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Can we talk join methods?

Notorious Sock Knitters | May 20, 2008
By Amber

No matter how much I knit, I can never seem to get the initial join right.  It’s either always gappy or strangely crossed.  Sometimes it’s better if I’m knitting on DPNs but sometimes not.  My normal method is to cast on one extra stitch, slip the slip-knot stitch over to the needle with the working yarn, then start off knitting what would normally be the second stitch as the first stitch in the round.  Then, when I get to the end, I knit the last two stitches together (one of them being the slip-knot stitch).  Clear as mud? I’m guessing there has to be a better way.  I’ve tried others, but still seem to get a gap, no matter how tightly I pull the yarn.  Does anyone have a magic solution? 

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7 Responses to “Can we talk join methods?”

On May 20th, 2008 at 8:07 pm Denise said:

I used to use the method you describe but I like the following method better:
1) After casting on all stitches, place the last stitch from right needle on left needle in front of the first stitch.
2) Using right needle pick up the second stitch on the left needle (first c/o st) and slip over first stitch (last c/o st) while keeping stitch on right needle.
3) Now you have the last c/o stitch on needle one and the first c/o stitch on needle three (if using three needles).
4) After the first round or so, give the yarn tail from the join a couple of tugs to snug things up if needed.

Easier to show than to describe in print, of course. This method results in an almost imperceptible join, especially if you don’t use a slip knot at the beginning of your cast on (I just wrap the yarn around the needle once and proceed with my cast on).

On May 21st, 2008 at 12:28 am missmalice said:

I like to take the long tail and weave it in - this makes a smooth stepless join.

I’ve posted pictures on my blog here

On May 21st, 2008 at 6:53 am kniftyred said:

I prefer to not join right away. I knit about 2 rows flat then join. The tail gets to seam it all up in the end and I don’t get twisted.

On May 21st, 2008 at 7:51 am Tan said:

I do the same as kniftyred. Or else knit toe-up, which eliminates the problem.

On May 22nd, 2008 at 5:49 pm Linda said:

Thanks for the tutorial missmalice! It is really helpful.

On May 23rd, 2008 at 12:19 am missmalice said:

Glad to help! I updated one of the photos as my little doodles were slightly off. The instructions are for german long tail CO. I can do some piccies for the other cast ons if you like. :)

On June 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am Amber said:

Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try something new out!

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