Knitting in the Round: Tools, Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

As a beginner, exploring round patterns when knitting adds creativity and enhances skills. When working on the round projects, it allows you to work continuously in a spiral or full circle with knitting needles, perfect for projects that require seamless knitting. Let's explore in this blog the tools required, tips, and common mistakes that you can avoid.

 

Why Knit in the Round?

 

Are you crazy about knitting in the round? Before we dive and start exploring the tools and tips, let's find out why knitters love it:

 

●     It's simple to adjust sizes, lengths, or styles.

●     No seams, which means no sewing panels together.

●     To make cylindrical shapes, such as socks or cowls, double-pointed knitting needles or circular ones are considered a good option.

●     Most round patterns are straightforward and avoid confusion.

 

Explore Multiple Tools for Knitting in the Round

 

You don't have to buy lots of tools, but choosing the right options will make your project:

 

1. Fixed Circular Knitting Needles

 

These are two short circular knitting needles connected by flexible cable cords. These are available in various lengths and are ideal for knitting from sweaters to hats. You can use a magical loop method to knit in the round. Additionally, with interchangeable cords and tips, you can handle any size or stitch count. There are various options to try out from KnitPro, such as SmartStix, Symfonie, and The Mindful collections.

 

2. Double-Pointed Knitting Needles

 

DPNs are available in a set of 5 short pointed needles used for knitting in small circumference, like mittens or socks. These needles are great when circular needles are too large to handle the project. KnitPro's Symfonie wood and Zing double-pointed needles are popular among knitters for even tension and easy handling.

 

3. Knitting Accessories

 

Do you require supporting tools that help you in knitting in the rounds? These tools are designed to work seamlessly with your needles for a smooth knitting experience. The following are the tools:

 

●     Stitch Markers: This will keep track of the beginning of the round or pattern repeats.

●     Finishing Needle: A Perfect wooden darning tool from KnitPro to weave the yarn ends.

●     Row Counter: In the round project, you require counting rows, stitch pattern repetition, or an increase or decrease in the pattern.

 

A Quick Guide on How to Knit in the Round

 

Check out these simple steps:

 

Step 1: Firstly, cast on the required number of stitches with double-pointed needles.

 

Step 2: Make sure your stitches are not twisted before joining. Connect the first and the last stitch to begin knitting in the round.

 

Step 3: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to track your progress.

 

Step 4: Use the knit stitch, unless it is stated in the pattern.

 

Step 5: Finally, to decrease the crowns of hats, switch to DPNs or a magic loop.

 

Points to follow while knitting in the round

 

Follow these tips and make your pattern creative:

 

●     Cast-on row is the foundation of any project, so double-check your work before joining in the round.

●     Stitch markers are an important tool, so place this at the beginning of the round.

●     A small project helps in understanding stitches like hats or cowls, so start with them before working on the complex pattern.

●     Swatch in the round and check your gauge; it may differ from the flat knitting.

●     Some prefer the grip of wood, or some like the speed of metal. So, you can experiment with both of them.

●     Switch the needle sizes if required. Use a smaller needle size for ribbing to get cuffs or hems.

 

Issues and How to Prevent Them

 

Work on these common mistakes:

 

●     To avoid twisting on the cast-on rows, lay your cast-on edge flat on the cable and double-check the alignment before joining.

●     You will see the loose stitches when you switch from one DPN to another. Pull the first two stitches too tightly on the new needle.

●     If you don't remember where your row starts, use stitch markers to stay organised.

●     Tension may vary when switching from one needle to another. Stick one type of material (wood or metal) and practice tension control.

 

 

Understanding knitting in the round is the perfect way to explore elegant and seamless projects. You can quickly become an expert in knitting, especially in the round, like cowls, sweaters, and socks, with the KnitPro tools, a little practice, and knowledge of common mistakes.