Knitting is a versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful and functional items with just a few basic tools. One of the most popular techniques in knitting is working with double point needles. Double point needles, also known as DPNs, are short, pointed needles that are used to knit in the round. They are typically used for projects such as socks, gloves, and hats, where a small circumference is required.
Working with DPNs may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll find that they are a valuable tool in your knitting arsenal. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the basics of knitting with double point needles, including how to cast on, how to join in the round, how to work increases and decreases, and how to bind off. We will also cover tips and tricks for working with DPNs, such as preventing ladders and managing multiple needles.
Whether you’re a beginner knitter looking to expand your skills or an experienced knitter wanting to try a new technique, this guide will provide you with the necessary information to confidently pick up those double point needles and start knitting in the round. So grab your yarn and needles, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of knitting with double point needles!
Choosing the Right Size and Material
When it comes to knitting with double point needles (DPNs), choosing the right size and material is crucial for the success of your project. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Size
The size of the DPNs you choose will depend on the type of project you’re working on and the desired outcome. If you’re knitting socks or other small items, you’ll typically want to use smaller sized needles, such as US size 0-3 (2.0-3.25mm). For larger projects like hats or sweaters, you may need to use larger sized needles, such as US size 4-8 (3.5-5.0mm).
Keep in mind that the size of your DPNs will also affect the tension and drape of your finished piece. Smaller needles will result in tighter, firmer stitches, while larger needles will create looser, more relaxed stitches.
Material
DPNs come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique qualities. Here are some common options:
- Bamboo: Bamboo DPNs are lightweight, smooth, and warm to the touch. They provide good grip and are less likely to slip out of your hands. Bamboo needles are great for beginners as they have a natural flexibility that helps prevent dropped stitches.
- Metal: Metal DPNs, such as stainless steel or nickel-plated needles, are durable, smooth, and offer excellent stitch control. They have a cool feel and can help you maintain consistent tension. Metal needles are also great for working with slippery yarns.
- Plastic: Plastic DPNs are lightweight and budget-friendly. They offer a smooth surface for easy knitting but may not have as much grip as bamboo or metal needles. Plastic needles are a good choice for beginners or for those who prefer a lighter weight needle.
- Wood: Wood DPNs, like bamboo, have a warm feel and provide good grip. They are typically made from hardwoods like birch or rosewood and can vary in terms of smoothness. Wood needles are a good choice for those who like a traditional feel and have a preference for natural materials.
Ultimately, the choice of material is a personal preference. Some knitters prefer the smoothness and control of metal needles, while others enjoy the warmth and flexibility of bamboo or wood. Consider trying different materials to find the one that suits your style and project best.
By considering the size and material of your DPNs, you can ensure a comfortable and successful knitting experience.
Getting started: casting on stitches
Before you can begin knitting with double point needles, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. Casting on is the process of creating the foundation row of stitches on your needles.
Here are three common methods for casting on stitches:
- Long-tail cast on: This is a versatile and widely used method. It creates a neat and flexible edge. To perform the long-tail cast on, you’ll need to estimate the length of yarn needed to cast on your desired number of stitches plus the length of your tail. This method uses both the tail and the working yarn to create the stitches.
- Knitted cast on: This is a simple and quick method, ideal for beginners. To perform the knitted cast on, you’ll need to make a slipknot on your needle and then knit into it. This method creates a slightly firmer edge.
- Cable cast on: This method is commonly used when you need to add stitches in the middle of a project. To perform the cable cast on, you’ll need to insert the right needle between two stitches and then create a new stitch by knitting into it. This method creates a stable and invisible edge.
Depending on the pattern or your personal preference, you can choose the casting on method that best suits your needs.
Once you have cast on your stitches, you’re ready to start knitting with double point needles! Make sure to hold your needles securely and evenly distribute your stitches on each needle.
Next, you can proceed with knitting your desired pattern, whether it’s a hat, a sock, or any other project that requires double point needles.
Remember to take your time and practice, as knitting with double point needles can take some getting used to. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be creating beautiful knitwear with this versatile tool!
Joining in the round
When knitting with double-point needles, joining in the round is the initial step to start working on your project. It allows you to create a seamless tube, perfect for knitting hats, socks, and other cylindrical objects without any visible seams.
To join in the round, follow these simple steps:
- Cast on the required number of stitches onto one of the double-point needles.
- Divide the stitches evenly onto three or four double-point needles, depending on the pattern instructions or your preference.
- Make sure the stitches are not twisted by laying the needles flat on a surface and ensuring that all the cast-on stitches are facing the same direction.
- Hold the needles with the cast-on stitches in your left hand, and the empty needle in your right hand.
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right.
- Slide the stitch from the left needle onto the right needle, being careful not to drop any stitches.
- This completes the joining in the round process. The first stitch is now on the right needle, and you can continue knitting in the round.
Remember to keep your tension even and not to pull too tightly when joining in the round to avoid distorting the stitches. Practice these steps, and soon you’ll be comfortable starting any knitting project using double-point needles.
Knitting the first few rounds
Once you have cast on your stitches onto the double point needles, it’s time to start knitting the first few rounds. This can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
Step 1: Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand. Insert the empty needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, from left to right.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle, moving counter-clockwise.
Step 3: Using the right-hand needle, pull the wrapped yarn through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
Step 4: Slide the stitch off the left-hand needle, transferring it to the right-hand needle. This completes one stitch.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4 until you have completed the desired number of stitches for the first round. Keep in mind that if you are working in the round, you may need to join the stitches to form a circle before starting the first round.
Step 6: Once you have completed the first round, continue knitting the subsequent rounds in the same manner. Make sure to always knit in a clockwise direction, moving from left to right.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first few rounds don’t look perfect. Just keep knitting and you’ll improve with time and experience.
Working with multiple needles
Knitting with double point needles (DPNs) allows you to easily work in the round and create seamless, tubular pieces such as socks and hats. Here are some tips for working with multiple needles:
1. Choosing the right needle size
When working with DPNs, it’s important to choose the right needle size for your yarn and project. Typically, you’ll want to use a needle size that matches the recommended gauge on your yarn label. This will ensure that your stitches are even and your finished piece turns out as expected.
2. Casting on stitches
To begin, you’ll need to evenly distribute your stitches across your DPNs. One common method is to cast on all your stitches onto a single needle, then divide them evenly across your DPNs. For example, if you have 48 stitches, you might divide them onto four DPNs with 12 stitches on each needle.
3. Joining in the round
Once your stitches are divided, you’ll need to join in the round. To do this, hold your needles parallel with the working yarn tail on the right and the first stitch from your cast on on the left. Insert your working needle into the first stitch on your first needle, making sure to keep the needle tips parallel. Wrap the working yarn around your right needle, and pull it through the stitch to create a new stitch.
4. Working the rounds
With your stitches joined, you can now start knitting in the round. As you work, you’ll be knitting with one needle while holding the other needles out of the way. To switch needles, simply transfer the stitches from your right needle to your left needle, and then pick up your empty needle to start the next section.
5. Avoiding ladders
Ladders, or loose stitches, can occur between the needles when knitting with DPNs. To prevent ladders, make sure to snug up the first stitch on each needle after switching needles. You can also try using a smaller needle for the first stitch on each needle, and then switch to your desired needle size for the rest of the stitches.
6. Finishing off
When you’ve finished knitting your piece, you’ll need to close up the top. One method is to gather the stitches onto a single needle and use a tapestry needle to sew them closed. Another method is to use the Kitchener stitch to graft the stitches together for an invisible seam.
Working with multiple needles can seem intimidating at first, but with some practice, you’ll soon be creating beautiful, seamless projects with ease. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process as you knit with double point needles.
Common Stitches and Techniques
Knitting with double point needles opens up a wide range of stitch options and allows for the creation of complex patterns. Here are some common stitches and techniques to try:
- Knit Stitch: The basic knit stitch is the foundation of most knitting projects. With double point needles, simply insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the working yarn around the right needle, and pull it through the stitch. Repeat for each stitch on the needle.
- Purl Stitch: The purl stitch creates a bumpy texture on the right side of the fabric. To purl with double point needles, insert the right needle through the front of the stitch on the left needle, wrap the working yarn around the right needle, and pull it through the stitch. Repeat for each stitch on the needle.
- Stockinette Stitch: Stockinette stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. Knit the stitches on one side of the fabric and purl them on the other side to achieve this smooth, even texture.
- Ribbing: Ribbing is often used for cuffs, hems, and neckbands to create a stretchy and decorative edge. It is typically worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern, such as 2×2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat).
- Cables: Cables are made by crossing stitches over each other to create a twisted effect. They add depth and texture to knitted fabric. Cable patterns are usually worked using a cable needle, which holds the stitches to be crossed temporarily while you work the other stitches.
When working with double point needles, it’s important to keep track of your stitches and maintain an even tension. Practice these common stitches and techniques to expand your knitting skills and create unique and intricate designs.
Shaping Your Project
When knitting with double-point needles, shaping your project is an important skill to master. By increasing and decreasing stitches in specific areas, you can create intricate shapes and structures in your knitting.
Increasing Stitches
There are several ways to increase stitches when knitting with double-point needles:
- Knit Front and Back (KFB): This method involves knitting into the front and back of the same stitch, creating two stitches where there was one before.
- Make One (M1): With this technique, you can create a new stitch by lifting the bar before the next stitch, placing it on the left needle, and knitting into the back loop.
- Yarn Over (YO): To create an eyelet or decorative hole, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work, then wrap it around the right needle before knitting the next stitch.
Decreasing Stitches
Decreasing stitches is essential for shaping your project. Here are a few common techniques used with double-point needles:
- Knit Two Together (K2tog): Simply insert your right needle through the next two stitches on the left needle, then knit them together as if they were one stitch.
- Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): Slip the next two stitches one at a time from the left needle to the right, then insert the left needle into the front loops of those two slipped stitches and knit them together.
- Central Double Decrease: This decrease is used for shaping the middle of your work. Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, and pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch.
Shaping Patterns
By combining different increase and decrease techniques, you can create shaping patterns in your knitting. Some common shaping patterns include:
- Simple Increases and Decreases: These patterns use basic increases and decreases to add or remove stitches evenly across a row or round.
- Shaping Through Short Rows: Short rows involve knitting a partial row before turning and knitting back, creating extra fabric in specific areas to shape your project.
- Lace and Cable Shaping: These advanced techniques use yarn overs and intricate cable stitches to create complex shapes and patterns.
Keep Practicing
Shaping your project with double-point needles may take some practice, but with time and patience, you’ll become more confident in creating beautiful and well-fitting knitted items. Experiment with different techniques and patterns to find what works best for your specific project.
Binding off and finishing touches
Once you have completed your knitting project using double point needles, it’s time to bind off and add the finishing touches. Binding off is the final step in creating a neat edge and securing your stitches in place.
To bind off with double point needles, follow these steps:
- Knit the first two stitches as usual.
- Using your left needle, pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. You now have one stitch remaining on your right needle.
- Knit the next stitch and repeat step 2 until you have bound off all stitches except for one.
- Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail that is long enough to weave in later.
- Thread the tail through the last stitch and pull tight to secure the final stitch.
Once your project is bound off, you can add any desired finishing touches. This may include blocking your project to adjust the shape and size, weaving in any loose ends so they are hidden, or adding any additional embellishments such as buttons or embroidery.
Blocking is an important step that can help even out your stitches and make your project look more polished. To block your project, soak it in lukewarm water for a few minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water, and then lay it flat on a blocking mat or towel. Use T-pins to stretch the project to the desired shape and size, and allow it to dry completely before removing the pins.
Weaving in loose ends is another important finishing touch. Use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through several stitches on the wrong side of your work, being careful to avoid distorting the stitches on the right side. Trim any excess yarn once the end is secure.
If desired, you can also add buttons or other embellishments to your project. This can be done by sewing them on with a needle and thread or using a crochet hook to attach them.
By following these steps to bind off and add finishing touches, you can ensure that your knitting project using double point needles is completed with a professional and polished look.
FAQ:
What are double point needles used for?
Double point needles are used for knitting in the round, especially for small projects like socks, hats, and sleeves.
How many double point needles do I need for a project?
The number of double point needles you need for a project depends on the pattern and the circumference of the project. Most patterns will specify the number of stitches you need to cast on and the recommended number of double point needles to use.
What sizes do double point needles come in?
Double point needles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from very thin needles for delicate projects to thicker needles for bulkier yarns. The size of the needle you need will depend on the gauge of your project and the thickness of the yarn you are using.
How do I join my stitches when using double point needles?
To join your stitches when using double point needles, you can either use a slip stitch or a marker. The slip stitch method involves knitting the first stitch of the round and then slipping it back to the left needle. The marker method involves placing a marker after the first stitch and knitting around it.
What is the advantage of using double point needles?
The advantage of using double point needles is that they allow you to knit in the round without the need for a circular needle. This can be especially useful for smaller projects where using a circular needle would be cumbersome.
How do I prevent laddering when using double point needles?
To prevent laddering when using double point needles, you can try tightening the first stitch of each needle, using a smaller needle to work the first stitch of each needle, or using a technique called “jogless join” to minimize the appearance of laddering.