If you’ve ever wanted to take your knitting skills to the next level, learning how to knit in a circle is a great way to do it. Knitting in the round opens up a whole new world of possibilities, from making hats and socks to creating seamless garments. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of knitting in a circle, so you can start creating beautiful and functional knitting projects.
Before you begin, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Firstly, you’ll need circular knitting needles. These are different from regular straight knitting needles because they have a flexible cable connecting the two needle tips. You’ll also need some yarn, preferably a medium weight yarn, and a set of stitch markers to help keep track of your rounds. Once you have your supplies ready, you’re all set to start learning how to knit in a circle.
To begin, cast on the desired number of stitches onto your circular knitting needles. Make sure to leave a long enough tail so you can weave it in later. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, so they’re all bunched up and ready to go. With the working yarn, make sure to join the round by knitting the first stitch you cast on, being careful not to twist the stitches. You can place a stitch marker here to mark the start of your round.
Now, it’s time to start knitting in the round. Hold the needle with the cast on stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand. Insert the tip of the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle, just as you would for regular knitting. Wrap the working yarn around the needle tip and pull it through the stitch, creating a new loop on the left needle. Slip the original stitch off the right needle, and you’ve just completed one round of knitting in the round!
Learning how to knit in a circle may take some practice to get used to, but once you have the hang of it, you’ll be able to create all sorts of projects, from hats and cowls to sweaters and blankets. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s start knitting in a circle!
Choosing the Right Yarn and Needles
When starting a knitting project in a circle, it is important to choose the right yarn and needles to ensure success. Here are some factors to consider:
Yarn
- Weight: Select a yarn weight that is appropriate for your project. Thicker yarns will create larger and bulkier stitches, while thinner yarns will create smaller and more delicate stitches.
- Fiber: Different fibers have different properties, such as warmth, durability, and drape. Consider the characteristics you desire in your finished project and choose a fiber that matches your preferences.
- Color: Choose a color or combination of colors that you love. Consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve with your project.
Needles
- Type: Circular knitting requires the use of circular needles. These needles have two needle tips connected by a flexible cable.
- Size: The size of your needles will determine the gauge and the size of your stitches. Check the recommended needle size for your chosen yarn and adjust as needed to achieve the desired tension.
- Length: Circular needles come in various lengths. Choose a length that comfortably accommodates the number of stitches in your project. Shorter needles are ideal for smaller projects or projects with a small number of stitches, while longer needles are better suited for larger projects or projects with a larger number of stitches.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the right yarn and needles, you will set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable knitting experience in the round.
Casting On Stitches
Casting on stitches is the process of creating the first row of loops on your knitting needle. This is the foundation of your project and sets the stage for the rest of your knitting.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cast on stitches:
- Hold the yarn. Take the end of the yarn and hold it in your right hand. Make sure you have enough yarn to comfortably cast on the desired number of stitches.
- Create a slipknot. Using your left hand, create a loop with the end of the yarn, crossing the yarn over itself. Insert your right hand through the loop, grab the yarn, and pull it through to create a slipknot. Tighten the slipknot by pulling the yarn ends.
- Hold the slipknot. Place the slipknot on your left knitting needle and hold it with your left hand. The needle should be pointing towards the right.
- Insert the right needle. With your right hand, insert the tip of the empty knitting needle into the slipknot from left to right.
- Wrap the yarn. With your right hand, wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise.
- Pull through the loop. Using your right needle, pull the wrapped yarn through the slipknot loop and slip the new loop onto the right needle.
- Repeat. Repeat steps 4-6 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
Once you have cast on all the stitches, you are ready to begin knitting in the round. Thoroughly understanding the casting on process is essential for a successful knitting project.
Joining the Round
Joining the round is an important step in knitting in a circle. It allows you to create a seamless and continuous piece of fabric, such as a hat or a cowl. Here’s how to join the round:
- Start by casting on the required number of stitches for your project, using your preferred cast-on method.
- Make sure your stitches are not twisted and that the cast-on edge is facing up. Place a stitch marker on the right-hand needle to mark the beginning of the round.
- Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand, and the empty needle in your left hand.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from left to right.
- With the yarn attached to the ball, bring it over the right-hand needle and hold it in your right hand.
- With your right hand, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle in a counterclockwise motion.
- Pull the loop of yarn through the stitch, transferring it from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 4-7 until all the stitches have been transferred to the right-hand needle.
- Give the knitting needle with the empty stitches a slight tug to make sure all the stitches are snug and there are no gaps between them.
- Remove the stitch marker, as it is no longer needed.
- Continue knitting in the round, following your pattern instructions.
Joining the round can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Remember to always pay attention to the direction of your stitches and keep your tension consistent. Happy knitting!
Knitting the First Round
Now that you have cast on your stitches and joined them in a circle, it’s time to start knitting your first round. Follow these steps to get started:
- Hold your needle with the cast-on stitches in your dominant hand and the empty needle in your non-dominant hand.
- Make sure the working yarn is coming from the back of your work, between the two needles.
- Insert the empty needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from front to back. The empty needle should be behind the working yarn.
- Using your dominant hand, wrap the working yarn around the empty needle counterclockwise.
- With the tip of the empty needle, pull the wrapped working yarn through the stitch, bringing it to the front of your work.
- Slip the stitch off the left-hand needle, transferring it to the right-hand needle. You have just completed your first knit stitch.
- Continue knitting each stitch in the same manner until you have completed the entire round.
- After knitting each stitch, make sure to pull the working yarn snugly to avoid any gaps in your work.
Note: When knitting in the round, you will always be working on the right side of your project, so there’s no need to turn your work.
Remember to take your time and practice these steps until you feel comfortable with them. Knitting in the round can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll become more proficient.
Increasing Stitches
When knitting in a circle, you may need to increase stitches in order to shape your project. There are several methods you can use to increase stitches, depending on the desired effect and your knitting pattern.
1. Knit Front and Back (KFB): This is a commonly used method to increase stitches. To do this, knit a stitch as usual, but before slipping it off the left needle, insert the right needle into the back of the same stitch and knit it again. This creates two stitches from one.
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2. Make One (M1): This method is used to create a new stitch without leaving a visible hole. To make one, insert the left needle from front to back into the strand of yarn between the last stitch worked and the next stitch on the left needle. Then, knit into the back of this strand.
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3. Yarn Over (YO): This method is commonly used to create decorative eyelets in lace knitting, but can also be used to increase stitches. To do a yarn over, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work (if it’s not already there), then take it over the right needle to the back. On the next row, you will knit or purl into this yarn over to create a new stitch.
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These are just a few of the methods you can use to increase stitches when knitting in a circle. Experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired shape and appearance for your project.
Changing Colors
Changing colors in knitting can add a beautiful and interesting touch to your projects. It allows you to incorporate different shades and create visually appealing patterns.
Here are the basic steps to follow when changing colors:
- Finish the row: Before changing colors, make sure to complete the current row or round.
- Prepare the new color: Cut the working yarn, leaving a tail of approximately 6 inches. Take the new color and make a slip knot at the end.
- Join the new color: Insert the right needle into the first stitch using the new color yarn. Hold the old color and the new color together, and knit the stitch as normal.
- Weaving in ends: After changing colors, you will have two yarn ends hanging from your work. To prevent them from unraveling, weave them in using a tapestry needle. Make sure to weave them in securely by going back and forth through several stitches.
When working in the round, the process is slightly different:
- Finish the round: Before changing colors, complete the current round.
- Prepare the new color: Cut the working yarn, leaving a tail of approximately 6 inches. Take the new color and make a slip knot at the end.
- Join the new color: Insert the right needle into the first stitch using the new color yarn. Hold the old color and the new color together, and knit the stitch as normal.
- Weaving in ends: After changing colors, you will have two yarn ends hanging from your work. To prevent them from unraveling, weave them in using a tapestry needle. Make sure to weave them in securely by going back and forth through several stitches.
By following these simple steps, you can easily change colors in your knitting projects and create beautiful designs. Have fun experimenting with different color combinations!
Knitting in the Round: Tips and Tricks
Knitting in the round is a popular technique that allows you to create seamless projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master this versatile knitting method.
- Choose the right needles: When knitting in the round, you can use either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle. DPNs are ideal for small projects, while circular needles are more convenient for larger ones. Make sure to select the appropriate needle size for your yarn to achieve the desired tension.
- Joining in the round: To start knitting in the round, cast on your desired number of stitches and arrange them evenly on your needles. Before joining, make sure the stitches are not twisted. To join, bring the first stitch from the left needle to the right needle, being careful not to twist the stitches. This creates a circle of stitches.
- Mark the beginning of the round: Placing a marker at the beginning of the round can help you keep track of your progress. You can use a commercial stitch marker or simply a loop of contrasting yarn. Move the marker up as you knit each round to easily identify the start of the next round.
- Managing your yarn: When knitting in the round, you can either knit with a single color or work with multiple colors for colorwork projects. To prevent yarn tangling, it is helpful to keep your yarn skeins or balls organized and untangled. You can use yarn bowls, project bags, or even homemade yarn holders to keep your yarns neat and accessible.
- Dealing with jog: The transition between rounds in circular knitting often results in a noticeable step or jog. To minimize this jog, you can employ various techniques such as jogless stripes or adding a decorative stitch to disguise it. Experiment with different methods and see what works best for your project.
- Use stitch markers: Stitch markers are essential tools when working on complex patterns or increasing/decreasing stitches. Place stitch markers at specific intervals to help you keep track of stitch counts or identify pattern repeats. These markers can save you from counting stitches repeatedly and make your knitting more efficient.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert in knitting in the round. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques to make your projects unique and beautiful!
Binding Off and Finishing
Once you have completed your knitting project in the round, it’s time to bind off and finish your work. Binding off creates a finished edge and secures the stitches so they don’t unravel.
To bind off in the round, follow these steps:
- Knit the first two stitches of the round.
- Place the left needle into the front of the first stitch on the right needle.
- Lift this stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, as if you were doing a regular bind off.
- Knit the next stitch.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until you have one stitch left on the right needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Thread the tail through the last stitch, pull tight to secure.
Congratulations! You have successfully bound off your work. To finish, weave in the loose ends by using a yarn needle to thread them through the back of the stitches. Trim any excess yarn.
If your project requires seaming, such as for a hat or a pair of mittens, use a yarn needle and matching yarn to sew the seams together. Make sure to sew with the right sides facing each other for a neater finish.
Now that you know how to bind off and finish your knitting projects in the round, you can confidently tackle circular knitting patterns and create beautiful seamless garments and accessories.
FAQ:
What materials do I need to knit in a circle?
To knit in a circle, you will need a set of knitting needles, preferably in a circular shape, and a ball of yarn. You may also need stitch markers to help keep track of your stitches.
Can I knit in a circle using straight needles?
While it is technically possible to knit in a circle using straight needles, it can be more challenging. It is easier and more efficient to use circular knitting needles, especially for larger projects.
What is the magic loop method?
The magic loop method is a technique used to knit in a small circumference, such as a sleeve or a sock, using a long circular needle. It involves dividing your stitches onto two needle tips and pulling out the cable to create a loop, hence the name “magic loop.”
How do I cast on when knitting in a circle?
To cast on when knitting in a circle, you can use any of the common cast-on methods, such as the long-tail cast on or the knitted cast on. The only difference is that you will be joining your cast-on edge to form a circle.
How do I join my work when knitting in a circle?
To join your work when knitting in a circle, you will need to bring the first and last stitch together. This can be done by either slipping the first stitch onto the right needle and knitting the second stitch, or by knitting the first and last stitch together, depending on the pattern instructions.
What are the benefits of knitting in a circle?
Knitting in a circle allows you to create seamless projects, such as hats, sweaters, and cowls, without the need for sewing seams. It also eliminates the need to purl, as you are always working on the right side of your project.
Can I use double-pointed needles instead of circular needles to knit in a circle?
Yes, you can use double-pointed needles (DPNs) instead of circular needles to knit in a circle. DPNs are often used for smaller projects, such as socks or gloves, where the circumference is too small for circular needles. To use DPNs, you will divide your stitches onto three or four needles and work with one needle at a time.