Unsure of instructions

I want to try the GAP-tastic cowl by Jen Geigley but am not sure if when I join in the round do I use one of the 131 sts I cast on or do I add an extra stitch so when I start my pattern I will have the 131 sts called for? Please help as I live in the Middle East and can't drive to the local knit shop and am stuck.

YOUR ANSWER

When I am joining the first round of a row on circular needles I don't add any extra stitches but there is a bit of a trick to it.

I learnt this technique watching a DVD on knitting socks on two circular needles but works just as well using one.

Cast on the required number of stitches and then ease them evenly around your circular needle so that the ends of the row are close to the points of the needle.

Hold your needle as if to start knitting the second round, slip the last stitch on the right hand tip onto the left hand tip. Use the right needle tip to pick up the second stitch on the left tip (the original first stitch) and lift it up and over the first stitch and onto the right hand tip.

Add a stitch marker onto the right tip to mark the end of the row and commence knitting the row as per your instructions.

By crossing over the two end stitches you will have successfully joined the round.

Hope this helps.