Knitting in the Round for Beginners

Learn knitting in the round using circular needles! Scarves are nice, but at some point you’ll want to knit hats, mittens, socks and even sweaters! What do these things have in common? They’re all 3D and tube-shaped. In order to knit things in 3D, you’ll need to knit in the round.

There are a number of ways to knit in the round, but the easiest involves knitting on circular needles. Circular needles are similar to flat needles, except that the two needles are joined together by a flexible cable that allows your stitches to curve into a round shape.

VIDEO CHAPTERS:

Intro: Flat knitting vs Knitting in the round
1:11 Don’t Get it Twisted
3:18 Joining in the Round
5:56 Why Can’t I Get it Twisted?
7:28 What Needle Length to Use?

KNITTING IN THE ROUND TIPS:

1. DON’T GET IT TWISTED! Make sure your stitches are untwisted before joining in the round or else you’ll end up with a big ole twist in your work.

3. MINIMISE THE GAP: After joining in the round, pull tight on your first stitch so that no gap forms where you join your work together.

4. NEEDLE LENGTHS: Choose a needle length that’s smaller than the finished size of whatever it is that you’re knitting. For example, if the finished measurements of your hat is 19 inches, use a 16 inch needle).

Needles shown in the video*:

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* The links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links. I’ve purchased all of these items on my own. I’ve had success using them, which is why I recommend them. However, only buy what you need! Many knitters have used other materials, and their results are just as lovely.

Music used in the video:
"Summertime" by YoWiLLLL

[ALAuchter]

I was absolutely terrified of knitting in the round until I saw this video! You're such an excellent teacher — thank you so very much!

[SmittenKitten.]

I've been avoiding knitting in the round because I was scared about joining the rows. If I'd known the way you knit in the round was by JUST KNITTING, I wouldn't have waited so long. Haha! Thanks for the great tips. I just ordered my first set of circular needles!

[fleurlowerymccombe]

Thank you so much. This was easy to follow and very informative. I'm off now to try my first knitted garment - a scarf for my daughter - using circular needles! I'm 70 years old so hopefully you're never too old to try something new!

[starlawalker]

My daughter, who is 7, says “thank you, ” for teaching her this technique. I knitted years ago, but forgot how to cast on and I never knitted in the round. We watched your video about casting on and are watching this one now. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!!

[elizabethtucker]

The one thing no one ever addresses (that I can find) in knitting in the round videos is which side is your working side and how you should position the work when you’re looking at it. I discovered, when I switched from flat to circular needles halfway through a sweater, that I was knitting the “wrong” or inner side of my round work (if that makes sense). I still get confused when beginning a project in the round and would love a video that addresses this, which is super important! I hope what I’ve said makes sense! Thanks.

[yvonnekron]

Best "in the round" instructions. I have ripped out my cowl 3x. And now with your help, I am on my way to completing my project! Thanks

[vivienlee]

Phew.. Finally a really clear explanation on how to use circular knitting needles. I have been confused but clearer now about what SIZE to use! Thank you, I shall pluck up courage to have another go.

[gulserendipity]

it's great that you point out the wrongs, everyone is showing the right ones but we are not that skilled yet!😊

[rcfrcso]

Found this very helpful as someone who has never knitted on circular needles. As it turned out, the lady at the store sold me needles that were too long for what I'm knitting - a baby hat. Ended up using four needles instead.

[romyt]

You're the best knitter teacher on Youtube :D I'm afraid of circular needles, but now I'm less scared because of you and your explanation

[TheRealDoctorBonkus]

Dear Devina,

A few months ago your video on how to knit a scarf helped me knit one for my girlfriend. She was very pleased and our anniversary is coming up.
Here I am, making a scarf for myself and I was wondering this: "Could you please, with your nice tutorials and exceletent explaining, make a tutorial on how to make a pair of mittens? I have searched high and low for a good video, but you do the best."

Thanks for the tutorials,
A male knitter.

[smallfootprint]

Just made my first project. A hat. In the round. It turned out so cute. I Gave it to my daughter and she loves it. I'm hooked on knitting. I have tried crocheting and knitting and love both. I'm crocheting a shawl. Both are fun, but thanks to YouTube, I can do both now, fairly easily. I've tried before and never got very far. Thanks for the great video. Very clear.

[alishajackson]

I just started knitting and I had no idea that the length of the needles matters so much. Thank you so much for making this video!

[Mariewebb]

I'm a beginner knitter. I find it relaxing as long as I do easy items. I am having difficulty finding beginner projects. Thank you for the tutorial, I'm going to give it a try.

[maggiefreeman]

Excellent tutorial. I've been knitting for years...nearly 50 years! ...but have never tried knitting in the round. Thanks to your tutorial I now feel I can give it a try. I have a baby granddaughter and have noticed so many baby dresses are knitted in the round so I really want to give it a go. Thanks again! 😀

[hildivalenzano]

Thank you so much, I learned a great deal watching this video! You're so patient and your instructions are very well thought out and concise. I appreciate the details you provided...especially the importance of not twisting your stitches, I'm pretty sure you saved this novice knitter from learning a valuable lesson the hard way. I look forward to beginning my first knitting project on circular needles!

[pattikubacki]

Thank you so much. You have finally taken the mystery out of knitting in the round for me. I really appreciate it.

[furfighter]

Oh, thank the Gods I found you !!!
....exactly what I needed, I just wanted to learn how to knit a round scarf using a 'plain' stitch with eyelash yarn and circular needles. Before finding you, I've had to sit through a procession of young numpties who seem to think a round scarf is just a normal scarf sewn together at the end ! Very frustrating ! So, a thousand thanks for this clear, informative video.

[marshaconnor]

Dear Devina, your video is so encouraging and pleasant to listen to, thank you for explaining everything is such a patient and at the same time fun manner! am convalescing and discovering knitting. Lots of gratitude to you!

[patriciaannereynolds]

Thank you for this excellent video. I have been knitting for over 60yrs and recently tried knitting on circular needles without much success. Came across your video and realised the importance of the length of the needle. Hats and cowls look so much better without a seam.🤗😄♥️