Knitting in the round is an important skill for any knitter to learn. Lots of items can be knit flat and then seamed, but if you learn to knit in the round you can speed up your knitting and avoid having to seam things like hats, cowls, socks, and more. Here are four common ways to knit in the round. Try them all to figure out which one is your favorite for circular knitting.
Circular Needles
Circular needles come in many different lengths and are perfect for every project that needs to be knit in the round. Use a smaller circular, like a 9” circular for the sleeves of baby sweaters or when knitting a sock. Longer circular needles (16”, 24”, 32”, 40”, and beyond) can be used on everything from hats to adult sweaters.
Double-Pointed Needles
These needles have points on both ends, making them ideal for knitting in the round. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on your needs. For socks, I prefer to have my stitches on three needles and use the fourth needle for knitting. For bigger items, like hats, I will have my stitches on four needles and use a fifth needle for knitting. Play around with the DPN configuration that’s best for you!
Two Circular Needles
You can use two circular needles to knit in the round. Typically, the stitches will be split up with half of the stitches on each circular needle. I like using this technique for items like hats, as you don’t have to switch to double-pointed needles as you decrease for the crown of the hat.
Magic Loop
Using one long circular needle, you can knit in the round using the magic loop method. The stitches are split in half, much like using two circulars, but the long cord is holding half the stitches, while knitting across the other half of the circular piece.
I’d love to know: what is your preferred method for knitting in the round?
Related Videos: Neatly Weave in Ends on Circular Knitting, Knitting in the Round with a Circular Needle, Knitting in the Round Using the Magic Loop Method
Since I learned the magic loop method I use it for everything. Especially great for knitting two socks at the same time. For hats so far I've used dpns, but I'll try the double circular needles, given I have two of the same required size
I find magic loop very cumbersome. I always use my dpns for small items.
I used to knit socks with double-points (that's how I learned) and switched Magic Loop during Covid (thanks to videos). I usually use one circular for hats. .
I always knit with circular needles for everything, I just change the cord size, and knitting in the round I use two circular ones with either the longer or the shorter needles its magic when you do beanies or mittens as no sewing up, and you don't lose any needles as they always attached to the cord.
For knitting hats, I use circular needles until it's too tight. Then I switch to two circular needles to finish the top of the hat.
My favourite is the magic loop.
Martha Matu knitting yarn
Thank you so much for sharing these tips on knitting in the round. I am 75 and have been knitting off and on since I was 15. Your tips are valuable and greatly appreciated.
Magic Loop is my favorite!
I am looking forward to seeing more information about knitting. I am a beginner and I am learning on my own. I saw your text message about knitting and fell in love with it.