Mastering the Art of Knitting in the Round: A Guide to Using Double Pointed Needles

Are you looking to expand your knitting skills and create seamless, circular designs? Look no further – double pointed needles are here to help! This versatile tool allows you to knit in the round, perfect for projects such as hats, socks, and gloves. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of knitting in the round with double pointed needles. From choosing the right needles to avoiding common mistakes, get ready to master this essential technique and take your knitting to the next level. Let’s dive in!

Knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a popular technique among knitters, allowing them to create seamless tubular knitted pieces such as hats, socks, and sleeves. While it may seem intimidating at first, mastering this technique can open up a whole new world of knitting possibilities. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of knitting in the round with double pointed needles and provide expert tips to help you perfect this technique.

What are Double Pointed Needles?

Double pointed needles (DPNs) are long, thin needles with points on both ends. They come in sets of four or five and are commonly used for knitting in the round. These needles are commonly made from wood, metal, or plastic and can vary in length depending on the project at hand.

One of the main benefits of using DPNs is that they allow you to knit seamless tube-shaped projects without any seams to sew up later. This makes them an excellent choice for creating different types of accessories such as socks, mittens, sleeves, and even seamless baby clothes. Additionally, DPNs provide greater control over your stitches compared to other methods of knitting in the round.

How to Prepare Your Double Pointed Needles

Before beginning your project, you need to prepare your DPNs by either cast-on stitches or move stitches from another needle onto them. There are various methods for doing this but here is one common way:

Step 1: Take your first needle and thread it into one end of your yarn.

Step 2: Hold the tip of the needle with the working yarn in front of you.

Step 3: Wrap your working yarn around your right hand’s middle and ring fingers twice while keeping tension.

Step 4: Use your left hand’s index finger and thumb to grasp each loop on your right hand’s fingers’ side.

Step 5: Transfer the loops on your fingers to the first needle by sliding them onto its tip.

Step 6: Remove your fingers from the loops and hold onto the two needles’ tips.

How to Cast-on Stitches with Double Pointed Needles

Once you have prepared your DPNs, you can start casting on stitches by following these steps:

Step 1: Hold your prepared needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and rest it on a flat surface or in your lap, whichever is more comfortable.

Step 2: Take a second DPN and insert it into the first stitch farthest away from you. Hold the second needle under your left thumb’s tip while wrapping yarn around it using an anti-clockwise motion.

Step 3: Go under left-hand DPN above it to wrap around another stitch, then transfer that loop onto the left-hand needle.

Step 4: Repeat this process until all stitches from your right-hand needle have been transferred to the first needle.

Step 5: Once all stitches have been transferred, line up all DPNs parallel to get started knitting in rounds.

How to Knit in Rounds with Double Pointed Needles

Whether you’re working on a hat, sleeve or sock, knitting in rounds with DPNs follows a similar process. Follow these steps for a smooth knitting experience:

Step 1: Once you have cast-on all desired stitches on multiple double pointed needles, join them together by bringing both ends of your first round and moving any edge unfastened stitches closer together. This step is essential because without doing it, there’ll be one twisted knit that’ll make turning impossible at one point.

Step 2: Place stitch markers between sections of pattern or at the point where you joined them after completing step; this will help track how much distance has been covered since joining.

Step 3: Hold the needle with the working yarn in your left hand and pinched for stability between your hip and/or one of your legs’ upper parts. If you’re working on multiple DPNs, use a few rubber bands to keep them together.

Step 4: Now use your right-hand needle to “pick” the first (farthest right) stitch on the left-hand needle’s bottom by moving it from the back of it to transfer onto the right-hand needle’s clockwise motion.

Step 5: Cast on each stitch depending on how many stitches such as ribbing or stockinette stitch pattern without turning it will essentially be screwing/unwrapping multiple needles together while in a linear position from/to the right side using hands maintaining forward direction copying patterns, like direct knitting till all stitches have been transferred to respective circles. Repeat this process until you’ve completed desired rows or rounds or reached end of first circle with few stitches located in one back-and-forth/transferring motion of double pointed needles.

Mastering knitting in rounds with double pointed needles may take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can create seamless, continuous projects without any messy seams. With these expert tips and techniques, you can confidently incorporate D

What Are Double Pointed Needles?

Double pointed needles, also known as DPNs, are a type of knitting needle that tapers at both ends. They are typically made out of wood, metal, or plastic and come in a variety of sizes. DPNs are most commonly used for knitting in the round, but can also be used for creating small circumference items such as sleeves or socks. Unlike circular needles which have two pointed ends connected by a cable, DPNs allow you to work with multiple needles at once.

Benefits of Knitting in the Round With DPNs

There are several benefits to using double pointed needles for knitting in the round:

No Seams: When using DPNs, there is no need to sew seams together since you are working in a continuous circle. This makes the finished project look much neater and saves time.
Mobility: The use of multiple needles allows you to knit smaller items without having to switch to another set of circular needles. This makes it easier to take your project on-the-go.
Flexibility: Unlike using circular needles where you may be limited by the length of the cable, DPNs allow you to manipulate your stitches more freely.
Cost Effective: Double pointed needles tend to be less expensive than purchasing multiple circular needles in various sizes.

Tips for Using Double Pointed Needles

Selecting Your Needles: In order for your knitting in the round project to be successful, it is important to choose double pointed needles that are suitable for your yarn weight. As a general rule, choose a needle size slightly smaller than the recommended size for straight needle knitting.
Stitch Markers: When working with DPNs, stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your rounds. Place them between needles to mark the beginning and/or end of a round.
Tightly Wound Stitches: It is common for stitches to be tightly wound on the first few needles. To avoid this, distribute your stitches evenly onto four needles before joining in the round.
Straight Needle Conversion: If you are more comfortable knitting with straight needles, you can easily adapt any pattern to work on DPNs by simply dividing your stitches evenly onto four needles and working as if they were just two longer needles in the round.

How To Knit In The Round With Double Pointed Needles

Now that you have your DPNs and yarn ready, it’s time to start knitting in the round. Follow these simple steps:

Casting On: Begin by casting on your desired number of stitches onto one needle.
Distributing Stitches: Once you have cast on all your stitches, distribute them evenly onto four DPNs. For example, if you cast on 40 stitches, place 10 stitches on each needle.
J oining In The Round: Hold all four needles with the right sides facing outwards and use a fifth DPN to knit the first stitch from the first needle onto the last stitch from the fourth needle. This will join your work into a circle.
K nitting In The Round: Continue to knit in the round using your preferred stitches until you have completed your desired number of rounds. Remember to use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each round.
Binding Off: To finish your project, you will need to bind off your stitches. This can be done in the same way as if you were working with straight needles by knitting two stitches, then using the left needle to pull the first stitch on the right needle over the second stitch and off the needle. Repeat this process until all stitches have been bound off.

Caring for Your Double Pointed Needles

With proper care, your DPNs can last for many projects. Here are a few tips for maintaining their quality:

Storage: Always store your needles in a case or pouch to prevent them from getting damaged. Avoid storing them in extreme temperatures or in direct sunlight.
Cleaning: Keep your DPNs clean by wiping them with a soft cloth after each use. If they become very dirty, you can wash them gently with mild soap and warm water, then let them air dry completely before use.1. What are double pointed needles and how are they used for knitting in the round?
Double pointed needles (DPNs) are knitting needles with pointed ends on both sides, typically sold in sets of four or five. They are used to knit in the round, meaning you are able to create tubular shaped projects such as socks, hats, and sleeves without having to seam them.

2. How many stitches do I need on each needle when using DPNs for knitting in the round?
The number of stitches on each needle depends on your specific pattern and the size of your project. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim for an equal number of stitches on each needle to ensure an even distribution.

3. Do I need any special techniques when knitting with DPNs?
Yes, you will need to use a technique called “magic loop” or “traveling loop” when working with DPNs. This involves pulling a loop of cable through the center of your work to separate your stitches onto different needles.

4. How do I prevent ladders from forming between my needles while knitting with DPNs?
To prevent ladders (loose stitches) from forming between your needles, make sure to pull your first stitch very tightly and then give a slight tug on the next two stitches after it. This will help keep your tension consistent between your needles.

5. Can I use circular needles instead of DPNs for knitting in the round?
Yes, you can use circular needles instead of DPNs by using the “magic loop” method mentioned earlier. However, using DPNs can be easier for smaller projects like socks or gloves.

6.What type of yarn is best suited for knitting in the round with DPNs?
Yarn choice will depend on your personal preference and the specific project you are working on. Many knitters prefer a smooth, tightly spun yarn for DPN projects to prevent snagging or splitting. However, any type of yarn can be used as long as it is suitable for the project and can be worked with DPNs comfortably.

In conclusion, knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a fun and versatile technique that allows knitters to create seamless and continuous pieces. It may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can master this method and expand their knitting skills.

The key to successfully knitting in the round with double pointed needles is to understand the basics of circular knitting, such as casting on, joining the round, decreasing and increasing stitches. With these techniques in hand, one can confidently take on more complex projects using double pointed needles.

One of the major advantages of this technique is its versatility. Not only does it enable knitters to create items with no seam or visible joins, but it also allows for the creation of unique patterns and designs by incorporating different stitches and colors.

While it may seem like double pointed needles are only suitable for creating small projects such as socks or mittens, they can be used for a variety of items ranging from hats and scarves to sweaters and even shawls. This makes them a must-have tool in any avid knitter’s arsenal.

Moreover, knitting in the round with double pointed needles is a great way to challenge oneself and continue honing one’s knitting skills. With each project completed, one can gain more confidence and expand their creativity
Author Profile
Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.
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