How to Convert a Flat Knitting Pattern to Circular Needles

Flat knitting involves knitting back and forth on two straight needles, but any flat knitting pattern can be done on circular needles. By knitting on a circular needle, you keep all your work on one needle and you never have to hunt in your knitting bag for the second straight needle. Circular needles also can hold many more stitches than straight needles can, and they are often easier to use in cramped spaces such as an airplane seat.

Things You'll Need

• Circular needle in correct size and length
• Yarn
• Pattern

Instructions

1. Choose the right size of circular needle. You will need the same size that is called for in the pattern.

2. Choose the right length of needle. Because circular needles come in several lengths---from 12 inches to 60 inches---you will need to decide the proper length for your project. Consider how many stitches you need to cast on, the weight of your yarn and the number of stitches per inch, or gauge. A good rule is to choose a circular needle that is slightly smaller than the width of the piece you are working on.

3. Cast on your stitches, but do not join your work as you would if you were knitting "in the round" on a circular needle.

4. Follow the pattern, knitting as if you were working on two needles. Knit from one point of the needle to the other. When you reach the end of the row, turn the work just as you would with two needles.

References

• Knitting on circular needles

Resources

• Circular needles