Knitting in the round is a technique that allows you to create seamless, tubular projects such as hats, cowls, and socks. While it may seem intimidating at first, learning how to knit in the round is actually quite simple and can be a fun and rewarding skill to have. In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the basics of knitting in the round, from choosing the right needles and yarn to working various stitch patterns.
Choosing the Right Needles and Yarn
Before you start knitting in the round, it’s important to choose the right materials for your project. Circular needles are typically used for knitting in the round, as they allow you to hold a large number of stitches more comfortably. They come in various lengths, so be sure to choose one that is suitable for the circumference of your project.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have circular needles, you can also use double-pointed needles or the magic loop method.
As for the yarn, look for a fiber that is suitable for your desired project. Worsted weight yarn is a good choice for beginners, as it is easy to work with and creates a nice, evenly textured fabric. Choose a yarn color that you love and grab a pair of knitting needles that are appropriate for the yarn weight.
Choosing the Right Supplies
When learning how to knit in the round, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand. Here are some key items you’ll need:
- Circular Needles: The most important supply for knitting in the round is a set of circular needles. These needles have a flexible cable connecting two needle tips, allowing you to knit in a round. Choose a size that’s appropriate for your project.
- Yarn: Selecting the right yarn is essential for your knitting project. Look for a yarn that’s suitable for the pattern you’re using and that works well with your chosen needle size. Different yarns can give your project different textures and finishes.
- Tape Measure: A tape measure is essential for taking accurate measurements of your work. This is especially important if you’re following a pattern that requires specific dimensions.
- Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are used to mark specific points in your knitting. They can be helpful for keeping track of your progress in the round and for marking pattern instructions. You can choose from various types of stitch markers, such as removable or fixed markers.
- Darning Needle: A darning needle is used for weaving in ends and seaming your finished project. Be sure to choose a needle that’s appropriate for the yarn weight you’re using.
- Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for any knitting project. They’ll come in handy for cutting yarn and trimming any loose ends.
Additional Supplies: Depending on your project, you may also need additional supplies such as stitch holders, cable needles, or a row counter. These tools can be helpful for more complex knitting patterns.
By having the right supplies at hand, you’ll be well-prepared to start your knitting in the round project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, having the right tools will make your knitting experience more enjoyable and successful.
Casting On in the Round
Before you can start knitting in the round, you need to cast on your stitches. Casting on in the round is slightly different from casting on for flat knitting, as you will be creating a loop of stitches that will form the basis of your project.
1. Choose your casting on method:
There are several different methods for casting on in the round. One popular method is the long-tail cast on. This method creates a stretchy edge, which is ideal for many projects. Another method is the knitted cast on, which is simpler and creates a firmer edge.
2. Determine the number of stitches:
Before you cast on, you need to determine how many stitches you need for your project. This will depend on the pattern you are following or the size of the item you are knitting. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and double-check your stitch count.
3. Create a slipknot:
To start your cast on, create a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn and pulling the end through. Place the slipknot on your knitting needle and tighten it slightly.
4. Cast on your stitches:
Using your chosen casting on method, begin adding stitches to your knitting needle. Insert the needle into the slipknot and create the first stitch. Continue casting on until you have the desired number of stitches.
5. Join your stitches:
Once you have cast on all your stitches, you can join them in the round. Carefully slide the stitches from the needle onto the cable of your circular needle, making sure not to twist them. Bring the working yarn up between the first and last stitch to create a continuous loop of stitches.
6. Begin knitting:
Now that you have cast on and joined your stitches, you are ready to start knitting in the round. Follow the pattern instructions or your desired stitch pattern to begin working on your project.
With these steps, you should have no problem casting on in the round and starting your knitting project. Practice your casting on technique and soon you’ll be knitting in the round like a pro!
Joining in the Round
Joining in the round is the first step in knitting a project in the round. This technique is used when you want to create a seamless tube, such as a hat or a sock.
To join in the round, follow these steps:
- Cast on the required number of stitches for your project.
- Make sure that the stitches are not twisted, and arrange them on the circular needles.
- Hold the circular needles in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
- With the working yarn, knit the first stitch of the cast-on row.
- Continue knitting the rest of the cast-on row, making sure not to twist the stitches.
- When you reach the end of the cast-on row, you will have completed one round.
At this point, you can place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. This will help you keep track of your progress.
Once you have joined in the round, you will continue knitting in a spiral, without turning the work. This means that the right side of the work will always be facing you.
Joining in the round can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Make sure to take your time and double-check that the stitches are not twisted before you begin knitting the first round.
With these steps, you are now ready to start knitting your project in the round. Happy knitting!
Working the Round
Knitting in the round is a technique that involves working in a continuous spiral instead of back and forth rows. It is commonly used to create seamless hats, socks, and other tubular or round-shaped projects. In this section, we will discuss the basic steps for working in the round.
Before you begin knitting in the round, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Use circular or double-pointed needles: To knit in the round, you will need either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs). Circular needles are great for larger projects, while DPNs are commonly used for smaller, tight-knit projects.
- Join the round: To knit in the round, you need to join the first and last stitch of your cast-on row, creating a seamless circle.
- Read your pattern: If you are following a pattern, make sure to read the instructions carefully. The pattern will indicate whether you need to adjust your stitches or follow any specific techniques while knitting in the round.
Once you have these basics down, you’re ready to start working in the round. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Cast on: Begin by casting on the required number of stitches onto your circular or double-pointed needles. Make sure to join the first and last stitch to form a continuous circle.
- Knit every round: In most simple patterns, you will knit every round to create a stockinette stitch, which gives your project a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Use markers: To keep track of your progress and any increases or decreases in your pattern, you can use stitch markers. Place markers at specific intervals as indicated in your pattern.
- Continue knitting: Keep working in the round, following the instructions and pattern as you go. Make sure to maintain an even tension and avoid any gaps or loose stitches.
- Bind off: Once you have completed the desired length or reached the end of your pattern, bind off the stitches to finish your project. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to weave in later.
Working in the round can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more intuitive. By following these steps and practicing different techniques, you’ll be able to confidently knit in the round and create a variety of beautiful seamless projects.
Increasing and Decreasing in the Round
Once you have mastered knitting in the round, it’s time to take your skills to the next level by learning how to increase and decrease your stitches. These techniques allow you to shape your knitting and create interesting patterns and designs.
To increase stitches in the round, there are a few different methods you can use. One common method is the yarn over (YO) increase. To do this, simply wrap the yarn around the needle as if you were going to knit a stitch, but instead of inserting the needle into a stitch, you keep the yarn loop on the needle. On the next round, when you come to the yarn over, you knit it as a regular stitch, creating a new stitch.
Another method of increasing stitches is the make one (M1) increase. To do this, you use the tip of the right needle to pick up the horizontal strand of yarn between the stitch just worked and the next stitch on the left needle. Then, you knit into the back of the picked up strand to create a new stitch.
When it comes to decreasing stitches in the round, the most common method is the knit two together (K2tog) decrease. To do this, simply insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle as if to knit and knit them together as one stitch.
Another commonly used decrease is the slip, slip, knit (SSK) decrease. To do this, slip the next stitch knitwise onto the right needle, then slip the following stitch knitwise as well. Insert the left needle into the fronts of the slipped stitches and knit them together.
It’s important to keep track of your increases and decreases in order to maintain the desired stitch count and shape of your knitting. You may find it helpful to use stitch markers or write down your increases and decreases as you go.
By mastering increasing and decreasing in the round, you will have even more flexibility and creative possibilities in your knitting projects. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different techniques to achieve the results you want.
Changing Colors in the Round
Changing colors in the round is a technique that allows you to create different colored patterns and designs in your knitting. This technique is often used in projects such as hats, socks, and amigurumi. Here are the steps to change colors when knitting in the round:
- Knit to the point where you want to change colors: Before you start the round where you want to change colors, knit until you reach the stitch just before the point where you want the new color to begin.
- Hold the new color: Take the new color yarn and hold it in your right hand, leaving a tail that is long enough to weave in later. You can also use a yarn bowl or yarn holder to keep your colors organized.
- Join the new color: Insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to knit, but instead of knitting with the old color yarn, use the new color yarn to knit the stitch. This will create a smooth color transition.
- Carry the old color along: To prevent loose loops or gaps between the colors, carry the old color yarn along the inside of the work as you knit the new color. This is called “carrying the yarn” or “stranding.”
- Weave in the yarn ends: Once you have completed your project, weave in the yarn ends to secure them. You can use a yarn needle to thread the yarn ends through the stitches on the wrong side of your work.
Note: When changing colors in the round, it’s important to maintain an even tension to ensure that your fabric stays smooth and doesn’t pucker. Practice the technique on a small swatch before starting a larger project to become comfortable with the color changes.
With these steps, you can easily change colors in the round and create beautiful designs in your knitting projects. Experiment with different color combinations and patterns to make your projects unique!
Finishing Off and Binding Off
After completing your knitting project in the round, you will need to finish off and bind off to secure your stitches and prevent them from unraveling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to finish off and bind off:
- Finish Off: To finish off, cut the yarn, leaving a tail that is at least 6 inches long. Thread the tail through a yarn needle.
- Securing the Stitch: Insert the yarn needle into the next stitch as if to purl, and pull the yarn through.
- Weaving in the Tail: To prevent the tail from coming undone, weave it in and out of the stitches on the wrong side of your work. Make sure to weave in the tail for at least an inch or two to ensure it is secure.
Once you have finished off your project, you can move on to binding off.
- Binding Off: To bind off, knit the first two stitches.
- Passing the First Stitch Over: Using your left-hand needle, lift the first stitch on the right-hand needle over the second stitch and off the needle, dropping it.
- Knitting the Next Stitch: Knit one more stitch, and repeat step 5.
- Repeat: Continue knitting one stitch and passing the previous stitch over until only one stitch remains on the right-hand needle.
- Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last stitch. Pull tight to secure.
Finishing off and binding off properly will give your knitting project a neat and professional-looking edge. Practice these techniques, and soon you’ll become an expert at finishing off and binding off in the round!
FAQ:
What is knitting in the round?
Knitting in the round is a technique where you use circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles to create a seamless tube of fabric. Instead of knitting back and forth like you would with straight needles, you continuously knit in a spiral.
What kind of projects can you make with knitting in the round?
Knitting in the round is great for making hats, scarves, socks, sweaters, and other projects that require a seamless construction. It’s versatile and can be used for both small and large projects.
What are the advantages of knitting in the round?
Knitting in the round eliminates the need to sew seams, which can be time-consuming and give a less polished look to your finished project. It also allows you to easily create tubes of fabric, which is useful for making items like socks or hats.
Do I need special needles for knitting in the round?
Yes, you will need circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles. Circular needles have two needle tips connected by a flexible cable, while double-pointed needles are shorter and have points at each end. These types of needles are designed specifically for knitting in the round.
Is knitting in the round difficult for beginners?
Knitting in the round can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with practice, it becomes easier. The most challenging part is joining your stitches in the round without twisting them, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
Are there any tips for knitting in the round?
One tip is to use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each round. This will help you keep track of where you are in your project. It’s also important to make sure your stitches are not twisted when you join them in the round, as this can cause your project to be misshapen.
Can I knit in the round with straight needles?
No, knitting in the round requires either circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles. Straight needles are not suitable for this technique as they do not allow you to create a continuous spiral of stitches.