A technique that is so common that it can be taken for granted is knitting in the round. For those who are comfortable with knitting flat, this approach to knitting can feel a bit scary. However, not only is it an extremely useful technique that is applied to many different types of projects, I think it is actually easier than knitting flat. Hopefully this overview of knitting in the round will convince you that it is a simple technique that you can use in your projects without fear.
Knitting Flat vs. Knitting in the Round
If you are used to knitting flat, then you will be accustomed to knitting rows back and forth. At the end of each row you turn the work around and go from knitting the right side to knitting the wrong side. Depending on your pattern, you might have to focus on how your stitches are different on the two sides of your fabric.
In contrast, when you knit in the round you are continuously knitting around so your “rows” are actually a continuous spiral instead of distinct rows. As a result these are often referred to as rounds. When working your rounds you won’t need to constantly think about working on the right side and wrong side of the work because you are always knitting on the right side. You are essentially shifting the right side of your knitting around so it is always facing you.
When to Knit in the Round?
The circular approach to knitting is particularly popular when creating garments and accessories that benefit from a three-dimensional construction. Because our bodies naturally have a cylindrical form, knitting in the round is the ideal method for crafting well-fitted items. For instance, socks, hats, skirts, and most sections of sweaters are often knit in the round. This method allows you to create a continuous tube of fabric without the need to seam together the sides of your projects. This gives them a seamless, uninterrupted fabric.
Needles Required
There are two types of needles that can be used for knitting in the round. I’ll describe them briefly here. For more information about different types of needles, see our Beginner’s Guide to Knitting Needles.
Double pointed needles (DPNSs)
These are typically used in sets of 4 or 5 needles. They come in various combinations of size and length depending on what you are making. These are commonly used for socks and other small circumference items.
Circular Needles
Circular needles have two needle tips connected by a cable of the required size. These come in a variety of combinations of needle tip sizes and cables lengths The larger the circumference of your project, the longer the cable. The magic loop technique can also be used with longer circular needles to knit an item of any size.
Difficulties of Knitting in the Round
The most challenging part of knitting in the round is getting your knitting started. You cast on your stitches as you normally would. However, when it is time to start knitting, you must join the first and last stitches of your cast on. There are two main difficulties here.
1. Twisting your stitches
When you connect your stitches, make sure that they are sitting the same way all along the cable and both needles. I like to have the loops facing out and the stitch bumps facing into the circle. If you end up twisting the stitches, you will likely notice after knitting several rounds. Unfortunately there is no way to fix it, you will have to start over to get rid of the twist in the fabric.
2. Gap in the join
Once you get to the end of your first round, you might notice a large gap between the first and last stitch. This is common and there are many techniques to prevent this gap from being too noticeable. See our post about joining knitting in the round for three great techniques to try. However, even though the gap might look large at first, it will close up once you have knit a few rounds.
With practice, taking care of these two concerns becomes second nature. Once you get going, knitting in the round really is very straightforward.
Whether you are making hats, socks, sweaters, or stuffed animals, knitting in the round is an essential part of knitting. I hope this introduction gives you the confidence to try it if you haven’t yet, or a few useful tips if you have been struggling.
