Knitting in the round can be a transformative experience when starting as a knitter because it allows you to create seamless garments, such as hats, socks, and sweaters, without the need for sewing seams.
There are many techniques to choose from, but using circular needles to create seamless circumferences has become the modern standard. This article will explore different methods, such as the Magic Loop and Two Circular Needle Technique, for knitting larger and smaller rounds on circular needles.
The conventional method of knitting in the round on a circular knitting needle
To knit in the round on a circular knitting needle, you will need to use a circular needle that is long enough to accommodate the number of stitches you will be working with. At the same time, it should also be slightly shorter than the total circumference you plan to create to avoid struggling when joining the round.
- Start by casting the required number of stitches onto the circular needle.
- Ensure the stitches are evenly distributed on the cord, and the yarn tail is on the right side.
- Once you reach the end of the round, you will be back at the first stitch you knit and can join your round.
- Before continuing, make sure the tail end of the yarn is on the same side as the working yarn before beginning to knit. Now check the orientation of the stitches in case any twisting has occurred.
The Magic Loop Method
The term "Magic Loop" was coined by knitwear designer and teacher Bev Galeskas in the late 1990s. She devised the technique to knit small circumferences, such as the tops of socks, cuffs, and sleeves, using a long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles or circular knitting needles with a different cord length for each project.
The Magic Loop method is to divide the stitches evenly between two halves of a long circular needle, then loop the right half of the cord over the left half, to knit the stitches in the round.
- Start by dividing the stitches evenly between the two halves of the circular needle. For example, if you knit a hat with 72 stitches, place 36 on one half of the needle and 36 on the other.
- Hold the needle with the stitches in your right hand, with the working yarn coming from the first stitch on the right half of the needle.
- Loop the right half of the needle over the left half so that the first stitch on the left half is at the back of the loop.
- Hold the loop securely in your left hand and begin knitting the stitches on the right half of the needle.
- When you reach the end of the right half of the needle, slip the stitches from the left half of the needle onto the right half.
- Continue knitting in this manner, slipping stitches from one half of the needle to the other as you reach the end of each half.
The “Two-Circs Method”
To knit seamless circumferences, you can also employ the "Two-Circular Needles Method," also known as the "Two-Circs Method." It allows you to knit in the round seamlessly; additionally, it makes stitch counting easier and will help distribute the weight of the knitting more evenly.
Here is how the method works:
- First, divide the number of stitches for your project evenly between the two circular needles. For example, if you're knitting a hat with 72 stitches, you would place 36 stitches on each circular needle.
- Hold one circular needle in each hand, with the working yarn coming from the first stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Knit across the stitches on the right-hand needle as usual, then use the left-hand needle to knit the stitches on the right-hand needle.
- Continue knitting in this manner, switching between the two circular needles as you work. The stitches on one needle will be the foundation for the stitches on the other needle.
- When you reach the end of the round, you will have worked all the stitches once.
Bear in mind that when knitting with two needles, it is crucial to use circulars of the same length and size so that the stitches get not stretched or pulled too tightly.
How to avoid laddering when joining your round
Laddering is the formation of elongated stitches between the cast-on edge and the first round of knitting, which can be a common problem when joining cast-on stitches to a circumference. Here are some tips to help avoid laddering:
Use a stretchy cast-on: Certain cast-on methods, such as the long-tail or the knitted cast-on, can be more elastic and less likely to ladder than others.
- Tighten up the first round: After casting on, pull the yarn tight before joining the stitches to begin knitting circumferences.
- Use a smaller needle for the first round: After casting on, use a smaller needle to knit the first round(s), then switch to the appropriate size for the rest of the project.
Mastering how to knit a seamless circumference will open up a whole new world of patterns and exciting techniques for you.
Interchangeable needle tips and cables are indispensable requisites for any knitter working on tubular projects. With just one set of interchangeable needles, you can choose between different needle sizes and cord lengths for any project and easily switch between knitting methods like magic loop and two circulars. Plus, you'll only need one set of needle tips and cables, making it perfect for knitting on the go.
So, whether you're commuting or traveling, you can take your knitting with you and take advantage of every stitch. What's your next in-the-round project you'll tackle with your circular knitting needles?
