the yarn that is attached to the second edge of the knitting.
Hold the two edges of the knitting together, with the right sides facing each other. Insert the first tapestry needle into the first stitch on the left-hand edge, from front to back. Insert the second tapestry needle into the corresponding stitch on the right-hand edge, from back to front.
Bring both needles through to the back of the work, and hook the yarn from the right-hand needle onto the hook of the left-hand needle. Pull the yarn through to create a loop on the left-hand needle.
Insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand edge, from back to front. Insert the right-hand needle into the corresponding stitch on the right-hand edge, from front to back.
Bring both needles through to the back of the work, and hook the yarn from the right-hand needle onto the hook of the left-hand needle. Pull the yarn through to create a loop on the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all of the stitches have been joined.
Fasten off the yarn and weave in the ends.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread a tapestry needle with yarn from the first edge of the knitting and another tapestry needle with yarn from the second edge of the knitting. |
| 2 | Hold the two edges of the knitting together, with the right sides facing each other. |
| 3 | Insert the first tapestry needle into the first stitch on the left-hand edge, from front to back. |
| 4 | Insert the second tapestry needle into the corresponding stitch on the right-hand edge, from back to front. |
The Kitchener stitch can be used to join any type of yarn, and it is a great way to create a seamless finish.
The Cat’s Eye Stitch
This is a beautiful stitch that is perfect for adding a bit of texture to your knitting. To work the cat’s eye stitch, you will need to follow these steps:
Round 1:
Insert your left needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit, but do not knit it.
Round 2:
Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Round 3:
Insert your left needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit, but do not knit it.
Round 4:
Slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle over the second stitch on the left-hand needle.
Round 5:
Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Round 6:
Insert your left needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit, but do not knit it.
Round 7:
Slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle over the second and third stitches on the left-hand needle.
Round 8:
Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Round 9:
Insert your left needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit, but do not knit it.
Round 10:
Slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle over the second, third, and fourth stitches on the left-hand needle.
Repeat rounds 1-10 until you have reached the desired length.
The Mattress Stitch
The mattress stitch is a nearly invisible bind-off method that’s useful for knitting garments in the round. It creates a sturdy seam that blends seamlessly with the rest of the fabric. This stitch is often used for sweaters, socks, and hats.
To perform the mattress stitch, you’ll need two knitting needles and the yarn from which you’re knitting.
Begin by casting on the number of stitches required for your project. Then, follow these steps:
Step 1
Divide the stitches evenly between two needles. For example, if you have 60 stitches, you’ll place 30 stitches on each needle.
Step 2
Hold the two needles parallel to each other, with the stitches on one needle facing you and the stitches on the other needle facing away from you.
Step 3
Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from back to front.
Step 4
Hook the yarn onto the left-hand needle and pull it through the stitch.
Step 5
Slip the stitch off the right-hand needle.
Step 6
Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, from front to back.
Step 7
Hook the yarn onto the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch.
Step 8
Slip the stitch off the left-hand needle. Pull on both yarn tails to close the seam. Repeat steps 3-8 until all stitches are joined.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Divide stitches evenly on two needles. |
| 2 | Hold two needles parallel, with stitches facing you on one needle and away from you on the other. |
| 3 | Insert left needle into first stitch on right-hand needle, from back to front. |
| 4 | Hook yarn onto left-hand needle and pull through stitch. |
| 5 | Slip stitch off right-hand needle. |
| 6 | Insert right-hand needle into next stitch on left-hand needle, from front to back. |
| 7 | Hook yarn onto right-hand needle and pull through stitch. |
| 8 | Slip stitch off left-hand needle. Pull on both yarn tails to close seam. Repeat steps 3-8 until all stitches are joined. |
Grafting Live Stitches
This method involves physically joining two live edges together without breaking the yarn. It’s a versatile technique that doesn’t require auxiliary needles and can be used in various instances, such as correcting mistakes, joining different sections, or creating continuous patterns.
To graft live stitches:
- Position the two edges of the live stitches so that their right sides are facing each other.
- Align the last stitch of one edge with the first stitch of the other edge.
- Insert the left-hand needle into both stitches, from front to back.
- Transfer the two stitches onto the left-hand needle, forming a new stitch.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining stitches on both edges.
- When all stitches are grafted, you will have a continuous, joined edge.
- Tighten the grafted stitches by gently pulling on the yarn.
- If necessary, weave in any loose ends.
- Grafting live stitches is a technique that requires patience and precision. With practice, you’ll master it and be able to create seamless joins in your knitting projects.
Tips for Grafting Live Stitches
Here are some helpful tips to make grafting live stitches easier:
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use a small, sharp tapestry needle. | This will make it easier to pierce the stitches without splitting them. |
| Work in a well-lit area. | This will help you see the stitches more clearly. |
| Moisten your fingers slightly. | This will help prevent the yarn from slipping. |
Seamless Tubular Cast-On
This cast-on method creates a seamless, tubular edge that is stretchy and won’t curl. It’s perfect for starting socks, hats, and other circular projects.
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Make a slip knot and place it on the left-hand needle.
2. Insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from back to front.
3. Hook the yarn from behind and pull it through the slip knot, creating a new loop.
4. Slide the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have the desired number of stitches on the needles.
6. Join the first and last stitches by knitting them together.
7. Knit the first round and continue with your pattern as usual.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of step 10:
| Number of Stitches | Number of Rows |
|---|---|
| 10 | 30 |
| 12 | 27 |
| 14 | 24 |
| 16 | 21 |
For example, if you want to cast on 10 stitches, you would need to knit 30 rows. The number of rows you need to knit decreases as the number of stitches increases.
How to Join a Knit in the Round
Joining a knit in the round is a technique used to create a continuous loop of knitting, rather than working back and forth in rows. This method is often used for items that are knit in the round, such as hats, socks, and sweaters. There are several different ways to join a knit in the round, but the most common method is the “slip stitch” method.
To join a knit in the round using the slip stitch method, follow these steps:
1. Knit to the end of the first needle.
2. Slip the first stitch on the right-hand needle back to the left-hand needle.
3. Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
4. Slip the next stitch on the left-hand needle back to the right-hand needle.
5. Knit the next stitch on the right-hand needle.
6. Continue alternating steps 3-5 until you have joined all the stitches.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between knitting flat and in the round?
Knitting flat creates a fabric that is worked in rows back and forth, while knitting in the round creates a continuous fabric that is worked in a circle. Knitting in the round is often used for items that are meant to be worn, such as hats, socks, and sweaters.
Can I join a knit in the round with any type of yarn?
Yes, you can join a knit in the round with any type of yarn. However, some yarns may be more difficult to join than others. For example, slippery yarns can be difficult to keep in place when joining, and bulky yarns can be difficult to work with because they create a lot of bulk.
