Mastering the Art of Knitting in the Round: A Guide to Adding Yarn Like a Pro

Knitting in the round is a beloved technique that allows for seamless and continuous knitting, perfect for hats, socks, and other tubular pieces. However, one common challenge that arises when knitting in the round is adding a new skein or ball of yarn. Whether you’re running out of yarn or simply want to switch colors, knowing how to smoothly incorporate new yarn is crucial for achieving a flawless finished project. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of adding yarn when knitting in the round, so you can confidently take on any circular knitting project with ease.

Understanding Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a technique that allows you to create circular or tubular pieces such as hats, socks, and sleeves without having to join separate sections together. This method is commonly used in projects that require seamless construction and creates a more professional and polished finish. Learning how to knit in the round may seem challenging at first, but with practice, it can become second nature.

Materials Needed

To get started with knitting in the round, you will need a few essential materials. These include circular knitting needles, yarn, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle. The most commonly used needles for knitting in the round are circular needles as they allow you to easily move stitches around without worrying about them falling off the needle. They also have a flexible cable between the two needle tips, which allows you to knit larger pieces with ease.

When it comes to yarn, it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your project and preferred knitting needle size. Thinner yarns work well with smaller needles while thicker yarns require larger needles. As for stitch markers, these are small rings or clips that can be placed on your needles to mark important sections of your pattern. Lastly, a tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and sewing up any seams.

Joining the Yarn

Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to join your yarn and begin knitting in the round. To do this, you will need a slip knot at one end of your yarn and start by casting on the required number of stitches onto one of your circular needles using your preferred method.

When joining new yarn at the beginning of a round, leave a tail of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) before making your slip knot. Hold both ends of the two yarns together between your thumb and index finger and use the new yarn to knit the first few stitches, creating a secure join. After a few stitches, you can drop the old yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn.

Adding More Yarn as You Go

As you continue to knit in the round, you will eventually run out of yarn. To add more yarn, simply start knitting with your new ball of yarn and leave a tail of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) again. It’s essential to make sure that your tails are long enough to weave in later without compromising the tension of your stitches.

When joining a new ball of yarn in the middle of a round, there are two methods you can use. The first one is known as the “Russian join” which involves pulling out some of the plies of both ends and then twisting them together to join them seamlessly. The second method is known as “spit-splicing”, which involves overlapping both ends of your old and new yarn, moistening them with saliva, rubbing them together until they become slightly felted and then smoothing out any bumps on your knitting.

Dealing with Knots

Knitting with multiple balls of yarn can sometimes lead to knots forming on your work. These knots not only look unsightly but can also disrupt your knitting flow if not dealt with properly. The best way to avoid knots is by examining your strands for weak points or tangles before joining them together. Another tip is to always hold both strands tight while using either one so they stay even.

If you do encounter a knot while knitting in the round, stay calm and follow these steps to unravel it smoothly. First, try pulling gently on each end of the knot in opposite directions until it loosens or untangles. If that doesn’t work, try teasing out any knots with your fingers or a needle while holding down the working yarn with your other hand. If the knot is still stubborn, carefully cut it out and join your yarn the usual way.

Tips for Tension

One of the most common challenges knitters face when adding yarn while knitting in the round is maintaining consistent tension. Uneven tension can lead to laddering, where there are visible gaps between stitches, and can ultimately affect the overall appearance of your project.

To avoid this, keep an even tension on both balls of yarn while knitting and make any necessary adjustments after a few stitches. Another tip is to hold your working yarn close to your needles to limit the amount of slack that’s created when joining new yarns. With time and practice, you will develop a feel for maintaining consistent tension while adding more yarn and your projects will have a seamless finish.

Conclusion

Learning how to add yarn when knitting in the round may seem daunting at first, but once you understand the basics and practice regularly, it will become second nature. Remember to choose suitable materials, join new yarn properly, deal with knots calmly, and maintain consistent tension to achieve a professional-looking finished project every time. Happy knitting!

Overview of Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless, circular projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. It eliminates the need for seaming and allows for an uninterrupted pattern to be created. This technique can be achieved using double-pointed needles, circular needles, or even a magic loop method. However, regardless of which method you choose, one thing remains constant – adding yarn when knitting in the round.

The Importance of Adding Yarn Correctly

Adding yarn correctly when knitting in the round is crucial for creating a seamless and polished finished project. Not only does it affect the overall appearance of your project but it also affects the durability and strength of your stitches. Adding yarn incorrectly can result in weak points or gaps in your project, compromising the entire piece. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to add yarn when knitting in the round properly.

Methods for Adding Yarn When Knitting in the Round

There are two main methods for adding yarn when knitting in the round – joining a new ball of yarn and joining a second color of yarn. The method you choose will depend on your project and personal preference.

Joining a New Ball of Yarn

When joining a new ball of yarn while knitting in the round, it is important to incorporate the new strand seamlessly into your work to avoid any gaps or holes. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1) Choose an appropriate place to join your new ball of yarn – ideally at an edge or side seam where the join will be less visible.
2) Leaving a long enough tail (around 6 inches), tie a firm single knot with your old and new strands together.
3) Knit several stitches with both strands held together.
4) Drop off your old strand and continue knitting with your new strand.

Joining a Second Color of Yarn

When knitting in the round, incorporating a second color can add interest and depth to your project. To achieve this, follow these steps:

1) Leave a long enough tail (around 6 inches) from your first color before switching to the second color.
2) Knit several stitches with the new color, leaving a tail long enough for weaving in later on.
3) Continue knitting as normal.
4) When you are ready to switch back to the first color, ensure that both tails are on the wrong side and twist them together before continuing to knit. This will create a secure join and avoid any holes or gaps.

Troubleshooting Common Problems when Adding Yarn

Although adding yarn while knitting in the round may seem straightforward, there are common problems that can arise if not done correctly. These include knots, tension changes, and uneven joins. Below are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:

– Knots: Make sure to keep your knots tight and close to your work. If a knot occurs in the middle of your row, undo it and start again.
– Tension changes: Be aware of any tension changes when switching between yarns or colors. Keep an eye out for loose or tight stitches and adjust accordingly.
– Uneven joins: When joining yarns or colors at an edge or seam, make sure they are twisted together tightly. This will prevent any gaps from forming.

Adding yarn when knitting in the round is a simple yet essential skill that every knitter should master. Whether joining a new ball of yarn or incorporating a second color, following these techniques will result in seamless joins and polished finished projects. As with any skill, practice makes perfect so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you. Happy knitting!

1. How do I add yarn when knitting in the round?
To add yarn when knitting in the round, simply join a new skein or ball of yarn by tying it to the end of your previous yarn. Make sure to leave a tail of about 6 inches to weave in later.

2. Can I add yarn at any point while knitting in the round?
Yes, you can add yarn at any point while knitting in the round. It is recommended to add it at the beginning or end of a round for best results.

3. What is the best way to join yarn when knitting in the round?
The most common and secure way to join yarn when knitting in the round is by using a “Russian join.” This involves threading one end of your new strand through a few stitches on your working row, then threading it back through itself before continuing with your stitches.

4. How do I avoid bulky knots or lumps when adding yarn while knitting?
To avoid bulky knots or lumps, make sure to use a smooth transition between your old and new yarns. This can be achieved by starting and ending both strands on opposite sides of your work, rather than directly next to each other.

5. What should I do with excess tails from joining multiple strands of yarn?
When joining multiple strands of yarn, trim excess tails to about 4 inches and weave them into stitches on the wrong side of your work using a tapestry needle.

6. Can I add multiple colors while knitting in the round?
Yes, you can add multiple colors while knitting in the round by using a technique called stranded colorwork or fair isle knitting. This involves carrying both colored strands along as you knit and switching between them as needed for your desired design.

In conclusion, adding yarn when knitting in the round is a necessary skill for any knitter to learn, especially when working on larger projects or adding colorwork. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can easily add yarn without any disruptions to the knitting process. It is important to remember to choose a method that best suits the project and personal preference, whether it be the spit splice, Russian join, weaver’s join, or simply knitting with both ends of the same ball of yarn. Additionally, taking care to secure and weave in the ends properly will result in a clean and polished finish. With practice and patience, adding yarn seamlessly while knitting in the round will become second nature.

Some key takeaways from this topic include:

1. The importance of selecting a suitable joining method based on the project and personal preference.
2. The necessity of securing and weaving in ends properly for a professional finish.
3. Understanding how to add yarn without disrupting the knitting process can help save time and frustration.
4. Practice and patience are essential for mastering this skill.
5. Knowing different joining techniques can open up possibilities for more complex projects.

By incorporating these key takeaways into one’s knitting practice, adding yarn when working in the round will no longer seem like a daunting task