How to Join Knitting in the Round with Circular or Double-Pointed Needles

Most beginners, when they start knitting, prefer learning and working with basic flat knitting. It is simpler than circular knitting. However, as you get the hang of knitting, you are more eager to move up to more complex levels, such as circular knitting.

Unlike regular flat knitting, where you knit a complete row and turn your work, in circular knitting Trusted Source Going in Circles: A History of Knitting in the Round | PieceWork Knitting styles come and go! But whether you work your stitches on double-pointed needles or circulars, knitting in the round remains an essential skill for handknitters. Learn more about the evolution of this timeless technique. pieceworkmagazine.com you work in rounds and don’t require turning. It may seem complicated at first, but circular knitting is actually fun. You just knit each row in circular rounds, using circular knitting needles. How to join knitting in the round is a common question first-time circular knitters ask.

A lot of new knitters are intimidated of joining knitting in the round because it does sound like a daunting task. But don’t worry because we have a detailed guide for you that will explain three easy ways to join knitting in the round!

Two Ways of Joining Knitting in the Round

There are several ways in which you can join stitches knitted in a flat pattern to form a circular knit. These are ways in which you can connect two ends of rows in a knitting project.

You can do this using circular knitting needles, as well as using double-pointed needles depending on your preference. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on how to join knitting in the round.

With Circular Needles

So, how to join in the round knitting with circular needles?

Circular needles are perhaps the most widely used tools for circular knitting, especially joining knitting in the round! There are a variety of circular knitting needles that you can use.

Once you have completed your pattern and you are satisfied enough to join it in the round, you can practice the following steps to join knitting in the round using circular knitting needles.

You can easily find the best circular knitting needles for your knitting projects to be a blast! If you are looking for a set of circular knitting needles, you can consider the Clover Takumi Combo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles, which is one of the best-reviewed sets in the market.

With Double-Pointed Needles

Double pointed needles come in handy when circular knitting, especially when it comes to closing the gap that appears at joints in round knits. It is easy to use double-pointed needles. You simply insert the first stitch of your right and left needles into a double-pointed needle and push the stitches closer to each other on the double-pointed needle to close the untidy gap.

You can follow the steps below to join knitting in the round using double-pointed needles:

1. Cast on all the stitches on a double-pointed needle and then divide the stitches among the number of needles you are using.
2. Now you are ready to start joining the stitches. Hold the double-pointed needle with the yarn ball on your right side. Using the needle that is to the left of your working yarn, start knitting to join. Make sure to pull both the needles to avoid gaps in the tips.
3. Then insert the stitch on the left needle from the purl side of your project, onto the right needle, using the right needle. Then slip the left needle through the second stitch on the right needle, lift it over the stitch, while keeping it on the left needle. Once you are done, pull the working yarn to tighten your stitches. You can follow these steps if you are left-handed as well, by simply switching the sides.

How to Join Knitting in the Round Step by Step

You can follow the simple five-step process below to join knitting in the round:

1. After casting on and making sure the alignment is right, insert the right needle in the first loop on the left needle. Take the stitch and lift it over onto the right needle.
2. Now take the stitch and move it over the first stitch you slipped, onto the left needle, such that it stays on the left needle.
3. Next, you take the left needle and slip it into the original stitch on the right needle.
4. Repeat Step 2.
5. This will result in the two stitches you slipped to make a criss-crossed pattern. You can start knitting in the round once you have achieved this pattern because you are joined in the row!

How to Make the End

When it comes to joining knitting in the round, the hardest part is to remember where the round started. This can be avoided by marking the end. You can do this using a stitch marker.

Place the stitch marker in the right needle before you start stitching in the round once you are done joining the stitches. This will mark the stitch and help you follow exactly where you started.

No Twisted Stitches Is Key

There are some tricks that can help you avoid unnecessary mess-ups and having to start over. One such trick is to stay clear of twist stitches, no matter how tempting they are. This is to make sure that you get a clean transition in your circular knitting project.

When it comes to joining stitches in the round, twist stitches are your worst enemy and you want to avoid falling into this trap like so many knitters unfortunately do. You need to ensure that your cast on the row is aligned correctly before you start knitting the two ends together.

Final Thoughts

Knitting is a calming part-time activity that helps you use your free time productively. Circular knitting is a common type of knitting that is usually used in projects such as knitting hats or gloves.

Joining knitting in the round can be difficult to figure out for beginners, with common mistakes like twist stitching that render your progress useless. However, you can follow our guide to joining knitting in the round for successful circular knitting projects.

The key to a job well done is using good products. Knitting needles can largely affect your work, therefore it is advisable to get the best knitting needles!

If you are looking for new knitting needles, you can consider the Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set, which is sure to make your project even more exciting.

We hope you found this guide useful and learned how to join knitting in the round like a pro!

Good luck and have fun!