Double pointed needles (DPNS) have been the oldest tool to knit in the round and to date, it is a very convenient option. Knitters love their double pointed knitting needles (DPNs) and there are sufficient reasons for it. The needles come with tapered points on both ends allowing knitting from either end. They are a practical choice to knit in the round, especially when a particular project is too small for circular needles, such as a glove’s fingers or the top of a hat.
The double-pointed needles come in sets of four or five. Although most knitters use four double-pointed needles for a project, there is an option of the fifth needle in the need of extra circumference. And, as it's better to have an extra needle, a set of five is the best option. Also, like all other needles used in knitting, DPNs too are available in materials such as wood, bamboo, plastic, metal, stainless steel, carbon, etc. and can be chosen according to the preference and convenience of knitters.
Like other knitting needles, the double pointed needles come in a range of sizes 4″ - 8″ in popular sizes. The 4-inch needles are ideal for knitting gloves and mittens, while 5 or 6 inches ones are for knitting socks and 8-inch knitting needles are for hats, sweaters, and larger items.
Working with double-pointed knitting needles and the technique of knitting in the round can be intimidating at first, but with time and trial, you will discover your ease of work. As the saying from an anonymous writer goes “In the Rhythm of the Needles, There is Music for the Soul - Ellen Guzik”. And, with the practice of knitting with double-pointed needles, you will soon find your soul-stirring rhythm.
How to knit in the round with double-pointed Needles?
Before you start knitting with DPNs, go through your pattern carefully, some may mention four needles or five needles. The number of needles will not be a problem as long as you get the hang of knitting with the DPNs.
Cast on
Cast on stitches as you would normally do in a knitting project on a single needle.
Divide the stitches evenly over three or four needles so that each needle has about the same number of stitches.
Form your needles into a triangle or a square as mentioned in the pattern of the knitting project. Take care that you do not twist your cast on as it will result in wonky stitches.
Knitting in the round
Using your fourth or fifth needle, start to knit the stitches from the needle on your left hand. Hold the project in a way that the first cast-on stitches on it are in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand and knit as normal.
After knitting the stitches on the first needle, rotate your project clockwise and use the needle that has just been freed up to knit along the stitches on the next needle.
Let the remaining needles hang as you work. The arrangement of the knitting needles might not feel safe, but it’s very unlikely that they will fall out.
Make sure to knit tightly when you switch between the knitting needles to avoid gaps in the knitting. When the yarn is loose or uneven there are small gaps formed in the project known as laddering.
To prevent gaps, keep a tight grip on the yarn and make sure to pull a little tighter when you make the first stitch on each needle. It is also suggested to shift one or two stitches from one needle to the next. This will also move the position of the space between the needles.
In the needle management of DPNs make sure that the working needle is always on the top. If the working needle is trapped under other needles, you’ll end up knitting in an uncomfortable position, overstretching stitches, etc.
Finishing off
Keep knitting with your DPNs till you have achieved your desired length. If you are knitting the top of the hat or the closed end of socks, you will not need to bind off. In case you need to bind off, go for the traditional methods and bind off your project.
Double-Pointed Needles or Circular Needles- when to use
The discussion of knitting in the round remains incomplete without discussing all the options- the double-pointed needles and circular knitting needles. The DPNs are some knitter’s choice while circulars are preferred by many others. DPNs allow knitting even the smallest in the round knitting projects such as socks, gloves, sleeves and the crown of hats. Oftentimes many knitting projects are started on circular needles and are completed on double-pointed knitting needles as the circulars are not able to fit all the stitches. Or, sometimes a project is started on DPNs and finished off on circular needles.
Choosing Double-Pointed Needles and Sets
A double-pointed needle set is a perfect investment in knitting tools if you have multiple in-the-round projects lined up. Make sure to invest in stitch markers, needle stoppers and travel-friendly cases or choose from KnitPro’s range of needle sets that includes all these. You can explore other option for double-pointed needles - Smartstix which comes with one-inch markings or the very special Nova cubics, vibrant zing or warm ginger or the very breathtaking Symfonie.
So, are you now ready to take up double-pointed knitting needles? Explore the range of KnitPro’s finest double-pointed knitting needles, tools and accessories. You can also check out our tutorial on using DPNs for your knitting project.
