What does do not join mean?

[fc1123]

working on a pattern and in round 1 it says work 6sc in 2nd chain from hook ; do not join what does the do not join mean making the wintertime teddy from crochet today

[ratdog]

OK, I am new so maybe a more experienced crocheter can correct me if I am wrong:

 

When you work in rounds you can either Join the first and last stitch in the round with a slip stich (which creates a seam) or continue working into the next round without using the slip stitch.

 

In the case you are using, you make 6 sc and then keep going without using a slip stitch to join the first sc to the 6th sc.

[fc1123]

ok I see so when joining you would use a sl st but do not join means you don't use a sl st that makes sense

[forestergirl]

Ratdog is right. It is very common to not join rounds when working on agrumi (this includes stuffed animals) to eliminate seams and keep the stuffing in better. Even though it is still called working in rounds, you will actually be working in a spiral. It is also a good idea to mark the first stitch of each round because otherwise it is virtually impossible to tell where you are at if you loose count or put the work down.