Knitting in the Round Made Easy for Beginners

Knitting in the Round is a simple yet transformative technique that will empower you to create seamless, polished projects easily. Are you dreaming of crafting a cosy hat, a pair of socks, or even a sweater? This method simplifies the process and opens up endless possibilities!

In this guide, we'll take you step by step through the basics, introducing you to the tools and techniques you need to get started. With practice, you'll discover the joy of circular knitting and gain the confidence to tackle new, exciting projects.

What is Knitting in the Round?

Knitting in the round involves working continuously in a circular pattern, typically to create a seamless tube, rather than back and forth in rows. This technique is perfect for creating items like hats, socks, cowls, and sweaters, without (or with minimal) seams, resulting in a cleaner, more professional finish. It's a versatile technique that can be adapted to various patterns, yarns, and styles, making it an essential skill for any knitter.

Why Knit in the Round?

Knitting in the round offers numerous advantages that make it a favourite among crafters. Here's why you'll love it:

• Seamless Results: One of the key benefits of knitting in the round is the elimination of seams. This not only makes your projects more comfortable to wear but also gives them a polished, professional look. The smooth, continuous structure also helps with the overall fit of the garment, as there are no awkward seams to distort the shape. Items like socks and hats particularly benefit from the smooth, continuous structure. Plus, the lack of seams saves time and effort during finishing, which is always a bonus!
• Speed and Efficiency: Knitting in the round eliminates the need to turn your work or deal with purl rows unless they are part of the design itself. This streamlined process lets you maintain a steady rhythm and work more quickly, as you only need to focus on one side of the fabric. It’s a huge time-saver, especially for smaller projects like hats, mittens, or cowls that you might want to complete in a short time.
• Portability: Circular knitting needles and compact projects are perfect for crafting on the go. Whether you’re commuting or enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, knitting in the round keeps your stitches secure and your project portable. Plus, with only one needle to manage, you’ll never lose a needle mid-project again!
• Versatility in Design: Knitting in the round offers endless creative possibilities, making it perfect for both simple designs and more intricate patterns like lace, cables, or colourwork. The continuous structure of round knitting allows for seamless transitions between pattern repeats, ensuring that your designs flow smoothly. This method is especially ideal for garments, as it accommodates shaping and allows you to work on the project without interruptions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is straightforward to learn and opens up so many possibilities, whether you're just starting your journey into knitting or looking to try something new. If you’re curious about diving into the world of circular knitting, this guide will walk you through the process and help you get started with confidence.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You'll need circular knitting needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs), yarn, and a stitch marker. Choose needles and yarn that match your pattern's specifications. For beginners, tools like ITO Interchangeable Needles paired with the perfect length of cord and yarns, such as Harrisville Highland and Ashford Triple Knit are ideal, as they’re easy to handle and forgiving for learning.

Step 2: Cast On Stitches

Cast on your stitches using a beginner-friendly method like the knitted cast-on or long-tail cast-on. Both create a stretchy, flexible edge, perfect for a variety of projects. As you cast on, be sure to maintain consistent tension for a smooth, even edge—this will make your work look neat and professional from the start.

Step 3: Arrange Stitches Properly

Distribute the cast-on stitches evenly across your circular needles or DPNs. Make sure they're untangled and aligned correctly.

Step 4: Check for Twists

Before joining in the round, check that your stitches are not twisted around the needle. This step is necessary to avoid uneven results. If you skip this and a twist occurs when you begin working in the round, it can lead to a permanent twist in your fabric, which will disrupt the smooth, flat appearance you want to achieve.

Step 5: Join Stitches in the Round

Bring the ends of your cast-on stitches together and join them to begin knitting in the round. Use a stitch marker to mark the start of your round. For an invisible join, you can cast on one extra stitch than your pattern calls for. Move that stitch from the right to the left needle. Knit those first two stitches together with both the tail and the working yarn. Then drop the tail and continue as per your pattern.

Step 6: Start Knitting

Begin knitting according to your pattern. Maintain even tension throughout. One of the joys of knitting in the round is the rhythmic flow, as you’re constantly working in the same direction. It’s easy to get into a relaxed rhythm, making the process enjoyable and fast.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Issues

As you knit, you might encounter some common challenges like laddering between needles or uneven tension. If you notice these, take a moment to adjust your grip or tighten your stitches. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable knitting in the round, and these issues will become less frequent. Don't be afraid to pause and make adjustments as needed.

Step 8: Bind Off and Finish

Once your project is the desired length, bind off your stitches as per your pattern and weave in the yarn ends for a clean finish.

Recommended First Projects

Start with these beginner-friendly projects to build your confidence:

• Beanies and Hats: Quick and rewarding, hats are ideal for practising knitting in the round. Pair with yarns like Malabrigo Rasta for soft, cosy results.
• Simple Cowl: Cowls are forgiving projects that are perfect for mastering the basics. Their straightforward design helps you focus on consistency and rhythm.
• Headbands: Small and manageable, headbands are great for learning to join stitches in the round and maintain tension.
• Dishcloths: Circular dishcloths made with cotton yarn are practical and help refine your technique.
• Mittens: Introduce shaping techniques like decreases with mittens, using warm yarns such as Ashford DK Yarn for cosy results.
• Socks: Learn to work with smaller needles and shape heels with beginner sock patterns. Malabrigo Sock Yarn is an excellent option for these projects.
• Infinity Scarf: Practice your stitches and experiment with textures by making an infinity scarf. This versatile project is both fun and stylish.
• Baby Blanket or Lovey: Larger projects like circular baby blankets provide opportunities to work on longer rounds and create meaningful gifts.
• Sweaters: For adventurous beginners, simple sweater patterns offer a rewarding challenge. Use high-quality yarn to ensure a comfortable, beautiful garment.

Master Knitting in the Round Today!

Knitting in the round is a skill that opens up endless creative possibilities. With a bit of practice and the right materials, you'll soon create seamless, polished projects with confidence. Explore Thread Collective's range of knitting tools and ethically sourced yarns to make your knitting journey even more enjoyable. Share your creations with our community and inspire others to join the wonderful world of circular knitting!