How to Avoid a Jog Knitting in the Round

And Avoid a Bump When Using the Long Tail Cast On Method

If you’ve used the long tail cast on method to knit a hat in the round, you might have noticed a bit of a bump, or a “jog” or a small bump in the bottom edge of your hat. This happens where you join your stitches in the round. It is very similar to what happens when you change colors knitting in the round. There is a very simple step that you can take to help remove this jog. Keep reading to learn how to avoid a jog knitting in the round.

This step is so easy it is worth doing for the visual effect that it has. I even unconsciously do it when I’m folding my brims and knitting them in place (where this edge is hidden). This simple step can make a big difference when you are wearing your knits, gifting your hats, or even selling them. Smoothing out the cast on edge of your hats is as simple as passing one stitch over the other.

Here’s How to Avoid a Jog When Knitting in the Round:

If you prefer to watch a video on this tutorial, please check out this one on how to join and knit in the round.

The First step is to cast on the appropriate amount of stitches per your patterns instructions.  For my Cables A Go Go hat, this is 96.

Nest, cast on one additional stitch.  For this pattern, I would have cast on a total of 97 stitches.

Just like you would do before, adjust your stitches, and make sure that they aren’t twisted. Now comes the join technique to avoid jogs when knitting in the round.

Slip the first stitch from the left hand needle, onto the right hand needle knit-wise.

Now, pass the second stitch on the right hand needle and slip it over the first stitch.  (Taking the this stitch over the one you just slipped from the left needle).

Lastly, take the first stitch on the right needle, and slip it back onto the left needle.  Place your stitch marker and you are now ready to start working in the round.

If you have any questions, or found this helpful, please let me know by swinging by my Contact Page!