Quick fix: Before joining, lay cast-on flat and confirm all stitches hang the same direction. Once twisted and worked several rounds, you must rip back to the cast-on.
What you are seeing
A few rows in, your tube spirals like a Mobius strip. It can't be untwisted once you've knitted into it.
Why it happens
- Cast-on stitches twisted around the needle before joining
- Joining without checking all stitches face the same direction
- Needle cable coil hid the twist
Fix it now
- Rip back to the cast-on — there is no way to fix a twisted join once worked.
- Return stitches to needle, lay flat on table, let all stitches hang down.
- Check none are wrapped around the cable.
- Hold needle like a necklace — all stitches should hang inside the circle.
- Join, place a stitch marker, and work round 1 without shifting the join.
Prevent it next time
- Always lay needle flat and visually check every stitch before joining
- Work the first 3 rows flat, then join — seam the tiny gap invisibly
- Use longer circular needles so stitches hang naturally