Mastering the Art of Knitting Stockinette in the Round: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar

Knitting has been a beloved hobby for centuries, passed down through generations as a way to create beautiful and functional pieces. And while the art of knitting may seem daunting to beginners, mastering certain techniques can open up a world of possibilities. One such technique is knitting stockinette in the round, which allows for seamless and continuous knitting without having to turn your work. In this article, we will explore the basics of how to knit stockinette in the round and offer tips and tricks for perfecting this essential technique. Whether you’re a novice knitter or looking to expand your skills, learning how to knit stockinette in the round will surely elevate your knitting game.

The Basics of Knitting Stockinette Stitch

Knitting is a versatile and beloved craft that has been around for centuries. One of the most common and classic stitches used in knitting is called stockinette stitch. This simple yet elegant stitch involves creating rows of smooth, V-shaped stitches that give your project a polished and professional look. In this article, we will cover the basics of knitting stockinette stitch in the round, which is perfect for creating items such as hats, socks, and sweaters.

Before we dive into how to knit stockinette in the round, let’s review some essential knitting terms:

– Needles: The tools used to knit, they come in various sizes and materials.
– Yarn: The main material used in knitting.
– Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch that determines the size of your project.
– Cast On: The initial steps to create stitches on your needle before starting your project.
– Knit Stitch: A basic stitch where you insert the needle through the front of a stitch from left to right and pull up a new loop.
– Purl Stitch: Another basic stitch where you insert your needle through the back of a stitch from right to left and pull up a new loop.

Materials Needed

To knit stockinette stitch in the round, you will need circular needles (the length depends on the circumference of your project), yarn, scissors, tape measure or ruler, and any other tools you prefer such as stitch markers or a row counter.

Choosing Yarn and Needles

When it comes to choosing yarn for stockinette stitch, it’s best to go with smooth yarn such as merino wool or cotton, as textured yarn can distract from the clean lines of this stitch. The weight (thickness) of your yarn will depend on your specific project and the gauge you want to achieve. It’s always a good idea to do a test swatch before starting your project to ensure you’re using the right needle size and yarn weight.

As for needles, you can choose between wooden, metal, or plastic circular needles. The material is a personal preference, but make sure the needle size is appropriate for your yarn weight and gauge.

Casting On

To begin knitting stockinette in the round, you will first need to cast on your stitches. You can use any technique for casting on; however, the long-tail cast-on method is commonly used because it creates a neat and stretchy edge. Make sure to cast on an even number of stitches if you want to create stockinette stitch.

Joining in the Round

Once you have cast on your stitches, it’s time to join them in the round. To do this, hold your needles parallel with each other and make sure all of your stitches are facing towards the inside of your circle. Then insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle and knit as usual. This will create a continuous loop that is essential for knitting in the round.

Knitting Stockinette Stitch

Now that you’ve cast on and joined in the round, it’s time to start knitting stockinette stitch! The beauty of this stitch is that there are only two steps: knit and purl.

Begin by knitting one row (all knit stitches) and then purl one row (all purl stitches). Repeat these two rows until you’ve reached your desired length. The result will be a smooth and even fabric with distinctive ridges (from the knit rows) on one side and subtle bumps (from the purl rows) on the other.

Tips for Knitting Stockinette Stitch

– Always knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches. This will ensure your stockinette stitch is consistent and tidy.
– Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round.
– If you’re using circular needles, make sure to switch needles every few inches to avoid creating a ladder effect (loose stitches) at the join.
– Pay close attention to your gauge, as even a slight difference can alter the size and fit of your project.

Working With Circular Needles

Circular needles are a popular choice for knitting in the round because they eliminate the need for joining seams later on. When working with circular needles, it’s essential to keep your stitches snug but not too tight. This will prevent gaps between stitches and create an even tension throughout.

When you reach the end of each row, simply switch hands and continue knitting or purling in the same direction. It may feel strange at first, but with practice, it will become natural.

Working On Double Pointed Needles

Double pointed needles (DPNs) are another option for knitting stockinette in the round. These needles have points on both ends and typically come in sets of four or five. When working with DPNs,

What is Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette, also known as stockinet or stocking stitch, is a basic knitting stitch pattern that produces a smooth, flat fabric with distinct V-shaped columns on one side and horizontal lines on the other. It is the most commonly used stitch in knitting because of its versatility and simplicity. Stockinette stitch can be worked in rows or in rounds, making it ideal for a wide range of projects such as sweaters, hats, socks, and scarves.

Supplies Needed

To knit stockinette stitch in the round, you will need a few essential supplies. These include:

– Yarn: Choose a yarn that works well with your intended project. Thinner yarns will produce more delicate-looking stitches while thicker yarns will create bulkier stitches.
– Knitting needles: You can use either single-pointed needles or circular needles depending on your personal preference.
– Stitch markers: These are used to mark the beginning and end of each round.
– Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
– Tapestry needle: Used for weaving in loose ends.

Casting On

The first step to knitting stockinette stitch in the round is to cast on your stitches. The number of stitches you cast on will depend on your project’s size and gauge. It is important to use an even number of stitches for this stitch pattern.

Here’s how to cast on using circular needles:

1. Hold one needle in each hand with the cable connecting them at the bottom.
2. Make a slip knot at the end of your working yarn.
3. Place the slip knot onto your left-hand needle.
4. Using your right hand needle, insert it into the slip knot from front to back and then back out through the front again.
5. Pull both needles apart slightly to tighten up your slip knot on the right-hand needle.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.

Joining in the Round

Once you have cast on your stitches, you need to join them in the round to begin knitting stockinette stitch. Here’s how to do it:

1. With your work still on your left-hand needle, pick up your right-hand needle and knit into one of the stitches from your left-hand needle.
2. Instead of turning your work as you would in flat knitting, continue knitting around making sure not to twist your stitches.
3. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of your first stitch to mark the start of each round.

Knitting Stockinette Stitch

To knit stockinette stitch in the round, you will need to alternate rows of knit stitches with rows of purl stitches. Here’s how:

1. Start with a knit round: With the working yarn at the back, insert your right-hand needle into the first stitch on your left-hand needle from back to front.
2. Wrap the yarn around and pull it through the loop, dropping it off from the left-hand needle.
3. Continue knitting all stitches around until you reach the end of your round.
4. Purl next round: Bring working yarn to front and insert right-hand needle into first stitch as if to purl.
5. Wrap yarn around, and pull through loop while slipping original loop off left-hand needle.
6. Continue purling all stitches until end of round.
7. Repeat these two rounds (knit then purl) until desired length is reached.

Tips for Knitting Stockinette Stitch in The Round

– Always check that you are changing between a knit and purl row by placing markers at each changeover point
– Be mindful of your tension when changing between knit and purl rows as this can impact the consistency of your stitches
– To avoid a noticeable jog where you join your rounds, slip the first stitch of each round instead of knitting it
– If you prefer to work on double-pointed needles, you can still follow the same steps for knitting stockinette stitch in the round

Fixing Mistakes in Stockinette Stitch

Making mistakes while knitting is common, but luckily most mistakes in stockinette stitch are easy to fix. If you notice a mistake while working in the round, you can simply unknit or tink (knit spelled backwards) back to where the mistake was made. Alternatively, if it’s a small mistake, you can carefully drop down the column of stitches where the error occurred and then pick them back up correctly.

Uses for Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch is perfect for projects such as scarves, sweaters, hats that sit directly on top of head like beanies. This diagonal or horizontal V shape on one side – known as knits – gives a versatile texture for things like lace-work afghans and pillows.

Caring For Items Made With Stockin

1. What is Stockinette Stitch and how is it different from other knitting techniques?
Stockinette Stitch, also known as stocking stitch, is a common knitting technique that creates smooth and flattest knitted fabric. It is achieved by knitting one row and purling the next in a continuous pattern, creating “V” shaped stitches on the front and bumpy stitches on the back.

2. Can Stockinette Stitch be knit in the round?
Yes, Stockinette Stitch can be knit in the round by using circular needles or double-pointed needles. This eliminates the need to purl every other row as seen in flat knitting.

3. What type of yarn and needle size should I use for Stockinette Stitch in the round?
You can use any type of yarn and needle size you prefer for Stockinette Stitch in the round. However, make sure to use a needle size that will give you the desired tension for your project.

4. How do I begin knitting Stockinette Stitch in the round?
To start knitting Stockinette Stitch in the round, simply cast on an even number of stitches onto your circular or double-pointed needles. Join your work into a circle by pulling out one of your needles through the first stitch you cast on.

5. Is there a specific way to maintain consistent tension while knitting Stockinette Stitch in the round?
Maintaining consistent tension is crucial when working on any type of knitting project, including Stockinette Stitch in the round. Make sure to keep an even hold on your yarn and pay attention to your stitches’ tension as you continue to knit.

6. How can I avoid getting noticeable “jogs” when switching between rounds while knitting Stockinette Stitch?
To avoid “jogs,” make sure to always start a new round at the same point in your work. This can be done by marking the beginning of your round with a stitch marker or a different colored yarn. Additionally, pulling the first stitch on each round tightly can also help minimize noticeable jogs.

In conclusion, knitting stockinette in the round is a versatile and useful technique for creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing fabric. It is a fundamental skill that every knitter should learn and master. Through this guide, we have explored the step-by-step process of creating stockinette stitch in the round, from casting on to binding off. We have also discussed various tips and tricks to help you achieve consistent tension and prevent common mistakes.

One key takeaway from this topic is the importance of understanding the basic structure and properties of stockinette stitch. Knowing how the knit and purl stitches work together allows you to fix any mistakes that may occur during your knitting journey. Additionally, using circular needles or double-pointed needles can offer more flexibility and efficiency when working in the round.

It is also worth mentioning that practicing regularly is crucial for improving your skills in knitting stockinette in the round. As with any skill, it takes time, patience, and persistence to become proficient at it. With dedication and practice, you’ll soon be able to create beautiful projects using this technique.

In summary, learning how to knit stockinette stitch in the round opens up endless possibilities for creating seamless garments, hats, scarves, and other projects. By following our guidelines and tips

Author Profile

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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.