Knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a technique used to create a seamless tube or circular shape for various knitting projects such as hats, socks, and mittens. In this method, a set of double-pointed needles are used, and the stitches are distributed evenly across the needles, forming a circular formation. This method is popular among knitters who prefer not to use circular needles or for projects with small circumference.
The Basics of Knitting in the Round with Double Pointed Needles
Knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a technique used to create seamless tubes of knitting. It’s a popular technique for knitting hats, socks, and sleeves. Double pointed needles come in sets of four or five, and each needle has a point on both ends. The stitches are divided evenly between the needles, and the work is joined in the round.
Choosing the Right Needles
The right needles make a big difference in your knitting experience. Consider the size of your project, the yarn you are using, and your knitting style. Generally, you want to choose needles that are the same size as the circumference of your project. For example, if you are knitting a hat with a 20-inch circumference, you would use size 8 double pointed needles.
Casting On
To cast on for knitting in the round with double pointed needles, you will need to use a circular or long-tail cast on. You will cast on the number of stitches required for your pattern, then divide them evenly between the needles. Make sure the stitches are not twisted before joining in the round.
Tips and Techniques for Knitting in the Round with Double Pointed Needles
Knitting in the round with double pointed needles can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Here are some tips and techniques to help you get started:
Knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a popular technique for creating seamless tubes of knitting, such as hats, socks, and sleeves. When choosing the right needles, consider the size of your project, the yarn you are using, and your knitting style. To avoid common mistakes, such as twisted stitches, dropping stitches, uneven tension, and tangling, use stitch markers, keep your tension even, and remember to switch needles. With practice, knitting in the round with double pointed needles becomes second nature.
Marking Your Place
It can be easy to lose your place when knitting in the round with double pointed needles, especially if you are using a complicated stitch pattern. To keep track of where you are, use stitch markers to indicate the beginning of the round or the end of a repeat.
Managing Your Stitches
To avoid laddering, which is when there is a gap between the needles, make sure to pull your stitches tight when you switch needles. You can also rearrange your stitches on the needles to prevent them from slipping off.
Using a Magic Loop
If you don’t like using double pointed needles, you can use a magic loop technique to knit in the round with a circular needle. This technique involves using a long circular needle and dividing the stitches into two sections.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Knitting in the round with double pointed needles can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Twisted Stitches
If your stitches are twisted when joining in the round, your project will be twisted and won’t lay flat. To avoid this, make sure your stitches are not twisted before joining in the round.
Dropping Stitches
Dropping a stitch can be frustrating, but it’s easy to fix. Use a crochet hook or a spare double pointed needle to pick up the dropped stitch, then knit it back into place.
Uneven Tension
Uneven tension can make your knitting look sloppy. To avoid this, make sure to keep your tension even throughout your project.
Joining in the Round
To join your work in the round, place a stitch marker on the first stitch of your round. This will help you keep track of where you are in your work. Then, place the last stitch of your cast on onto the first needle. Join the work by knitting the first stitch of the cast on with the last stitch of the cast on, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Avoiding Tangling
Double pointed needles can be prone to tangling. To avoid this, use a rubber band or hair tie to keep your needles together when you’re not using them. You can also keep your work in a project bag or container to prevent it from getting tangled.
Forgetting to Switch Needles
When knitting in the round with double pointed needles, it’s important to remember to switch needles so that you don’t end up knitting onto the wrong needle. To avoid this, make a habit of checking which needle you should be knitting onto.
Mixing Up Your Rounds
It can be easy to lose track of which round you’re on when knitting in the round with double pointed needles, especially if your pattern has a lot of rounds. To avoid this, use a row counter or keep track of your rounds on a piece of paper.
FAQs – Knitting in the Round with Double Pointed Needles
What are double pointed needles and how do I use them for knitting in the round?
Double pointed needles, also known as DPNs, are knitting needles with pointed tips on both ends. They come in sets of four or five needles and are typically used to knit in the round for small circular projects like hats, mittens, and socks. To use DPNs for knitting in the round, you start by casting on the desired number of stitches onto one needle. Then, you divide the stitches evenly onto three or four needles by sliding them over, making sure not to twist the stitches. Finally, join the stitches in the round by knitting the first stitch from the first needle with the last stitch from the last needle.
How do I prevent laddering when using DPNs for knitting?
Laddering is a common issue when knitting in the round with DPNs and occurs when there is a gap between the stitches where the needles meet. To prevent laddering, make sure to knit the first stitch on a new needle tightly. You can also try redistributing the stitches so that the first stitch on each needle is a knit stitch, and the last stitch is a purl stitch. This will make it easier to tighten the yarn at the junction between the needles, which should help eliminate laddering.
What is the best way to join cast-on stitches when knitting in the round with DPNs?
When joining cast-on stitches, make sure to double-check that your stitches are not twisted. Once confirmed, slip the first stitch from the last needle onto the working needle, being careful not to twist the stitch. Then, slip the working needle through the first stitch you cast on and join them by knitting or purling, depending on your pattern. This should join the stitches in the round and create a smooth, seamless join.
How many stitches do I need to cast on for knitting in the round with DPNs?
The number of stitches required will depend on the pattern you are working on, the size of the project, and the gauge of your yarn. It’s important to follow the pattern’s instructions for the appropriate stitch count and to make sure that your stitches are divisible by the number of needles you are using. For example, if you are using four needles, make sure your stitch count is divisible by four. This will help you divide the stitches evenly between the needles and create a smooth, circular shape.
Is it difficult to use DPNs for knitting in the round?
Using DPNs for knitting in the round does take some practice, especially if you are new to knitting in the round. However, many knitters find that using DPNs is easier and faster than using circular needles for small projects. There are also many online tutorials and videos available that can help you learn how to use DPNs effectively. With some practice and patience, you should be able to master the technique and create beautiful, seamless projects.
