how to knit in the round using double pointed needles

3 min read 27-01-2025

how to knit in the round using double pointed needles

Knitting in the round creates seamless tubes of fabric, perfect for socks, hats, sweaters, and more! While circular needles are popular, double pointed needles (DPNs) offer a great alternative, especially for smaller projects. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from getting started to mastering common techniques.

Getting Started: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin your knitting adventure, gather the following:

Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): Choose a needle size appropriate for your yarn and pattern. Start with a set of four or five needles. The number you need depends on the circumference of your project. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Yarn: Select a yarn weight and fiber content suitable for your project.
Stitch Markers: These help keep track of your rounds and pattern repeats.
Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
Yarn Needle (optional): For weaving in loose ends.

Casting On Your Stitches

There are several ways to cast on stitches, but the long-tail cast-on is a popular choice for knitting in the round. This method creates a stretchy and relatively invisible cast-on edge. Plenty of online tutorials can walk you through this technique if you need more detail.

Once you’ve cast on the required number of stitches, distribute them evenly among your four needles. For example, if you cast on 60 stitches, you’ll aim for approximately 15 stitches on each needle.

Knitting Your First Round

Hold your needles as you would for knitting flat. Begin knitting on one needle, working across all the stitches on that needle. When you reach the end of the first needle, carefully transfer the stitches to the next needle and continue knitting.

Tip: Keep your tension consistent throughout to avoid uneven fabric.

Working with Four Needles

Here's a breakdown of knitting with four DPNs:

Needle 1: Knit across all the stitches on the first needle.
Needle 2: Transfer the stitches from Needle 1 to Needle 2. Knit across the stitches on Needle 2.
Needle 3: Transfer the stitches from Needle 2 to Needle 3. Knit across the stitches on Needle 3.
Needle 4: Transfer the stitches from Needle 3 to Needle 4. Knit across the stitches on Needle 4.
Needle 1 (again): Transfer the stitches from Needle 4 back to Needle 1. You've completed one round!

Common Challenges and Solutions

Dropping Stitches: This is a common problem with DPNs. Work slowly and carefully, keeping a consistent tension to minimize dropped stitches.
Twisted Stitches: Ensure that you are knitting into the front loop of each stitch to avoid twisting.
Uneven Tension: Practice maintaining consistent tension across all your needles. This will create a more even fabric.

Tip: For larger projects, consider using five DPNs, especially if you are using bulky yarn. It distributes the weight and makes the needles easier to maneuver.

Increasing and Decreasing Stitches

Increasing and decreasing stitches in the round using DPNs is slightly different from knitting flat. These techniques are essential for shaping your project. Many patterns will specify where and how to increase or decrease. Common methods include:

Increases: M1 (make one) increases, which create a new stitch from the yarn between two stitches.
Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) decreases, which combine two stitches into one.

Joining and Finishing

Once you've completed your project, carefully transfer all the stitches onto one needle. Bind off loosely. Weave in any loose ends with a yarn needle.

Beyond the Basics: Magic Loop

The magic loop technique uses a single long circular needle to knit in the round. It's a fantastic alternative to DPNs, especially for larger projects. While this guide focuses on DPNs, exploring the magic loop is highly recommended as you progress.

Conclusion

Knitting in the round using double pointed needles might seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Start with a simple project and don't be afraid to experiment. Soon you'll be creating beautiful seamless pieces! Remember to embrace the learning process; every knitter drops a stitch or two along the way. Happy knitting!