Flat VS Knitting in the Round - Everything you need to Know

Flat and knitting in the round are just different ways of knitting. To simply explain it means the path your knitting needles take to complete a project. You can knit a project flat, back and forth rows after rows or in the round, knitting a seamless tube. A scarf has to be knit flat while a sweater can be knit either way. Choosing to knit flat or round depends on the project’s requirement or a pattern designer’s instructions and even your knitting needles. Single-pointed needles are exclusively used for knitting flat (back and forth rows). Double-pointed needles are exclusively used for knitting in the round, especially small circumference projects. The range of circular needles- fixed circulars as well as interchangeable circulars is versatile needles used for knitting back and forth as well as in the round.

Knitting Back and Forth (Flat)

Knitting flat means working across rows making a square, rectangle or any flat-shaped knitted fabric. You start with a basic cast on and knitting a row on one needle (generally the left knitting needle), and when you reach the end, all knitted stitches are on the other (right) needle. To knit the next row, turn the project. The stitches are once again on the left-hand knitting needle which you knit and see them transfer to the right. Repeat the process for every row till the pattern instructs or you have the required length. To knit flat, the options are either single-pointed needles or circulars.

With Single Pointed Needles - STNs come in a pair with a stopper at one end and a pointy tip at another. The classic needles are available in different lengths and sizes. They are ideal for flat-knit projects such as dishcloths, scarves and even parts of knitted garments. When it comes to heavy-weight blankets or scarves, the needles do not provide the required length and stitches have to be adjusted. The heavy weight on the needles strains your hands and wrists and makes it difficult to knit with.

With Circular Knitting Needles - These knitting needles are multipurpose. The needle tips are available in a standard range of sizes and cable lengths joining them together. In the case of fixed circulars, the cable cannot be changed while the interchangeable circular needles the cables and the tips can be changed according to the project’s requirements. Here too, you cast-on stitches on a knitting needle, then knit back and forth, turning the project after every row. The cable length allows knitting quite smoothly as the weight of the project lies on the lap and does not strain you

Knitting in the Round

In this knitting, you always knit round and round without turning your work. This way you always have a seamless tube for socks, hats, sleeves, etc. You simply cast on stitches, join the round and go knitting on the right side of the project. This way solves the issue of seaming. You do require the wool needle for weaving in yarn ends but not for shaping the project.

With Circular Knitting Needles – Knitting in the round was the reason why circular knitting needles were invented. They provide multiple ways to knit a round. You can either knit with a circular needle smaller in length than the project circumference or you can use an extra-long needle (including the cable) for the magic loop technique. Another way used by advanced knitters is using two circular knitting needles of the same size and length. The reason for its multipurpose use and versatility is the construction of the knitting needle, small tips and smooth and flexible cables.

With Double Pointed Needles – Knitting in the round with double-pointed needles is as old as knitting itself. DPNs are available in different lengths and in a standard range of sizes in a set of five. The double points are joined together to form a triangle or square while the extra needle is used to knit. You can knit even the smallest circumference with DPNs, baby booties or tips of mittens. Managing the multiple needles with pointy tips on both ends is challenging but with time and practice you can master knitting with DPNs.

So, single-points, double-points or circulars and knitting flat or in the round, it really comes down to your preference and the project. With the Mindful Collection, you have an entire range of stainless steel knitting needles imprinted with an inspirational word that helps knitters focus on the mindful aspects of the craft. In addition to the needles are knitting accessories including cables, stitch markers, scissors, a row counter and other essentials. No matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned knitter, it is always recommended to have the entire range of knitting needles for your creativity and smooth knitting experience.

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