Double pointed needles are one of the oldest knitting needles, as old as knitting itself. In the past days, DPNs were the only option for knitting in the round. Today, while there are options of knitting with a circular needle (with a smaller length than the circumference of the project), the magic loop technique as well as two circular needles, DPNs are still loved by knitters. They are particularly used for projects such as baby socks, hats and sweaters but can be used for adult-size socks, hats and more.

With tapered points on either end, the double-pointed knitting needles (DPNs) are perfect for knitting small circumferences. Unlike the regular straight needles, DPNs come in sets of four or five of which three or four are used to make a circumference and the extra needle is used to knit. This gives the freedom of a circumference you want to create. While circular needles are restricted by the needle tip and cable length, double points do not face any such barrier. In fact, many knitters who cast on projects with circular needles for the entire project, switch to double points when the stitches are very few or when you have decrease to shape a hat or other projects in the round.

Like other knitting needles, the double-pointed needles come in a range of sizes 6″ and 8″ in a standard range of sizes. The 6-inch needles are ideal for knitting gloves, mittens and socks and 8-inch knitting needles are for hats, sweaters, and larger items. Working with the multiple tips while knitting in the round can be intimidating at first, but with time and trial, you will discover your ease of work.

How to knit in the round with double-pointed Needles?

Knitting with DPNs is similar to working with any other regular knitting needle. You cast on stitches, join the round, and knit or purl the stitches until you have completed the pattern instructions or knit the desired measurements.

Cast on

Cast on stitches in your preferred technique on one single needle tip. Casting stitches on multiple needles will be difficult to manage so it is best to cast on one. Say, for example, you have cast on 30 stitches then divide 10 stitches into three needles so that each needle has about the same number of stitches. If you are working with four needles, move 8, 7, 7 8 stitches. While moving be careful not to drop any stitches.

Place the needles with the cast on stitches and form a triangle or a square as mentioned in the pattern of the knitting project. Take care to not twist your stitches as it will result in wonky loops.

Join the Round

Joining the cast on stitches is the most important step when knitting in the round. There are many ways to join the stitches, the simplest way is casting on an extra stitch and simply slipping it into the knitting needle and joining the round.

Knitting in the round 

Now, using your extra (fourth or fifth needle) that is not used for the circumference start to knit the stitches. Like regular knitting, the needle with the first cast on stitches is held in the left hand.

After knitting, the stitches will be transferred to the extra needle in your right hand. Now, rotate your project clockwise and use the needle that has just been freed up to knit along the stitches on the next needle.

Continue going round after round. Use stitch markers generously. To mark the start of the round place a stitch marker on the second last stitch on the needle or use a locking stitch marker. While you work with two needles at a time, the rest of the needles will hang on the project as you. When you switch between the knitting needles make sure to avoid gaps or ladders. Keep a tight grip on the yarn for the last two stitches of the round particularly.

It is also recommended to move the stitches after a few rounds. Keeping the working needle on the top always as if the needle is trapped under other needles, the stitches might be overstretched and uncomfortable to work with.

Finishing off

Continue knitting with your DPNs till you have achieved your desired length. Different projects and patterns will have different ways to finish off. The top of the hat or the closed end of socks, may not need to bind off as you can now work them with a darning needle.

With this, get ready to start on knitting projects with DPNs. You can have individual needles or a double-pointed needle set. Explore the Mindful Collection for stainless steel knitting needles. Perfect pointy tips, smooth surface, sturdy construction and inspirational word imprinted on the needle tip make it the perfect DPNs for your projects.

So, are you now ready to take up double-pointed knitting needles?

Source: https://knitpromindful.bcz.com/2023/03/04/how-to-knit-in-the-round-with-double-pointed-needles/