How to Knit in the Round With Double Pointed Needles

Double pointed needles generally come in a group of four, all pointed at both ends. They can be a bit tricky to work with. If you've mastered basic knitting skills and are ready to move on to the intermediate or advanced level, this could be the next knitting skill to master. Double pointed needles are used whenever you don't want a seam in your work. Socks or caps are most often made while knitting in the round with double pointed needles.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Double pointed needles
• Yarn

1. Begin by casting all the stitches needed on just one of the double pointed needles.

2. Divide the number of stitches by three. Slip the first third of the stitches onto another double pointed needle. Slip the second third of the stitches onto another double pointed needle. Your needles should form a triangle.

3. Grab the fourth double pointed needle. This will be your first working needle. Locate the double pointed needle with the yarn line. You will begin knitting onto the needle to its left.

4. Finish all the stitches on the first needle. Your first working needle is now full of stitches and the needle that had stitches is now free. This double pointed needle is now your working needle.

5. Knit the stitches on the second double pointed needle. Repeat this process until your work is the length required. Cast off your stitches in the same manner as you are knitting in the round with double pointed needles.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull the yarn extra tight with the first stitch of every needle. This will ensure that there will be no loose gaps in your work. Place a marker on the needle with the yarn line before you begin knitting. This will tell you where your first row started. A marker is a round plastic, ring-like tool that fits over the knitting needle. Some sets of double pointed needles come with five needles. The extra needle is used when the project requires a large number of stitches.

Resources

• Knitting with Double Pointed Needles - video