If you’re a knitter looking to expand your skills, learning to knit with double-pointed needles (DPNs) is a great next step. DPNs are great for knitting projects that are too small or tight to fit on a regular circular or straight needles. They also come in handy for knitting things like sleeves, socks, and hats. While using DPNs may seem intimidating at first, with a little practice, you’ll find that they are actually quite fun and versatile to work with.
In this easy step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of knitting with DPNs, from casting on to binding off. We will cover everything you need to know, including how to distribute your stitches evenly across your needles, how to prevent ladders between your needles, and how to switch needles when you reach the end of a needle. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to tackle all sorts of DPN knitting projects with confidence.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that knitting with DPNs requires a basic understanding of knitting techniques, such as how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. If you’re new to knitting, we recommend getting comfortable with these basic skills before diving into DPN knitting. Once you have a solid foundation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the unique challenges that come with working with DPNs.
What Are Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs) and How to Choose the Right Ones
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are a type of knitting needles that are pointed on both ends, allowing you to work in the round on small projects such as socks, hats, and sleeves. They are typically shorter in length, ranging from 5 to 8 inches, and are available in various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.
When choosing DPNs, there are a few factors to consider:
- Size: DPNs come in different sizes, ranging from US size 0 to size 15 (and sometimes larger). The size you choose will depend on the thickness of your yarn and the gauge you want to achieve.
- Material: DPNs can be made from various materials, each with its own advantages. Wood needles are lightweight, warm to the touch, and provide good grip. Metal needles are durable, smooth, and slide easily through stitches. Plastic needles are lightweight and affordable.
- Length: DPNs come in different lengths, typically ranging from 5 to 8 inches. The length you choose will depend on the size of your project and your personal preference. Shorter needles are better for small projects, while longer needles provide more space to hold stitches.
- Number of needles: DPNs are usually sold in sets of four or five needles. The number you choose will depend on the pattern you are following. Most patterns require the use of four needles, but some may require five.
It’s also worth considering your personal knitting style and preferences. Some knitters may prefer the feel of wood needles, while others may prefer metal. You may also want to try out different lengths and sizes to see what works best for you.
Overall, choosing the right DPNs is a matter of personal preference and the requirements of your project. It’s always a good idea to have a few different sizes and types of DPNs in your knitting toolbox, so you can switch between them as needed.
Getting Started: Essential Knitting Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs), there are a few essential tools and materials you’ll need to gather. Here is a list of the items you’ll need to get started:
- Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): You’ll need a set of DPNs in the size recommended for your knitting project. DPNs are usually sold in sets of four or five needles.
- Yarn: Choose a yarn that is suitable for your project. The yarn weight and fiber content are important factors to consider.
- Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in ends and finishing your knitting project.
- Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are used to mark your stitches and keep track of your progress.
- Scissors: A pair of small, sharp scissors is handy for cutting yarn.
- Row Counter: A row counter can help you keep track of the number of rows you’ve knitted.
- Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is useful for checking the gauge of your knitting and for measuring your finished project.
- Knitting Pattern: Choose a knitting pattern that is suitable for DPNs and the skill level you’re comfortable with.
Once you have gathered these essential tools and materials, you’ll be ready to start your knitting project with double-pointed needles. Make sure to read the knitting pattern carefully and follow the instructions step-by-step for successful knitting with DPNs.
Step 1: Casting On Stitches onto Double-Pointed Needles
Before you can start knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs), you’ll need to cast on your stitches onto the needles. Follow these steps to cast on stitches onto your DPNs:
- Gather your materials: You will need your double-pointed needles and your chosen yarn.
- Hold the needles: Hold three of the double-pointed needles in your dominant hand and the fourth needle in your non-dominant hand. The three needles in your dominant hand should be parallel to each other, while the fourth needle should be held like a regular knitting needle.
- Make a slipknot: Make a slipknot at the end of your yarn and snug it onto the fourth needle.
- Slide the slipknot onto the other needles: Slide the slipknot from the fourth needle onto one of the needles held in your dominant hand. Make sure the slipknot is snug and at the point where the needle tapers.
- Hold the needles in a triangular shape: Position the needles in your dominant hand so that they form a triangle. The needle with the slipknot should be at the top, while the other two needles should be at the bottom corners of the triangle.
- Start casting on: Take the needle in your non-dominant hand and insert it into the slipknot from left to right, passing under the needle in your dominant hand.
- Wrap the yarn around: Wrap the yarn around the needle in your non-dominant hand counterclockwise, creating a loop.
- Draw the loop through the slipknot: Pull the loop through the slipknot, creating a new stitch. Slide this new stitch onto the needle in your dominant hand.
- Repeat the process: Continue steps 6-8, inserting the needle in your non-dominant hand into the new stitch on the needle in your dominant hand, wrapping the yarn around counterclockwise, and pulling the loop through to create a new stitch. Slide each new stitch onto the needle in your dominant hand.
- Continue casting on: Repeat steps 6-9 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches onto your DPNs.
Casting on stitches onto double-pointed needles may feel a little bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Once you have finished casting on all your stitches, you’ll be ready to start knitting with double-pointed needles.
Step 2: Joining the Stitches in the Round
Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches onto your double-pointed needles, it’s time to join them in the round. Joining the stitches will create a seamless tube, which is essential for knitting items like hats, socks, and sleeves.
To join the stitches, follow these steps:
- Hold the needles with the cast-on stitches in your dominant hand. Make sure the working yarn is coming from the first stitch on the left-hand needle. The empty needle tips should be on the right-hand side.
- Slide the stitches onto the right-hand needle. To do this, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle. Make sure to insert the needle from left to right so that the working yarn is behind the stitches.
- Pull the working yarn tightly. This will close the gap between the last stitch and the first stitch, ensuring that there are no gaps or holes in your work.
- Making sure not to twist the stitches, slide the stitches to the other end of the right-hand needle. This will allow you to start knitting the stitches with the empty needle tip.
You are now ready to begin knitting in the round with your double-pointed needles! Remember to always place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to help you keep track of your rounds.
Step 3: Knitting in the Round with DPNs – Basic Stitch Techniques
Once you have your stitches evenly distributed onto your double-pointed needles (DPNs), you’re ready to start knitting in the round. Here are the basic stitch techniques you’ll need to know:
- Knit stitch: Insert the right-hand needle from left to right through the first stitch on the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch, sliding the new stitch onto the right-hand needle.
- Purl stitch: Insert the right-hand needle from right to left through the first stitch on the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch, sliding the new stitch onto the right-hand needle.
- Knit 2 together (k2tog): Insert the right-hand needle through the next two stitches on the left-hand needle as if to knit. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitches, sliding the new stitch onto the right-hand needle.
- Purl 2 together (p2tog): Insert the right-hand needle through the next two stitches on the left-hand needle as if to purl. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitches, sliding the new stitch onto the right-hand needle.
- Slip, slip, knit (ssk): Slip the next two stitches as if to knit, one at a time, from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle. Insert the left-hand needle into the front of these two slipped stitches and then knit them together.
- Yarn over (yo): Bring the yarn to the front of your work between the needles. Then, without knitting or purling a stitch, bring the yarn to the back of your work again. This creates an extra stitch on your needle.
These basic stitch techniques will allow you to create a wide range of patterns and textures when knitting in the round with DPNs. Experiment with different combinations and patterns to make your knitting projects unique and interesting!
Step 4: Shaping Your Project – Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
Once you’ve got the hang of knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs), you can start shaping your project by increasing or decreasing stitches. This allows you to create different shapes and sizes, whether you’re making socks, hats, or other accessories.
Increasing Stitches
To increase stitches, you can use the “make one” (M1) method. This method involves creating a new stitch by picking up the horizontal strand of yarn between two stitches and knitting into it. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the right needle into the space between the last stitch you knit and the next stitch on the left needle, from front to back.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle as if to knit.
- Pull the yarn through the space and place the new stitch onto the right needle.
- Continue knitting the rest of the stitches until you reach the end of the round.
By increasing stitches, you can add width or create a decorative element in your project.
Decreasing Stitches
To decrease stitches, you can use various methods such as knitting two stitches together (K2tog), slipping stitches, or passing slipped stitches over. Here’s an example of how to do a simple decrease using the K2tog method:
- Insert the right needle into the first two stitches on the left needle as if to knit.
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle as if to knit.
- Pull the yarn through both stitches and slide them off the left needle.
- Continue knitting the rest of the stitches until you reach the end of the round.
Decreasing stitches allows you to shape your project by reducing its width or creating a tapered effect.
Keeping Track of Increases and Decreases
When shaping your project, it’s important to keep track of your increases and decreases. You can use stitch markers or make notes on a piece of paper to help you remember where you made each change.
It’s also helpful to refer to a pattern or chart if you’re following one, as it will provide specific instructions on when and where to make increases or decreases.
Experiment and Practice
As you become more comfortable with knitting on DPNs and shaping your project, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques. Practice different increase and decrease methods to see which ones give you the desired results.
Remember, knitting is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of shaping your project. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be creating beautifully shaped knitted pieces!
Step 5: Switching DPNs and Avoiding Ladders in Your Projects
When knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs), you will often need to switch from one needle to another as you progress in your project. This step is crucial to ensure that your stitches stay secure and prevent any ladders from forming. Ladders are gaps that can occur between the stitches when working with DPNs.
To switch DPNs without creating ladders, follow these steps:
- Hold your working needle with the stitches in your left hand, and the empty needle in your right hand.
- Take the right-hand needle (the empty one) and insert it into the first stitch on the left-hand needle as if you were going to knit.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle counter-clockwise, forming a new stitch.
- Slide the new stitch onto the right-hand needle, and carefully remove the empty needle from the stitch.
- Now, hold the left-hand needle with the remaining stitches in your left hand, and the newly formed stitch on the right-hand needle in your right hand.
- Repeat Steps 2-5 for the remaining stitches, switching needles as needed.
By following these steps, you can switch DPNs seamlessly and avoid creating ladders in your knitting. It is important to maintain an even tension when switching needles to prevent any gaps from forming between the stitches.
Remember, practice makes perfect! If you are new to knitting with DPNs, it may take a few tries to get the hang of switching needles smoothly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to knit with DPNs confidently and create beautiful projects without any ladders.
Finishing Your Knitting Project with DPNs – Binding Off and Weaving in Ends
Once you have completed your knitting project using double-pointed needles (DPNs), it’s time to finish it off and make it ready for use. This involves binding off your stitches and weaving in any loose ends.
Binding Off
Binding off is the process of closing off your stitches and securing them so they don’t unravel. Here’s how to do it using DPNs:
- Begin by knitting the first two stitches as you normally would.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle and lift it over the second stitch, letting it drop off the needle.
- Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle, then lift the second stitch over it and let it drop off the needle.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have one stitch left on the right-hand needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail that is long enough to weave in later.
- Thread the yarn tail through the remaining stitch and pull tight to secure.
Weaving in Ends
After binding off, you may have loose ends of yarn from joining new balls or changing colors. Weaving in these ends ensures that they are hidden and secure. Here’s how to do it:
- Thread the loose end onto a tapestry needle.
- Insert the needle into the back of the nearest stitch on the wrong side of the work.
- Weave the needle in and out of several stitches, following the path of the yarn, to secure the end.
- Turn the work and weave the needle back in the opposite direction for a few stitches.
- Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, being careful not to cut the woven end.
Repeat these steps for any other loose ends you may have, making sure to weave them in securely and hide them within the fabric of your project.
By following these steps, you can confidently finish your knitting project using double-pointed needles and achieve a clean and professional-looking result.
FAQ:
What are double-pointed needles (DPNs) used for in knitting?
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are used for knitting in the round, especially for smaller projects such as socks, mittens, and hats. They allow you to create circular patterns without the need for circular knitting needles.
Are double-pointed needles difficult to use?
Using double-pointed needles (DPNs) may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, they can become much easier to work with. Following a step-by-step guide and practicing basic techniques can help you become more comfortable with using DPNs.
What materials are double-pointed needles usually made of?
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) can be made from various materials, including wood, bamboo, metal, and plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it often comes down to personal preference.
How many double-pointed needles do I need for a project?
The number of double-pointed needles (DPNs) needed for a project depends on the pattern and the type of project you are working on. Most patterns will specify the number of DPNs required, which is usually between four and five needles.
What is the benefit of using double-pointed needles over circular needles?
One of the main benefits of using double-pointed needles (DPNs) over circular needles is that they are more versatile for small projects. They allow you to create seamless tubes, such as socks, without needing to switch to a smaller circular needle or use the Magic Loop method.
Can I use double-pointed needles for flat knitting?
While double-pointed needles (DPNs) are primarily designed for knitting in the round, they can also be used for flat knitting, such as scarves or blankets. However, it can be more challenging to knit flat with DPNs compared to using straight or circular needles.
What are some common tips for knitting with double-pointed needles?
Some common tips for knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs) include using stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, dividing your stitches evenly across the needles, and using a smaller size DPN for the first few rows to prevent laddering. It is also helpful to practice knitting in the round with DPNs on simpler projects before moving on to more complex patterns.