Learn How to Knit in a Round with Double Pointed Needles

Knitting in the round with double pointed needles can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and the right techniques, it can become a favorite method for knitting seamless projects such as hats, socks, and sleeves. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of knitting in the round with double pointed needles, offering expert tips and tricks to help you master this technique.

One of the key advantages of knitting in the round with double pointed needles is that it eliminates the need for seams in your projects. This results in a more professional finish and a smoother, more comfortable fit. Additionally, knitting in the round allows you to create intricate patterns and textures, as you no longer have to worry about seaming interruptions.

To start knitting in the round with double pointed needles, you will need to cast on your desired number of stitches onto three or four needles. It’s important to distribute the stitches evenly and avoid creating ladders where the needles join. By alternating between needles and knitting in a spiral pattern, you can create a seamless tube of fabric.

When knitting with double pointed needles in the round, it’s helpful to use stitch markers to indicate the beginning of each round. This will help you keep track of your progress and ensure that your pattern stays consistent. Additionally, mastering the technique of knitting in the round with double pointed needles opens up a world of possibilities for your knitting projects, allowing you to create beautifully finished garments and accessories.

Knitting in a Round with Double Pointed Needles

Knitting in the round is a technique that allows you to create seamless circular projects, such as hats, socks, and sleeves. Double pointed needles (DPNs) are commonly used for knitting in the round.

Materials:

Double pointed needles (DPNs)
Yarn of your choice
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Step 1: Cast On

Start by casting on the desired number of stitches onto one of the DPNs. Distribute the stitches evenly onto three or four needles, depending on the pattern and the number of stitches.

Step 2: Join in the Round

Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. Make sure the stitches are not twisted around the needles. This is easier if you arrange the stitches evenly on the needles.

Step 3: Knit in the Round

Hold the needle with the active stitches in your right hand and knit with the empty needle in your left hand. Keep the yarn at the back of the work and start working in a clockwise direction. Knit each stitch as you normally would, being careful not to pull the yarn too tightly.

Step 4: Shifting Needles

When you’ve finished knitting the stitches on one needle, simply switch to the next needle by picking up the empty needle and continuing to knit. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the round.

Step 5: Working with Multiple Needles

When you come to the end of a needle, you will notice that you have one empty needle and one needle full of stitches. To start knitting with the empty needle, hold it in your right hand and slide the stitches from the full needle onto the empty one. Continue knitting in the round as before.

Step 6: Finishing

Continue knitting in the round until you have completed your project. To finish, you can use a tapestry needle to thread the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull them tight, securing the stitches. Weave in any loose ends with the needle.

Congratulations! You have now learned how to knit in the round with double pointed needles. Happy knitting!

Why Use Double Pointed Needles?

Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) are a useful tool in knitting, especially when working on small, circular projects such as hats, socks, and sleeves. They have multiple benefits that make them a popular choice among knitters:

Flexibility: DPNs allow the knitter to work in the round on projects that are too small to fit on a circular needle. With DPNs, you can create seamless, tubular pieces with ease.
Portability: DPNs are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. They can fit into small knitting bags or even your pocket.
Increased control: DPNs allow for better control over your stitches. With fewer stitches on each needle, you can easily manipulate the fabric and avoid loose or uneven tension.
Versatility: DPNs can be used for a wide range of knitting projects, from intricate lace patterns to simple stockinette stitch. They can also be used in combination with other knitting techniques, such as Magic Loop or two circular needles.
Helpful for beginners: Double Pointed Needles are a great tool for knitters who are just starting to learn how to knit in the round. They can help you understand the concept of working in a continuous circle and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete your first seamless project.

In conclusion, Double Pointed Needles offer flexibility, portability, increased control, versatility, and are helpful for beginners. They are an essential tool for any knitter looking to expand their skills and create beautiful, seamless projects.

Choosing the Right Yarn and Needles

When choosing yarn and needles for your knitting project, it’s important to consider the pattern requirements and your personal preferences. Here are some tips for selecting the right yarn and needles:

Yarn Weight: Determine the recommended yarn weight for your pattern. Yarn weights range from lace (super fine) to super bulky. Make sure to choose a yarn that matches the weight suggested in the pattern to achieve the desired finished product.
Fiber Content: Consider the fiber content of the yarn. Different fibers have different characteristics. For example, wool yarn is known for its warmth and elasticity, while cotton yarn is breathable and lightweight. Choose a fiber that suits the purpose of your project.
Needle Material: Look for knitting needles made from a material that you find comfortable to work with. Common options include metal, wood, and plastic. Each material has its own feel and characteristics, so it’s important to choose what works best for you.
Needle Size: The needle size you need will depend on your pattern and the desired gauge. Check the pattern instructions to determine the recommended needle size. If you tend to knit tightly or loosely, you may need to adjust the needle size to achieve the correct gauge.
Project Type: Consider the type of project you’re working on. Some projects require specific yarn and needle choices. For example, a delicate lace shawl may require fine lace-weight yarn and small needles, while a cozy sweater may call for bulky yarn and larger needles.
Color and Texture: Choose a yarn color and texture that you love. Knitting is not just about the finished item, but also about the process. Enjoy working with yarn that sparks joy and inspires you to keep knitting.

Remember that yarn and needle selection can greatly affect the outcome of your knitting project. Take your time to consider all the factors and make choices that will result in a successful and enjoyable knitting experience.

Getting Started: Casting On

Before you can begin knitting in the round with double pointed needles, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. Casting on is the process of creating the foundation row of stitches on your needles.

There are several methods for casting on, but the most common method for knitting in the round with double pointed needles is the long tail cast on. Here’s how to do it:

Start by leaving a long enough tail of yarn to comfortably cast on all your stitches. The general rule is to leave about 3 times the width of your finished piece. For example, if you’re knitting a hat with a 20-inch circumference, you’ll want to leave a tail that’s about 60 inches long.
Make a slipknot by forming a loop with the tail end of your yarn. Insert the working end of your yarn through the loop, and pull it tight to secure the slipknot on your needle.
Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand and the other needle in your left hand. The slipknot should be on the left-hand needle.
With your left thumb and index finger, grab the working yarn and hold it behind your left thumb. Then, insert your right-hand needle into the slipknot from left to right.
With your right hand, wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle.
Gently pull the needle with the wrap through the slipknot, creating a new stitch on your right-hand needle.
Slide this new stitch onto your left-hand needle, and tighten the stitch by pulling on the working yarn.
Repeat steps 4-7 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches. Remember to leave a small gap between the first and last stitches to join your knitting in the round.

Once you have cast on your stitches, you’re ready to start knitting in the round with double pointed needles. Happy knitting!

Knitting in the Round: Basic Techniques

Knitting in the round is a technique that allows you to create seamless and continuous projects, such as hats, socks, and sleeves. Instead of using straight needles, you will use circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) to work in a continuous loop. Here are some basic techniques to get you started:

Cast On: To begin knitting in the round, you will need to cast on your stitches onto the circular needles or DPNs. This can be done using any cast-on method that you are comfortable with, such as the long-tail cast-on or the knitted cast-on.
Join: Once you have cast on your stitches, you need to join them together to form a continuous loop. To do this, simply bring the working yarn to the first cast-on stitch and knit it. Make sure not to twist your stitches as you join them.
Knitting: When knitting in the round, you will only need to use the knit stitch. Simply insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch. Continue knitting all the stitches in the round until you reach the desired length.
Purling: If you want to create a piece with a combination of knit and purl stitches, you can easily purl while knitting in the round. To purl, insert the right needle from right to left into the first stitch on the left needle, bring the yarn in front of the work, wrap it around the right needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch. Continue purling all the stitches in the round as desired.
Decreasing: To shape your knitting project or create decorative designs, you may need to decrease stitches. The most common decrease stitch used in knitting in the round is the knit two together (k2tog) decrease. Simply insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle as if to knit, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through both stitches at the same time. This will create one decreased stitch.
Finishing: Once you have reached the end of your project and are ready to finish, you will need to bind off your stitches. This can be done using any bind-off method that you prefer, such as the basic bind off or the stretchy bind off. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.

With these basic techniques, you can start knitting in the round and create a wide variety of projects. Experiment with different stitch patterns, colors, and yarn weights to add your own personal touch to your knitted items. Happy knitting!

Avoiding Ladders and Gaps

When knitting in the round with double pointed needles, it’s important to pay attention to your tension to avoid creating ladders or gaps between your stitches. Ladders are vertical lines that appear between the needles where the stitches are transferred, while gaps are spaces between the stitches that can form when the tension is uneven.

To prevent ladders and gaps, follow these expert knitting tips:

Choose the right needle size: Using the correct needle size for your yarn is essential. If your needles are too small, your stitches may be too tight and create ladders. Conversely, if your needles are too large, your stitches may be too loose and result in gaps.
Even out your tension: Pay attention to your tension while knitting. Try to keep your tension even throughout your work, making sure not to pull too tight or leave your stitches too loose. This will help prevent both ladders and gaps.
Distribute stitches evenly: When working with multiple double pointed needles, distribute your stitches evenly across the needles. This helps to ensure your tension remains consistent and reduces the risk of creating ladders or gaps.
Use a ladder-free method: If you’re still having trouble with ladders, you can try using a ladder-free method, such as the “Magic Loop” technique or using circular needles instead of double pointed needles. These methods eliminate the need for transferring stitches between needles and can help prevent ladders.

By following these expert knitting tips and practicing good tension control, you can avoid creating ladders and gaps in your knitting when using double pointed needles. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to knit in the round with confidence and achieve beautiful, seamless results.

Finishing Off: Binding Off

Once you have completed your knitting project in the round using double pointed needles, it is time to finish off your work by binding off. Binding off is the process of securing the last row of stitches and creating a finished edge. Follow these steps to bind off your project:

Start by knitting the first two stitches of your last row.
Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch you knitted and lift it over the second stitch. This will create one bound-off stitch.
Knit the next stitch and repeat step 2 to bind it off.
Continue knitting one stitch and binding off the previous stitch until you reach the end of the row.

Once you have bound off all the stitches, cut your yarn, leaving a tail that is at least 6 inches long. Thread the tail through the last stitch and pull it tight to secure the edge. You can also weave in the ends of the yarn to further secure the binding off.

Binding off your knitting project is an important final step that creates a clean and professional finish. It is important to bind off with even tension to ensure that the edge is not too loose or too tight. Practice this technique on smaller projects before attempting it on larger projects to gain confidence and consistency.

Expert Tips for Seamless Projects

When it comes to knitting in the round with double pointed needles, there are several expert tips that can help you create seamless and professional-looking projects.

Use stitch markers: Stitch markers are essential when knitting in the round as they help you keep track of your stitches and make it easier to count rounds. Place a marker after the first stitch of each round to mark the beginning of the round.
Divide your stitches: Instead of working all of your stitches on one needle, divide them evenly across multiple needles. This will make it easier to work with the stitches and prevent them from getting too crowded.
Join without twisting: When joining your stitches in the round, make sure to double check that they are not twisted. Twisted stitches can cause your project to twist and become misshapen.
Rotate your needles: As you work, rotate your needles so that the right needle becomes the left needle and vice versa. This will help prevent ladders or gaps from forming between the needles.
Tension your yarn: When working with double pointed needles, it’s important to maintain an even tension on your yarn. This will help ensure that your stitches are consistent in size and appearance throughout your project.
Avoid stretching: When transferring your stitches from one needle to the next, be careful not to stretch the stitches too much. Stretching can cause uneven tension and result in a distorted finished project.
Use a stitch holder: If you’re working on a project that requires you to temporarily set aside stitches, use a stitch holder to keep them secure. This will prevent them from unraveling or getting lost.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to knit in the round with double pointed needles and create seamless projects with ease. Happy knitting!

FAQ:

What is the advantage of using double pointed needles for knitting in the round?

Using double pointed needles allows you to knit smaller circumference items, like socks or hats, without the need for a long circular needle. The needles are easy to manipulate and allow for smooth stitching.

Can I use circular needles instead of double pointed needles?

Yes, you can use circular needles instead of double pointed needles. Simply use the magic loop method to knit in the round. This involves pulling your cable through the stitches to create a loop.

How many double pointed needles do I need?

You will usually need a set of four or five double pointed needles. The exact number will depend on the pattern and the size of the item you are knitting.

Do I need to cast on a specific number of stitches when using double pointed needles?

The number of stitches you cast on when using double pointed needles will depend on your pattern and the desired circumference of your project. Make sure to check the pattern instructions for the correct number of stitches.

How do I prevent ladders from forming between the double pointed needles?

To prevent ladders, make sure to snug up your stitches when you switch to a new needle. You can also try knitting the first stitch on each needle a little tighter. With practice, you will be able to avoid ladders entirely.

Knitting in the Round with Double Pointed Needles: A Step-by-Step Guide