Some knitters love DPNs and some hate them. Some adore circulars and some abhor them. Whatever the case, knitters have strong opinions about using them. If a project calls for in-the-round knitting, a knitter must choose one or the other.
Knitting in the round, or circular knitting, creates a seamless tube of finished material by joining a set of stitches together, and working them in a circular fashion. Knitting in the round is the ideal way to make things like socks, hats, sweaters, and anything else that is shaped like a tube because it creates a seamless garment.
Knitting in the round is started by casting on the desired number of stitches and then joining them so that they form a circle. Continuous stitching is worked around and around, and the “right” side of a piece always faces the knitter. There is no need to alternate knitting and purling rows to make a stockinette pattern.
DPNs
DPNs are pointed on both ends, allowing the knitter to work from either side. Three to four double-pointed needles are used to create a circle, while an additional needle is used to work the piece. DPNs come in sets of four or five. Double-pointed knitting needles used to be the only things available to knit in the round seamlessly.
Consider size when buying double-pointed knitting needles; follow the pattern if one is being used, but check its gauge before starting the project. It may be necessary to go up or down a needle size depending on how loosely or tightly the knitter knits compared to the pattern’s writer.
DPNs are available in different lengths. Different projects will call for different lengths of needles; for example, socks are easier to make on shorter needles.
If at all possible, try out different types of DPNs before buying. Metal and plastic needles are fast but slippery. Wooden needles are not slippery, but are a bit slower. This is a very personal choice – a choice that may change as a knitter advances in the craft.
Again, if possible, try out using four and then five needles. If in doubt, it’s always safer to buy a set of five. Besides, they’re very easy to lose, so the extra needle may wind up not being so “extra” after all.
Circulars
Circulars are less unwieldy to use than DPNs and are incredibly versatile. They can be used for straight knitting as well as circular; just knit back and forth as usual instead of connecting the round.
New needles are labeled with diameter, cord length and sometimes needle length.Circulars are measured from tip to tip, including the cord which connects them. The length of the needles should be less than the diameter of your project.
Yarn stays on more easily when using circulars, so smoother needles, like ones make out of plastic or metal, may not be out of the question. Wooden needles are nice and quiet, but they are also a bit “stickier.” Again, taking the needles for a test run is a great idea.
Make sure the yarn slips smoothly over the place where the needle is attached to the cord. Getting stuck there on every round will be quite frustrating.
Circulars can do some things DPNs cannot; for example, it is possible to knit two socks at once. However, DPNs can knit down to two or three stitches in the round, whereas it it next to impossible to knit smaller than ten stitches on circular needles. Nonetheless, although it might be better to learn to knit socks on DPNs, it’s certainly nice to know that the opportunity is there.
New types have just been released; there are circular sets that have interchangeable cords. That cuts down on the tangled messes.
Whether settling on DPNs or circulars, resist buying an entire needle set right away. Preferences change over time. Happy knitting.
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
Join the Conversation