Knitting in the Round: Beginner's Guide to Circular Knitting

Knitting in the round is a game-changer for crafters who want seamless projects without those pesky sewing steps. 

This technique creates tubes of fabric perfect for hats, socks, sweaters, and more, all without turning your work back and forth. Whether you're tired of sewing seams or looking to expand your knitting skills, circular knitting opens up a world of possibilities.

In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about knitting in the round, from choosing the right tools to mastering techniques that will elevate your projects. 

What is Knitting in the Round?

Knitting in the round creates seamless, tubular fabric by working in a continuous spiral instead of back-and-forth rows. This technique eliminates seaming and produces cleaner-looking projects. 

The major advantage? When making stockinette stitch, you only need to knit (no purling required!), making projects faster and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools for Knitting in the Round

Circular Needles

Circular needles consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable. They come in various lengths (typically 16"-60") and work for projects of different circumferences. 

For most adult hats, a 16" circular needle works perfectly, while sweaters might require 24"-32" needles.

When choosing circular needles, consider:

• Length: Match to your project circumference
• Material: Wood, metal, or plastic (each offers different benefits)
• Cable flexibility: Softer cables prevent kinking

Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)

Double-pointed needles are straight needles with points at both ends, typically sold in sets of 4-5. They excel at small-circumference projects like socks, mittens, and hat tops where circular needles become too long.

DPNs distribute stitches across multiple needles, creating a triangle or square shape as you work. While they look intimidating at first, many knitters find them essential for small projects.

Interchangeable Needle Sets

For serious circular knitters, interchangeable needle sets offer versatility. These kits include various needle tips and cables that combine to create different length circular needles.

 

With one investment, you can have virtually any size circular needle at your fingertips—perfect for crafters who frequently knit in the round.

 

 

Looking to build your knitting toolkit? Check out Caydo's complete guide to knitting vs. crochet to understand how circular knitting fits into your broader crafting journey.

Getting Started: Casting On for Circular Knitting

Casting on for circular knitting uses the same techniques as flat knitting, but with an important final step—joining the round:

1. Choose your preferred cast-on method (long-tail works well)
2. Cast on the required number of stitches
3. Arrange stitches evenly (on circular needles or across DPNs)
4. Check carefully that stitches aren't twisted around the needle
5. Join the round by knitting the first stitch you cast on

The most critical moment is checking for twists before joining. Once you've joined and worked several rounds, a twist can't be fixed without starting over.

Preventing the Dreaded Twist

To ensure your work isn't twisted:

• Lay your needles flat with all stitches pointing inward
• Verify the cast-on edge runs along the inside without crossing over
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round
• Work the first few rows slowly, rechecking for twists

Joining in the Round: Techniques for Gap-Free Connections

The Basic Join Method

The simplest way to join your knitting in the round:

1. Cast on required stitches
2. Place stitch marker on right needle to mark beginning of round
3. Knit the first stitch on your left needle
4. Continue knitting all stitches in the round

This creates a smooth join, though some knitters notice a slight gap at the connection point.

Preventing Gaps When Joining

For a tighter join without gaps:

1. Cast on one extra stitch
2. Slip the first stitch from the left needle to the right needle
3. Pass the last cast-on stitch over the slipped stitch
4. Place marker and begin knitting in the round

Another popular method is crossing your first and last cast-on stitches before joining, which eliminates gaps but requires careful attention.

Ready to master the fundamentals? Explore Caydo's comprehensive guide to knitting basics to ensure you've got the essential skills needed for successful circular projects.

Mastering Different Needle Options for Circular Knitting

Working with Standard Circular Needles

Circular needles are straightforward:

1. Cast on stitches to match your project circumference
2. Join in the round and place a marker
3. Knit by working around and around
4. When you reach your marker, you've completed one round

Circular needles work best when your project circumference roughly matches the needle length.

Using Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)

For smaller circumferences, DPNs offer excellent control:

1. Cast on stitches to one DPN
2. Divide stitches evenly across 3-4 needles
3. Join in the round, using an empty needle to begin knitting
4. As you knit, the empty needle becomes your working needle

When working with DPNs, keep tension consistent between needles to avoid "laddering" (visible gaps).

The Magic Loop Technique

Magic loop allows you to use one long circular needle (32" or longer) for any circumference project:

1. Cast on stitches to circular needle
2. Slide stitches to middle of cable
3. Pull cable through stitches at midpoint, creating two loops
4. Position needles so stitches are on the tips, with cable loops extending
5. Join and knit across first half of stitches
6. Slide work, pull second loop, and knit second half

This technique eliminates the need for multiple needle sizes or DPNs.

Two Circular Needles Method

Some knitters prefer using two circular needles:

1. Cast on stitches to one circular needle
2. Divide stitches evenly between two circular needles
3. Join and knit stitches on first needle using the same needle's other tip
4. Switch to second needle and repeat

This method eliminates laddering issues and works well for those who find DPNs awkward.

Common Stitch Patterns for Knitting in the Round

Stockinette Stitch: The Circular Advantage

One of the biggest benefits of knitting in the round is creating stockinette stitch by knitting every stitch of every round—no purling required! This makes circular knitting ideal for:

• Beginner projects
• Mindless knitting while watching TV
• Fast project completion

Ribbing and Texture Patterns

Ribbing creates stretchy edges perfect for hat brims, sock cuffs, and sweater hems:

• 1×1 rib: K1, P1 repeat around
• 2×2 rib: K2, P2 repeat around

Use stitch markers to help track your pattern repeats, especially for larger projects.

Colorwork in the Round

Circular knitting is ideal for colorwork techniques:

• Fair Isle (stranded knitting)
• Mosaic knitting
• Simple stripes

Working in the round means always seeing the right side of your work, making it easier to track colorwork patterns.

Planning a colorwork project? Understanding needle sizes is crucial for maintaining proper tension. Explore Caydo's knitting needle size chart to select the perfect tools for your colorwork project.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Circular Knitting

Preventing Ladders Between Needles

"Ladders" are visible gaps that form between needles when knitting with DPNs or magic loop. To prevent them:

• Pull the second stitch on each needle tightly
• Keep consistent tension when transitioning between needles
• Rotate where your rounds begin occasionally
• Consider using one more DPN than typically recommended

Keeping Track of Rounds

Unlike flat knitting where rows are obvious, rounds can be harder to track:

• Use a round counter or app
• Place markers at specific intervals (every 5 or 10 rounds)
• Create a "lifeline" at important points in your pattern
• Make notes as you go

Many knitters find that row counters that attach directly to needles work best.

Managing Gauge in Circular vs. Flat Knitting

Your knitting gauge may differ between circular and flat knitting—usually because tension varies between knit and purl stitches. To address this:

• Always swatch in the round for circular projects
• Create a small tube swatch rather than a flat one
• Measure gauge after blocking your swatch
• Be prepared to adjust needle size accordingly

Special Techniques for Circular Knitting

Working Small Circumferences

For very small projects like sock toes, baby hats, or glove fingers:

• Magic loop: Fold cable at midpoint of stitches
• DPNs: Distribute stitches across three or four needles
• Two circulars: Divide stitches evenly between needles
• Tiny circulars: Special 9"-12" needles designed for socks and sleeves

Shaping in Circular Knitting

Shaping works differently in the round than in flat knitting:

• Increases add stitches and expand your circumference
• Decreases reduce stitches and narrow your tube
• Strategic placement creates three-dimensional shapes

For even shaping, space increases or decreases evenly around your work.

Are you ready to take your knitting to the next level? Explore Caydo's guide to the best knitting machines for beginners to see how technology can complement your hand-knitting skills.

Converting Flat Patterns to Knitting in the Round

Many patterns written for flat knitting can be converted to seamless circular projects:

• Eliminate selvedge stitches (edge stitches)
• Convert wrong-side rows to right-side (usually by changing purls to knits)
• Adjust stitch patterns as needed
• Add steeks for cardigan openings

 

Some shaping elements will need to be redistributed when converting patterns.

Binding Off in the Round

Binding off in the round follows the same process as flat knitting, with one special consideration—making the join invisible:

1. Bind off stitches using your preferred method
2. When one stitch remains, cut yarn leaving a 6" tail
3. Thread tail through final loop and pull tight
4. Use the tail to "graft" the beginning and end of the bind-off together

 

For a stretchy edge crucial for hats, socks, and cuffs, consider:

• Jenny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off
• Tubular Bind-Off for ribbing
• Sewn Bind-Off for a professional finish

Finishing Techniques for Circular Projects

Weaving in Ends on Seamless Work

Without seams to hide yarn tails, weaving in ends requires careful placement:

• Thread end onto a tapestry needle
• Weave through the wrong side, following the yarn's path
• Change direction at least once for security
• For colorwork, weave ends within the same color to prevent visibility

Blocking Circular Knitting

Blocking improves the appearance of most knitted items:

• For hats: Use a balloon or hat form
• For socks: Use sock blockers or rolled towels
• For sweaters: Block pieces flat or use sweater forms
• For cowls: Shape into a circle during blocking

Spritz with water or fully soak depending on your fiber type.

Beginner-Friendly Projects for Knitting in the Round

Start your circular knitting journey with these approachable projects:

Simple Hat Projects

Hats are perfect first circular projects because:

• They're small enough to finish quickly
• Most require only basic stitches
• They teach decreasing in the round for crown shaping
• Results are wearable and gift-worthy

Cozy Cowls and Neck Warmers

Cowls offer even simpler circular practice:

• No shaping required—just knit a tube
• Perfect for practicing stitch patterns
• Quick to complete
• Great for gift-giving

Easy Tube Socks

For adventurous beginners, tube socks teach:

• Working small circumferences
• Creating heels and toes
• Managing multiple needles
• Finishing techniques

Advanced Circular Knitting Techniques

Stranded Colorwork in the Round

Circular knitting is ideal for colorwork because you're always working from the right side:

• Carry both yarns in your tensioning hand
• Maintain even tension across color changes
• Catch floats every 3-5 stitches for stability

Working Two-at-a-Time Projects

Eliminate "second sock syndrome" by knitting two items simultaneously:

• Cast on for both items onto one long circular needle
• Use magic loop technique, with one item on each half
• Work one item, then the other, advancing both projects equally

Seamless Construction Methods

Advanced circular knitting allows for entirely seamless garments:

• Top-down raglan sweaters
• Bottom-up yoke sweaters
• Seamless set-in sleeves
• One-piece baby garments

Conclusion

Circular knitting transforms your craft with seamless projects that look professional and require less finishing. From hats and cowls to sweaters and socks, this technique offers advantages for every knitter—faster stockinette, no seaming, and beautiful results.

Visit Caydo today to explore their full range of circular knitting supplies designed to make your knitting journey seamless and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to knit in the round?

Knitting in the round is a technique that creates seamless tubular fabric by working in a continuous spiral rather than back-and-forth rows. Instead of turning your work at the end of each row, you continue knitting in circles, which eliminates seams in your finished project. This method is particularly useful for creating hats, socks, sweaters, and other three-dimensional items that benefit from having no visible joining seams.

Can you knit in the round with regular needles?

You cannot knit in the round with traditional straight needles, as you need either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) to create a continuous tube of fabric. Circular needles have points on both ends connected by a flexible cable, while DPNs have points at both ends of straight needles that work together to hold stitches in a circular formation. For very small circumferences, you can also use two circular needles or the magic loop technique with one long circular needle.

What is the difference between a magic loop and knitting in the round?

Magic loop is a specific technique within knitting in the round that uses one long circular needle to work small circumferences by pulling out loops of cable at two points. Regular knitting in the round can be done with circular needles that match your project circumference, double-pointed needles, or two circular needles. Magic loop is particularly useful for small-diameter projects like socks or sleeves when you don't have the exact size circular needle or prefer not to use DPNs.

Is it easier to knit in the round or flat?

Many knitters find knitting in the round easier than flat knitting because it eliminates the need to purl when creating stockinette stitch, as you're always working on the right side of the fabric. Circular knitting also removes the need for seaming pieces together later, which many crafters consider the most challenging part of completing a project. However, some beginners might initially find managing circular or double-pointed needles more awkward than straight needles, so it's worth trying both techniques to determine your personal preference.

 

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