Joining "in the round" Knitting

Most of my knitting has been in the round – primarily on double pointed needles. I do have one unintended Möbius scarf from the stitches twisting as I joined, but I’ve otherwise been lucky.  While exploring "in the round" stitching, I have found two different ways of joining when using double point needles.

The standard is to cast on the stitches, divide them among the needles (three or four) then, being careful not to twist the stitches, take the first stitch in the first cast on stitch.

Another method is to cast all stitches on one needle, then, instead of dividing the cast on stitches, turn and start knitting the first row, in the given pattern, bringing in a new needle at the designated divisions. At teh end of that first round, do the join by beginning the next round in the first stitch.  Yes, you still have to be careful that the stitches have not twisted, but that one row makes it just a little easier to see that they’re all facing the same way.

The drawback of this method is that the foundation is “backwards” from what it would be. Assuming long tail cast on, in the standard method, the first round is stitched into knit-oriented base stitches. In the first round flat method, the first round is stitched into purl-oriented base stitches.

The traditional method creates a smoother, slightly roped edge. The "first round flat" method has an edge that follows the stitches more specifically so that if you are starting in a rib, the edge will ripple with the ridge.

Here are two photos, using the same yarn, same needles and same K2, P2 rib:

The first photo is using traditional joining, the second uses, "first round flat." The difference is less pronounced in these photographs, but my husband was able to see the difference (he liked the one on the right better!)