joining in-the-round

[Teddi]

When I cast on the necessary 72 stitches, I join the first and the last stitch. In the process, I delete 1 stitch which makes the pattern not work out. Should I cast on 73 stitches instead? Also, when knitting in-the-round, I have 24 stitches on each of 3 needles (before joining) but when I knit/purl, I end with 1 stitch too few on each of 2 needles. Why? What should I do? Thanks a ton in advance. I'm sure glad I was directed to this forum!

[suzeeq]

I always caston 1 extra, then knit the first and last together either at the beginning or the end. It sounds like you're doing the same thing, but without the extra stitch.