Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of knitting in a circle, an art form that has captivated enthusiasts for centuries. Knitting in a circle enables the creation of elegant, seamless garments, cozy accessories, and captivating home décor items with unparalleled grace and versatility. Embark on a captivating journey where each stitch holds the promise of a tangible masterpiece.
Transitioning from flat knitting to circular knitting unveils a realm of possibilities. With circular needles, you will discover the ease and efficiency of knitting in the round. Seamlessly join your stitches to form continuous tubes or flat circles, creating garments that drape beautifully over any body type. Embrace the flexibility of knitting in a circle, allowing you to adjust the circumference and length of your pieces with ease, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
As you delve deeper into the art of circular knitting, you will encounter a treasure trove of intricate patterns and techniques that elevate your creations to new heights. From mesmerizing cables to delicate lace, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with a variety of yarns, weights, and colors to add depth, texture, and personality to your projects. Allow your imagination to soar as you unravel the boundless potential of knitting in a circle, transforming simple stitches into extraordinary works of art.
Casting On for Circular Knitting
Casting on is the process of creating the first row of stitches on your circular knitting needles. There are several different methods for casting on, but the most common is the long-tail cast-on.
To do a long-tail cast-on, you will need:
- A pair of circular knitting needles
- Yarn
- A tapestry needle
Instructions:
- Make a slip knot and place it on the left-hand needle.
- Hold the yarn in your right hand and insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from front to back.
- Hook the yarn from the back and pull it through the slip knot.
- Transfer the new loop to the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
- Join the first and last stitches together by passing the left-hand needle through the loop on the right-hand needle from back to front.
- Transfer the stitches to the left-hand needle and begin knitting.
Tips for Casting On:
- Use a yarn that is the same weight as the yarn you will be using to knit the project.
- Make sure the slip knot is tight enough so that it will not come undone when you are knitting.
- Tension the yarn evenly as you cast on.
- If you make a mistake, simply undo the last few stitches and start again.
- Below is a helpful table with stitch count ranges and appropriate circular needle sizes:
| Stitch Count | Circular Needle Size |
|---|---|
| 12 – 20 | US 2 – 3 (2.75 – 3.25 mm) |
| 21 – 30 | US 4 – 5 (3.5 – 3.75 mm) |
| 31 – 40 | US 6 – 7 (4 – 4.5 mm) |
| 41 – 50 | US 8 – 9 (5 – 5.5 mm) |
| 51 – 60 | US 10 – 11 (6 – 6.5 mm) |
Joining the Rounds
Once you’ve cast on your stitches and knit a few rows, it’s time to join them into a circle. This will create a seamless tube that can be used for hats, scarves, socks, and more.
Step 1: Knit to the End of the Row
Knit the first row as usual. When you reach the end of the row, leave the last stitch on the left-hand needle.
Step 2: Slip the First Stitch
Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, as if to knit it. However, instead of knitting it, simply slip it onto the right-hand needle without working it.
Step 3: Knit Across the Row
Knit across the remaining stitches on the left-hand needle. When you reach the last stitch, knit it together with the slipped stitch. This will create a “jog” in the knitting, which will be hidden when you sew the edges together.
Step 4: Turn the Work
Turn the work so that the new row is facing you. The slipped stitch should now be on the right-hand needle.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 1-4
Repeat steps 1-4 for each row until you have joined the rounds. You will know that the rounds are joined when the knitting begins to form a tube.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knit to the end of the row. |
| 2 | Slip the first stitch. |
| 3 | Knit across the row. |
| 4 | Turn the work. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 1-4. |
Knit Stitches
Knit stitches form the basis of knitting in a circle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a knit stitch:
- Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle from back to front.
- Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle from back to front.
-
Pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the left-hand needle, allowing the stitch to slide off the left-hand needle.
The resulting loop on the right-hand needle represents the newly formed knit stitch.
Variations of Knit Stitches
There are several variations of knit stitches that can be used for different effects or techniques. Some common variations include:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Garter Knit | All rows knit, creating a fabric with vertical ridges. |
| Stockinette Knit | Knit on one row, purl on the next, creating a fabric with a smooth, reversible surface. |
| Purl Knit | Purled on one row, knit on the next, creating a fabric with a textured, bumpy surface. |
| Ribbing | Alternating knit and purl stitches to create stretchy, elasticized fabric. |
Purl Stitches
Purl stitches are the opposite of knit stitches. To purl a stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the front loop of the stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right. Hook the yarn over the right-hand needle and pull it through the loop, creating a new loop on the right-hand needle. Slide the new loop off the left-hand needle, completing the purl stitch.
Purl stitches create a textured, ribbed effect when knitted in rows. They are often used in combination with knit stitches to create patterns and textures in knitted fabrics.
Purl Stitches in the Round
When knitting in the round, purl stitches are worked differently than when knitting flat. To purl a stitch in the round, insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the stitch on the left-hand needle from right to left. Hook the yarn over the right-hand needle and pull it through the loop, creating a new loop on the right-hand needle. Slide the new loop off the left-hand needle, completing the purl stitch.
Purl stitches in the round create a smooth, even fabric with no visible ridges or borders. They are commonly used in items such as hats, socks, and mittens, where a seamless finish is desired.
| Knit Stitch | Purl Stitch |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Increasing Stitches
When knitting in a circle, it’s often necessary to increase the number of stitches to create the desired shape. There are several ways to do this:
KFB (Knit Front Back)
To increase one stitch with the KFB method, insert the right-hand needle from front to back into the next stitch on the left-hand needle. Knit into the back loop of the stitch, then knit into the front loop of the same stitch. This creates two new stitches.
K2tog (Knit Two Together)
To decrease one stitch with the K2tog method, insert the right-hand needle from front to back into the first two stitches on the left-hand needle. Knit the two stitches together to create one new stitch.
M1 (Make One)
The M1 increase creates a new stitch from the yarn between two existing stitches. To do this, hold the yarn behind the left-hand needle and insert the right-hand needle into the gap between the two stitches. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle and pull it through the gap. Knit the new stitch onto the left-hand needle.
YO (Yarn Over)
A yarn over is a simple increase that creates a new stitch by wrapping the yarn around the right-hand needle. Simply insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn around the needle, and knit it onto the left-hand needle.
SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit)
The SSK decrease creates a slanted decrease by slipping two stitches from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle, then knitting the next stitch. Pass the slipped stitches back to the left-hand needle and knit them together to complete the decrease.
Working in the Round
When working in the round, you’ll be knitting in a continuous circle, without any rows or seams. This method is often used for creating socks, hats, and other circular garments.
Casted-On
When you cast on for knitting in the round, you’ll need to use a technique that creates a loop. The most common method is the long-tail cast-on, which involves creating a slip knot and then casting on stitches using the tail of the yarn.
Joining
Once you’ve cast on your stitches, you’ll need to join them together to create a circle. The most common method is to use a slip stitch, which involves inserting the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, picking up the yarn, and pulling it through the stitch.
The First Round
The first round of knitting in the round is often the most challenging, as you’re trying to get the hang of moving the needles around the circle. Start by knitting a few stitches, then move the left-hand needle to the right, and continue knitting until you’ve completed the round.
Knitting In The Round
Once you’ve completed the first round, you can continue knitting in the round as you would for any other knitting project. Insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, pick up the yarn, and pull it through the stitch. Continue knitting until you reach the end of the round.
Increasing And Decreasing
When knitting in the round, you may need to increase or decrease stitches to create the desired shape. To increase, knit two stitches into the same stitch. To decrease, knit two stitches together.
Pattern
When knitting in the round, it’s important to pay attention to the pattern. Unlike when knitting flat, the pattern will repeat itself around the circle. Make sure to follow the pattern carefully to ensure that your project turns out as expected.
Tips
Here are a few tips for knitting in the round:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a circular needle | Circular needles are designed specifically for knitting in the round, and they make the process much easier. |
| Mark the beginning of the round | Use a stitch marker or a piece of yarn to mark the beginning of each round. This will help you keep track of your progress. |
| Be patient | Knitting in the round can be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Just be patient and don’t give up. |
Finishing the Circular Knit
Once you have finished knitting the desired number of rows, it is time to finish off the circular knit. Here’s a detailed guide to help you complete the process:
1. Switch to Circular Needles
If you haven’t already, switch to circular needles to avoid having to sew the edges together later on.
2. Bind Off the Stitches
Use your preferred bind-off method to close the stitches, creating a seamless finish around the circumference.
3. Mattress Stitch (optional)
For a cleaner seam, use the mattress stitch to join the two edges of the knitting invisibly.
4. Weave in the Loose Ends
Trim any excess yarn and weave in the loose ends using a tapestry needle.
5. Block the Knit
Blocking the knit helps even out stitches and gives the fabric a professional finish. Mist the knit with water and pin it to a flat surface to dry.
6. Trim the Excess Fabric
Once the knit is dry, trim any excess fabric around the edges to create a neat and polished look.
7. Enjoy Your Circular Knit
Your circular knit is now complete. Enjoy wearing or using your creation!
8. Detailed Steps for Mattress Stitch
The mattress stitch is a commonly used technique for joining circular knits invisibly. Here’s a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Overlap the two edges of the knitting so that the live stitches are facing each other. |
| 2 | Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch on the left-hand edge, from front to back. |
| 3 | Bring the needle up through the second stitch on the right-hand edge, from back to front. |
| 4 | Pull the yarn through to create a loop. |
| 5 | Insert the needle back into the second stitch on the right-hand edge, from front to back. |
| 6 | Bring the needle up through the first stitch on the left-hand edge, from back to front. |
| 7 | Pull the yarn through to create a second loop on the needle. |
| 8 | Slide the loops off the needle and tighten the stitch. |
| 9 | Repeat steps 2-8 until all the stitches are joined. |
Troubleshooting Circular Knitting
Dropped Stitches
If a stitch falls off the needle, don’t panic! Use a crochet hook or small knitting needle to lift the dropped loop back onto the working needle. If the stitch is several rows below, it may be necessary to ladder down by inserting the crochet hook or knitting needle a few stitches above the dropped stitch and carefully pulling the dropped loop through the fabric.
Twisted Stitches
Twisted stitches occur when the knit or purl stitches are accidentally worked into the back loop of the stitch instead of the front. To correct, use a crochet hook or small knitting needle to lift the twisted stitch up and over the correct loop.
Uneven Tension
Uneven tension can lead to a puckered or wavy fabric. To achieve a more even tension, practice knitting with consistent pressure and speed. It may also be helpful to use a stitch marker to track your progress and ensure that you’re knitting the same number of stitches per row.
Gaps or Holes
Gaps or holes in the fabric can occur due to dropped stitches or incorrect stitch placement. Check the stitches carefully to make sure they’re all intact and that you’re following the pattern correctly.
Tight Stitches
Tight stitches can be uncomfortable to wear and may make the fabric less elastic. To loosen up tight stitches, try using a larger needle size or knitting with a looser tension.
Laddered Fabric
Laddered fabric occurs when the yarn bridges between two or more stitches, creating a gap in the fabric. To prevent laddering, avoid pulling the yarn too tightly when knitting and be careful not to drop stitches.
Wrong Size or Shape
If the knitted piece is not the desired size or shape, check the pattern carefully to ensure that you’re following it correctly. It may also be necessary to adjust the number of stitches or rows to achieve the desired result.
Uneven Edges
Uneven edges can be caused by uneven tension or incorrect stitch placement. To create more even edges, focus on knitting the stitches consistently and use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning and end of the round.
Incorrect Stitch Count
Maintaining the correct stitch count is essential for circular knitting. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the number of stitches, and periodically check to ensure that you’re not adding or dropping stitches accidentally.
Advanced Techniques for Circular Knitting
Magic Loop Method
Knitting in a circle using two long circular needles, with one needle acting as a cable while the other is active. Perfect for small-circumference knitting to avoid using multiple short circular needles.
Double Knitting
A reversible knitting technique that creates a double-sided fabric with contrasting colors on each side. Requires two yarns and careful pattern following.
Fair Isle Knitting
A stranded knitting technique that uses multiple yarns to create intricate, multicolored patterns. Strands are carried across the back of the work, leading to complex and visually striking designs.
Sock Knitting
Knitting socks in a circular fashion using five double-pointed needles (DPNs). Requires attention to detail and a mastery of shaping techniques to create the heel, toe, and ankle.
Colorwork in the Round
Knitting multicolored patterns in a circular fashion, managing tension and ensuring consistent gauge across the entire garment. Can create striking stripes, geometric designs, or even pictorial representations.
Herringbone Brioche
A complex stitch pattern that creates a textured, stretchy rib-like fabric. Alternates between knitted and purled stitches to form a distinctive diagonal pattern.
Twisted Ribbing
A variation of regular ribbing that creates a more visually interesting and flexible fabric. Twists adjacent stitches, resulting in a raised and twisted texture.
Bobble Stitch
A decorative stitch that creates raised, popcorn-like bumps on the fabric. Involves working several stitches together and then knitting them back down, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Lace Knitting
Knitting patterns that create intricate openwork designs using special stitches and yarn-overs. Can create lightweight, airy fabrics suitable for shawls, scarves, and other delicate items.
Cable Knitting
Knitting patterns that create raised, twisted motifs on the fabric. Requires careful attention to stitch order and cable placement to achieve the desired effect.
How to Knit in a Circle
Knitting in a circle is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of items, from hats and scarves to blankets and sweaters. It is a relatively simple technique to learn, and it can be used to create a variety of different stitch patterns.
To knit in a circle, you will need circular knitting needles. Circular knitting needles are two needles that are connected by a flexible cable. The needles are usually made of metal or plastic, and the cable is usually made of plastic or rubber.
To begin knitting in a circle, you will need to cast on the desired number of stitches. The number of stitches you cast on will determine the circumference of your knitted circle.
Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches, you will need to join the ends of the needles together. To do this, simply overlap the ends of the needles and twist them together.
You can now begin knitting in a circle. To do this, simply insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle and knit the stitch.
Continue knitting in this way until you reach the end of the row. When you reach the end of the row, simply turn the needles around and knit back in the opposite direction.
Continue knitting in this way until your knitted circle reaches the desired size.
People Also Ask
How do I cast on for knitting in a circle?
To cast on for knitting in a circle, you will need to use either the long-tail cast-on method or the circular cast-on method.
What size circular needles do I need for knitting in a circle?
The size of circular needles you need for knitting in a circle will depend on the yarn you are using and the stitch pattern you are knitting.
How do I join the ends of circular knitting needles?
To join the ends of circular knitting needles, simply overlap the ends of the needles and twist them together.
