Mastering the Art of Knitting with Double Pointed Needles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knitting is an ancient craft that has stood the test of time, and while it may seem like a simple skill to master, there are always new techniques to explore. One such technique is knitting with double pointed needles, also known as DPNs. If you’ve ever been curious about this method but didn’t know where to start, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of DPNs and explore everything you need to know about how to knit with these versatile and essential tools. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s get started on this exciting knitting journey!

Knitting with double pointed needles can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it opens up a whole new world of knitting possibilities. Double pointed needles, or DPNs for short, are used for knitting in the round and creating seamless pieces like hats, socks, and sleeves. In this guide, we will cover all the basics of using DPNs so you can confidently incorporate them into your knitting projects.

The Basics of Double Pointed Needles

Double pointed needles are exactly what they sound like – two pointed ends connected by a middle section. These needles typically come in sets of four or five and range in size from 4 inches to 8 inches. They can be made from various materials such as wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic. Choosing the right size and material for your project depends on personal preference and the type of yarn you will be using.

How to Hold Double Pointed Needles

Before you start knitting with DPNs, it’s important to understand how to hold them properly. There are a few different ways to hold DPNs but here is one popular method:

1. Begin by holding two needles between your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.
2. Place a third needle between your ring finger and pinky finger.
3. With these three needles loosely held together in a tripod grip, use your remaining two fingers to control the movement of the working needle.
4. As you knit each stitch onto one needle, slide it to your left hand and pick up an empty needle with your right hand.

It may take some practice to get comfortable with this method but find what works best for you.

Casting On with Double Pointed Needles

To cast on stitches using DPNs, follow these steps:

1. Start by casting on the required number of stitches onto one needle.
2. Divide these stitches evenly onto three or four needles, depending on how many needles you are using.
3. With the fourth needle, knit the first stitch of the round onto the needle with the last cast-on stitch.
4. Slide the remaining stitches to the other end of this same needle so that all your stitches are now ready to be worked onto three DPNs.

Joining in the Round

Once your stitches are equally divided amongst your DPNs, you’re ready to join in the round. To do this, knit your first stitch and pull it snugly to join your work without twisting your stitches. You can place a marker at this point to indicate the beginning of each round.

Knitting with Double Pointed Needles

Now that you have mastered how to hold and join with double pointed needles, it’s time to start knitting! Here are some tips for knitting with DPNs:

– Pay attention to which side is facing you as you knit; it’s easy to accidentally turn your work inside out.
– Keep an eye on your tension and make sure not to leave any gaps between needles.
– Use stitch markers between needles if working with a large number of stitches.

Using Double Pointed Needles for Different Stitches

DPNs can be used for a variety of knitting stitches including stockinette, ribbing, garter, and more. The key is to remember that each needle represents one side or section of your work. If you find yourself losing track of which needle is for what section, try using different color markers or placing pins at specific points.

Incorporating Decreases and Increases

Decreases and increases may seem intimidating when working with DPNs but they are actually quite simple. As with regular knitting, knit through the front or back loops to make a decrease and increase. When using DPNs, you will need to remember that each needle represents one section of your work. So, for example, if you have four needles and need to decrease four stitches in a round, you will need to decrease one stitch on each needle.

Switching Needles

It’s common for patterns to require changes in needle size, either up or down, throughout a project. When working with DPNs, it’s important not to switch all the needles at once as this can cause laddering (gaps between stitches). Instead, switch one needle at a time in a clockwise direction around your work.

Adding On or Switching Needles

Typically, when knitting in the round with DPNs, you will start with fewer stitches on fewer needles and increase as needed. This means adding on additional needles for more stitches or switching to longer needles as your piece get larger. Here’s how to do it:

– When adding on more stitches: when starting the next round, simply divide the current number of stitches evenly onto five needles instead of four.
– When switching to longer needles: first knit

The Basics of Using Double Pointed Needles

Double pointed needles, also known as DPNs, are a staple tool for many knitters. They come in a set of four or five needles with points on both ends and are typically used for knitting in the round. This method is commonly used for making hats, socks, and sleeves. If you’re new to using double pointed needles, it may seem daunting at first. However, with a little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the technique in no time.

When using double pointed needles, it’s important to always have one extra needle than the number of stitches you’re working with. This allows you to easily knit around without any gaps or ladders forming in your work. Additionally, make sure that all the needles in your set are the same size and that they’re made from the same material for consistency.

How to Cast On Using Double Pointed Needles

Before starting your project, you’ll need to cast on your stitches onto your double pointed needles. One way to do this is by using a long tail cast on method. To begin, cast on your desired number of stitches onto one needle. Then evenly distribute these stitches across three or four needles until all the stitches are divided among them.

Once your stitches are evenly distributed, join them together by sliding the first stitch from the first needle onto the last needle without knitting it. This will create a circle with your stitches. Make sure that your cast-on edge is not twisted before beginning to knit.

Knitting With Double Pointed Needles

Now that your stitches are on the needles and joined together in a circle, it’s time to start knitting! Hold the needle with your first stitch in your right hand and use another needle to knit into that stitch as you would normally do when knitting in rows. Continue knitting around the circle, making sure to pull the yarn tight at the beginning of each needle to avoid any gaps in your work.

As you work, you’ll notice that your needles will start to get full with stitches. When this happens, simply push the stitches down onto the needles so that there’s more room to work with. You can also switch to using a longer needle for more room if needed.

How to Work on Small Circumferences

Using double pointed needles can be tricky when working on projects with a small circumference, such as socks and sleeves. To make it easier, some knitters prefer using magic loop or two circular needle techniques. However, using DPNs is still a great option if you don’t have access to these methods.

To work on small circumferences with DPNs, simply knit halfway around your project and then switch to another needle. This will make it easier to maneuver your work as there are fewer stitches on each needle and they’re not so tightly bunched together.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake when using double pointed needles is the formation of gaps or ladders in your work. This often happens when there’s too much slack between the first and last stitch on each needle. To avoid this, make sure to pull tightly on your yarn when starting a new needle.

Another mistake is accidentally twisting your cast-on stitches or missing one of them when joining in the round. To ensure that your stitches are not twisted, lay out all your needles and check that they’re all oriented correctly before joining them together. As for missed stitches, make sure to keep count of how many you have and check frequently while working around the circle.

Finishing Your Work

Once you’ve completed knitting your project in the round using double pointed needles, it’s time to close the gap at the top. To do this, cut your yarn leaving a long tail, then thread it through all the stitches on your needles and pull tight to close the gap. You can then use this tail to sew in any remaining ends.

With some practice and patience, you’ll soon find that working with double pointed needles becomes second nature. Mastering this technique opens up many possibilities for creating beautiful and seamless projects in the round. So grab your DPNs and get knitting!

Q: What are double pointed needles used for?
A: Double pointed needles are primarily used for knitting small, circular items such as hats, socks, and fingerless gloves.

Q: What size of double pointed needles should I use?
A: The needle size you use depends on the weight of your yarn. Typically, a smaller needle size is used for lighter weight yarn and a larger needle size is used for heavier weight yarn.

Q: How many double pointed needles do I need to use?
A: Generally, you will need to use four or five double pointed needles at a time. However, this may vary depending on the pattern you are following.

Q: How do I join my yarn when using double pointed needles?
A: To join your yarn, simply knit the first stitch of your round with both the tail end and working end of your yarn held together. Once you have completed a few stitches, you can weave in the tail end to secure it.

Q: How do I prevent ladders (loose stitches) when using double pointed needles?
A: To prevent ladders, make sure to pull your stitches tightly when switching from one needle to the next. You can also try knitting an extra stitch at each end of the needle where the stitches tend to be looser.

Q: Can I use double pointed needles for flat knitting?
A: While double pointed needles are primarily used for circular knitting, they can also be used for flat knitting by working back and forth on two or three needles instead of continuously around in a circle.

In conclusion, knitting with double pointed needles may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and practice, it can become a fun and rewarding experience. We have discussed the key steps to get started with DPNs, including choosing the right needles and yarn, casting on stitches, knitting in the round, shaping and finishing your project. By following these steps and paying attention to tension and needle placement, you can create seamless projects such as hats, socks, sleeves and more.

We have also explored some tips to make your DPN knitting easier and more enjoyable, such as using stitch markers and managing multiple needles. It is important to remain patient when working with DPNs as it may take some time to get used to them. However, the versatility of double pointed needles allows for advanced knitting techniques that are not achievable with other methods.

Moreover, DPNs offer a great way to use up leftover yarn or experiment with different stitch patterns. They also provide a portable option for carrying around your projects. With practice and creativity, you can create unique pieces of knitwear that are only possible with double pointed needles.

One of the biggest takeaways from this discussion is that tension is crucial when working with DPNs. Whether it’s adjusting your grip or using different hand positions

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.