There are six simple words that strike dread every time, “join being careful not to twist”. My brain groans and sighs with an “I know!” and I set out to make a careful join. I rarely get it right on the first try. Or the second.
For instance, take this lovely foundation chain of over 100 stitches of Universal Yarn’s Whisper Lace (colourway Lemongrass), it’s for a sample crochet project. It was extra frustrating because I also twisted the join on my gauge swatches too! The sore point is that I didn’t double check until I was in the middle of my second complete round.
See, it happens to me too. Newbies, please don’t be embarrassed!
It’s why I prefer to knit my socks toe-up, work my hats from the crown-to-brim, and in general avoid joining a large number of stitches whenever possible. Is there anything you can do? If you ask knitters or crocheters their advice for avoiding that dreaded twist will differ as much as which needle or hook is best. There’s no wrong way to do it, however, some may affect the design effect. It’s worth keeping that in mind as you develop your own tool box of tip and tricks. When I create a sample, I follow the designer’s instructions as rule and can’t always use my favorite method.
Three ways to join being careful not to twist
- Work the first row straight and then join on the second row. This often requires me to reverse the pattern for the wrong side so it isn’t always an option. I use the tail to close up the gap from the first row.
- If when I reach the end of the first round I discover a twist, I twist again and carry on. Really! Depending on the project this may or may not be noticeable at the end.
- After completing the cast on, I add stitch markers to the bottom edge to weigh it down and provide visual contrast. Then I lay the project on a flat contrasting surface and make sure that all markers are in the same direction before bringing the ends together.
Do you have a favorite tip for joining to work in the round?
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