The 3-needle join is a join used to seamlessly knit together two pieces of fabric. It is similar to a three needle bind off, in that you knit together stitches off of two needles. However, the three needle join leaves you with live stitches, rather than a bound off edge.
How to work a 3-needle join
Abbreviations:
k2tog – knit two stitches together,
repeat from * – repeat specified stitches
Set up: Have one-half of the stitches on front needle and the second half of stitches on back needle.
Repeat: Using a third needle, *k2tog the front and back stitch; repeat from * to end.
Pattern Specific Variations to the 3-needle join
Sometimes, I include technique variations that are for specific patterns. I always include directions for specific techniques in the pattern itself. Be sure to also read any patterns you’re working on closely.
Variation for Jupiter’s Rings LGF Suris
With half the stitches on one needle and the second half of the stitches on another, fold the stitches so that the needles can be held together with one needle in front and one in back.
Join: Hold the two needles in your left hand. The first stitch on the front needle should be a knit stitch. Using a third needle, *k2tog the front and back stitches, p2tog the next front and back stitches; repeat from * to end.
Variation for Jupiter’s Rings Merino Ribbon
With half the stitches on one needle and the second half of the stitches on another, fold the stitches so that the needles can be held together with one needle in front and one in back.
Join: Hold the two needles in your left hand. The first stitch on the front needle should be a knit stitch. Using a third needle, *k2tog the front and back stitches, p2tog the next front and back stitches; repeat from * to end.
Variation for Jupiter’s Rings Euroflax
With half the stitches on one needle and the second half of the stitches on another, fold the stitches so that the needles can be held together with one needle in front and one in back.
Join: Hold the two needles in your left hand. The first stitch on the front needle should be a knit stitch. Using a third needle, *k2tog the front and back stitches, p2tog the next front and back stitches; repeat from * to end.
Variation for Jupiter’s Rings Primavera
With half the stitches on one needle and the second half of the stitches on another, fold the stitches so that the needles can be held together with one needle in front and one in back.
Join: Hold the two needles in your left hand. The first stitch on the front needle should be a knit stitch. Using a third needle, *k2tog the front and back stitches, p2tog the next front and back stitches; repeat from * to end.
See also: Three Needle Bind Off (3-needle BO)
