How to Use Circular Knitting Needles

Circular knitting needles can be used to knit in the round or as you would use regular knitting needles. They are useful for knitting in the round when you are creating a garment that you do not want to seam such as a sweater sleeve or a hat. They are also useful when you are knitting something heavy, such as an afghan, or something long, such as a shawl.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Circular needles
• Yarn
• Stitch Marker
• Knitting Pattern (optional)

1. Cast on the required number of stitches.

2. Hold the needles together with the the first stitch that you cast on at the top of your left hand needle and the last stitch that you cast on at the top of your right hand needle.

3. Place a stitch marker at the top of the right hand needle. This will mark the beginning of a new row every time that you come to it.

4. Begin knitting. Your knitting will be joined together because of the way that you are holding the needles.

5. Knit according to the directions in your pattern.

6. Cast off according to the directions in your pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people enjoy knitting in the round because it allows them to create stockinette stitch without using the purl stitch.
• It is also possible to use circular needles in the same way that you would use straight needles. This is useful if you are knitting a heavy object such as an afghan or a long object such as shawl.
• Be very careful not to twist your stitches when you start to knit.
• Be careful to use the appropriate length needles. For example, a 26 inch length circular needle is likely too long for a baby hat and a 16 inch length would be better. Circular needles come in a variety of lengths in addition to their needle size. So, for example, size 5 knitting needles come in at least 16 inch, 22 inch and, 26 inch lengths.