Knitting Help - Knitting a Pi Circle

"It's pi. The geometry of a circle hinging on the mysterious relationship of the circumference of a circle to its radius", the words of my knitting hero Elizabeth Zimmermann. In this video, I demonstrate how to knit a flat circle.
If you would like to see this pattern written out, visit my website here (or scroll down):
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl on Ravelry:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Instructions for working a Pi Circle:
Note: I use KFB increases below, you can substitute any other one-stitch increase.
Cast-on 8 stitches and join in-the-round on double pointed needles.
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: KFB all stitches (16 stitches)
Rounds 3-4: Knit (2 rounds)
Round 5: KFB all stitches (32 stitches)
Rounds 6-9 Knit (4 rounds)
Round 10: KFB all stitches (64 stitches)
Rounds 11-18: Knit (8 rounds)
Round 19: KFB all stitches (128 stitches)
Rounds 20-35: Knit (16 rounds)
Continue in this manner, increasing every stitch in the increase rounds, and doubling the number of plain knit rounds between increase rounds. Switch to longer circular needles as needed. Bind-off using a normal bind-off and a larger sized needle on what would be a plain knit round (not an increase round!).
The poncho on the mannequin is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern and video tutorial:
verypink.com/2013/12/20/rodeo...
The yarn I use in my finished Pi Circle is Roots & Rain Monsoon Sock.
The yarn I use for demonstration is Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Chunky.
The DPNs I use for demonstration are Knitter's Pride Ginger.

[@electricyarn]

Thank you!!!! I'm 16 and have been knitting for about a year, and wanted to make a bag for bringing my projects places while I work on them. I thought I would have to learn to crotche to make what I wanted how I wanted. Your enthusiasm made the start of this project so much more fun than I expected!

[@makeaboomboom_]

i had a similar problem and wanted to make amigurumi but couldnt find a way to knit like this, so i learned crochet. rly wish i saw this before literally tackling a new art arghhh

[@lizallcote7808]

I have been knitting for years and years, but I’ve never knitted a pie circle shape, this was a complete first for me, and I’m happy to say, it’s turning out fabulously, so thank you @verypinkknits for sharing this information with everyone x ❤

[@coldfusionmusical]

Finally! A knitting video on flat circle or pi circle! Have been wanting to figure out this because I love the flat circles of crochet, which isn't that common for knitting, figured out something but this is 100% better looking! Now we have the Knitter's version of the crochet's circles! I also love the pinhole CO without the crochet hook, it's ingenious of you doing it that way! Almost like doing the knitpurl CO or another type of Provisional CO. Thanks for sharing, keep it up! God bless.

[@laurenames3741]

Nails: Stunning Lighting: Wonderful Explanations: Fantastic

[@sondifunderburg5997]

Knitting a shawl from the top down

[@Mamooshka220]

Mind. Blown. I listen to the Knit Picks Podcast and Kelley went on and on about the Pi Shawl and I didn't understand how that worked. Thank you!

[@latashajones3369]

Thanks I used your tutorial to start my cat bed. It’s beautiful.

[@TheRivetts]

Thank you for sharing this. I've been struggling to find a way to make a 10cm mouth plate for a knitted plush doll I've designed. Within 30 mins I've knitted a perfect circle, it fits perfectly, I now have found a way of creating an open mouth, like a Muppet to my knitted toys. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the Pi Circle, it is quick, easy and creates the perfect knitted circle xxx

[@taylaburns1459]

You are a national treasure! Thank you so much for making these videos-it’s always such a treat to learn a new technique from you!

[@ysoldadee2767]

now I want to at-once-and-instantly start knitting a Pi Shawl. But first need to finish an other project. 🙁 Thank you for making it so simple and easy to figure out! 💝

[@macorey54]

I bought a pattern to knit a bag and the bottom of the bag is this exact detail. I could not figure it out. I'm so glad I found this video!

[@mizzielizzie6993]

Where has this been my whole life!?! Love love love! Thank you so much! 💞

[@momgrandma5496]

4:10 Staci, call this your pie crust blocking. ; ) Elizabeth Zimmermann was a ‘calculated’ knitter. I have her Baby Surprise pattern that I’ll be making but in the adult version. It’s like the drawing lessons I took from a book that had you pencil an image upside down, you concentrate on the line drawing, not the end product.

[@trinityshackelford143]

I love your videos!! Ive been watching for years now! You taught me how to knit and I’ve been doing it ever since! Than you 💓

[@D90-BELL]

step by step workmanship that requires precision and patience i liked..yes descriptions complete.

[@snvazquez724]

Funny thing I was looking for a knitted tutorial on the round, good timing! Thanks for sharing!

[@lailabaloch568]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've seen a "Pi shawl" done in crochet which is very lacy. But I do love this knitted shawl so much better. You always make difficult projects so simple.

[@freemak1]

Beautiful! I love it when knitting is connected to mathematics:-)

[@peachesfireside178]

This is FANTASTIC THANK YOU ever so much!👏😊 You certainly deserve a gold star for your clear teaching and this is so useful!!!!!!!!!

[@maryrace8680]

So happy I found your channel. This is genious. Thank you!

[@khadigabono8384]

I love your work so much I learned a lot from you ❤

[@MooseCall]

Thank God for magic loop.

[@mirandamurphy6783]

You are my Hero!!! I LOVE YOUR TUTORIALS

[@GaminGawdess]

The timing of this video is great! I am currently creating an Afghan using different knitting circle motifs. I am using the book knitting in circles by Nickey Epstein.

[@Lena-pw4zk]

this is so cool! You just opened a whole new world to me!

[@mediocreviolinist]

SO Helpful!!! Thanks for making this video. Was my first time doing the Pinhole Cast-On.

[@RitaPsych1]

My goodness, that looks difficult! Getting started on dpns has always been taxing and awkward for me. That circle, though...Thank you for sharing.

[@DarkFr3ak101]

When I first started out knitting working with dpns was very intimidating until I read a children's knitting book that explains the entire concept. The book is called Kids Knitting and even though it is for children there are a lot a useful and great techniques for any level. Good luck

[@lindas5964]

Perfect! Ima knit a trash bag storage tube thingie and this is what I needed for the bottom!

[@sharondonovan1403]

Hi staci...thanks for this new learning pie circle....good turtorial😄

[@malgosiasenderek6053]

I love this! Thank you ❤️

[@MoreSouthern]

I am so excited to do this! Now to figure out a pattern to do on the knit rounds. I have placed a hold on this at my local library so I can see hers!

[@motzoh]

Good idea, I'm going to check out a copy, too. :)

[@DiVaIve]

Love it! I see some knit dream catchers in my futur!!

[@jandroid1962]

That is way cool. I can't wait to start!

[@manelknits]

Thank you Staci✨

[@staklenigrad654]

You are mine knitting hero!

[@00moon]

This is very cool indeed! I'm imagining.. lace table cloth for round tabletops or coasters! I've always thought about this since this is kind of how amigurumi is done, but never applied to knitting. Could you please show us how to do kitchener grafting on seed stitch and garter stitch another time?

[@theastewart6721]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@ArgenAndJael]

Very helpful and cool! Thanks!

[@mariel9180]

Awesome specs!! 🤓😎

[@meganwatson7016]

This is great. I am making a Pi hat from this!!!

[@kelliesadler3789]

I love this video! Something about learning some history gave this vid some substance... and the tutorial tucked in at the end was just amazing. I’d like to see more like this!

[@alyssamartinez7690]

Thank you so much. I've been trying to figure out how to start a knit beanie from the top & it was driving me crazy cuz the shape just didn't come out right. Now I got a better idea thanks so much 😘🙂

[@diannariley8430]

Hi Stacy, I still don't see it creating a circle. That's amazing!

[@sloppyjoe3617]

I love the way the circles look when knitted! My dislike for DPN's would force me to try this on circular needles...either way it does look a little tricky.

[@alisonsheep]

This is so so cool

[@janicemartin1580]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

You are amazing!

[@laurablackwood174]

Love it I think I'm going to knit that football field😁😁😜🤓🤓

[@madebymum9892]

Wow I am going to try this 😀

[@motzoh]

Thanks Staci. I'm enjoying this kinda mini series of pinhole cast-ons and projects.

[@verypinkknits]

You're welcome, glad you're enjoying them! Thought I'd stick with the theme for a few videos. :)

[@newsamar5149]

Thank you ❤

[@baharcahobi]

Harika, paylaşım için teşekkürler.

[@wonderspace90]

I KNEW IT IS POSSIBLE

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Neat! Thank you.

[@elimighty]

This is very similar to crochet/amigurumi, but i have a question can i use magic loop method instead of DPNs since it gets very fiddly to me. Thank you so much for this tutorial :D

[@pamelajwatson988]

Eli Mighty Absolutely!! If that is your preference. Also, 2 circ knitting 🧶!!

[@elimighty]

@@pamelajwatson988 thanks sweetie for replying :D using two circulars is great but problem is i don't have 2 needles for each size so magic loop is easier for me but it is a wonderful recommendation thank you so much for taking some time to help out i really appreciate it! ❤❤🌹

[@pamelajwatson988]

You’re so welcome!!😍🧶😍🧶👍🏼

[@elimighty]

@@pamelajwatson988 ❤❤❤❤🌹

[@taylorkahl301]

Hi Staci, thanks for this video! Do you know whether the proportions for the pi circle still work if using a different number of CO sts (e.g., 6 instead of 8)?

[@kateneonne6757]

Hi, id imagine there would be a difference because when I do it in crochet there is a bit of a difference between an 8 st and 10 st start

[@ktodd5kt5]

Thank you!

[@sexyeyes82jsd]

Hi stacy! Lovely video as always. I wanted to message to see if you had been asked to do a tutorial on how to knit a planned pooling item such as a scarf?

[@mrs.stocky2445]

Expression Fiber Arts has a geode cowl that teaches planned pooling and is quite simple and pretty!

[@smitachoudhuri8924]

Thank you! Have been struggling with this. Thank you

[@jacquelinechneour5480]

I love your videos and your advice, but this is so much easier to do with pinhole cast on with a crochet hook and, then, using circular needles with a magic loop.

[@mariettlinger3268]

Hey, this is great. Wondering if you can make 'granny squares' with this technique and if so, how?

[@ooohlaa13]

My cat insists on sitting on any knitted hat around so I have some old stash sashay yarn to use up to make her her own knitted circular prayer rug!!! Would this be suitable I really want it to be dense, not airy, to use up 1 skein only. I don't want to open up the sashay, just leave it rope quality. I will probably experiment before you suggest feedback, but the largest dp I have is size 13 but will that be too airy? Anyway you are the best, and I love that and how you channel Elizabeth Z. 😍

[@NaturalAegyo]

Cute! I'm thinking of doing a pizza 🍕 blanket and need a flat base. This looks good! Not sure about the increases.

[@artalartistic6978]

Wonderful tutorial! Do you think this could be used to knit a poncho, but instead of starting with such little stitches you start with a later count (like 64), while following the same pattern (so k64 for however many rows, increase, k128 for however many rows, etc.)?

[@akatsukiawsome13]

In theory that would absolutely work. Did you make it?

[@akatsukiawsome13]

I am almost finished with my project made using this technique. A full circle cloak. Poncho would definitely work if you “start” at the later stitch counts and go with the same numbers.

[@lynnecampbell5608]

Hi! I want to make a circle shirt for a toddler. Would the same premise apply following the waistband? ( double round then 2 rows, double then 4 etc?)

[@BlossomBlendFibres]

Pi shawls look so fun to knit up. However, how do you wear them? I haven’t worn a circle shawl before.

[@joyfulnoise6556]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. The only ones I've seen worn have had armholes worked into them. But the example in the book definitely didn't have them.

[@annmariebusu9924]

Jennifer Guermonprez I was thinking maybe it could be table cloth 😁

[@joyfulnoise6556]

@@annmariebusu9924 it would definitely make a beautiful table cloth!

[@samanthacarter7817]

Perhaps folded in half to create a half circle, kind of like a square shawl folded into a triangle, and worn in a Cape like fashion?

[@charmagne2102]

Took me a while, but I think doing a chart to keep in mind how many rounds one has to do to the next doubled circle is good.

[@carolyncaperton9029]

You mention being able to use any increase you like. If you use M1 increases, does it matter which one since they lean left or right? Trying to envision how that would work in a circle..tanks!

[@verypinkknits]

Yes, you can use any increases you like - and the look of the increase will effect the look of the finished piece, it's all about what you want.

[@mairiwoods5246]

Thank you for these instructions. I haven’t used dpns in decades! Fought with them today and now at row 22. The middle seems to 'poke up' ... will this flatten out as it grows?

[@verypinkknits]

No...it won't likely flatten as it grows. If you're using a wool yarn, it should flatten out with some steaming from an iron. Otherwise, you might be using a yarn/needle combination that is too tight...using bigger needles or thinner yarn should help.

[@mairiwoods5246]

Oh dear! Just as well it was a trial. Thanks for your advice.

[@HaneenGhazal-zj6qr]

Do I have to use circular needles for this? Can I use interchangeable needles?

[@bushrasew]

Do u think I can start knitting a hat with the pi method ?

[@jannaaltinsoy5748]

I'm knitting a circle skirt, I'm starting with 160 and increasing on until its ankle length..... Can someone please help me figure out the increases, how many, and when, please?

[@mikecarmona6726]

Would it be to hard to double knit a round flat circle? I'm probably putting too much thought into it.

[@rezkitty397]

A challenge 👍💯

[@rissareidel2119]

4:45 So I can come back to it :)

[@AllieBee00]

Rip crocheting lol I'll be avoiding now I can knit a circle 😬

[@francaperotti5934]

Dnp scare me. I like the concept i will try this at some point.

[@Angie1307-h4d]

Do you have any videos showing the whole process from cast on till finish?

[@verypinkknits]

Of the Pi Circle? In this video, I demonstrate all the techniques used, but you need to follow the written pattern to create a Pi Circle.

[@SuperAustin1234567]

Can I use flexi flips for this?

[@DarkFr3ak101]

How do you transfer the stitches from dpns to circular needles

[@verypinkknits]

Just put an empty circular needle in your right hand, and knit off of the DPNs to the circular needle.

[@stacyedwards7284]

Can you give me the slow motion one

[@sameeazeb28]

hi Stacy how are you i have subscribed your channel but you do net send me your new videos. could you tell me how can i get 16" circular needle for knitting hats and caps i searched on amazon etc but not finding the proper thing i do not need the bamboo one

[@verypinkknits]

I release a new video every week, if you aren't getting notifications, you can check your notification settings in KZbin. You can also follow me on Facebook or join my Ravelry group to see new videos. There are lots of 16" needle sets on Amazon, here is one that I really like: amzn.to/305mjXX

[@tyggjghfhfj]

This is good but when I start doing the finger part everything just loosens up and it's not secure enough I dunno what I'm doing wrong since my brain 🧠 is as dead as a cow . So help. Pls 😭🐔🛌💤👍😴👿🤡💯

[@michellebryant6968]

Can you try to use the magic loop?

[@verypinkknits]

Yes, if you are comfortable with the technique, you can use magic loop instead of shorter circulars.

[@gratosoable]

Estrella, oh, te encontré; voy a ello y luego te cuento...

[@Nana-hc3mq]

a bit sad it wasn't shown how to do it with a circular needle, as in the miniature

[@verypinkknits]

The technique is exactly the same, regardless of the needles you use. :)

[@newknitterlinda2824]

How do I get the pattern

[@verypinkknits]

The instructions are on my website here: verypink.com/2019/08/28/knitting-a-pi-circle/

[@TimmsMJ]

It would help if you mentioned what needles you should use. In your instructions you mention double ended needles and circular needles. Ok, I get you could use either, but imo clarity is important. Not everyone knows these things.

[@verypinkknits]

If you look at the video description field, I always give details of everything you see in my videos.

[@Cynsome1]

Who hit the down thumb? And... WHY.?

[@verypinkknits]

LOL, I don't know. Maybe they hate my hair, or my voice, or the yarn color. It always happens, sometimes they let me know that they hate my hair, or my voice, or the yarn color. hahaha

[@Cynsome1]

Oh my gosh. Lame. Lol. Your channel is great, BTW, I have made several of your Tunisian quilts and the fingerless mitts! Love your explanations and taking the time to show technique!

[@jenmarriott943]

Can you do magic loop

[@verypinkknits]

Yes...I personally find DPNs to be much easier when you have so few stitches at the beginning, but you can use magic loop any time a pattern calls for DPNs.

[@jenmarriott943]

VeryPink Knits thank you

[@thomas351]

I am a man and when watching this tutorial makes me wonder who started the nasty rumor that the female brain does not function as well with mathmatics as the male ...and submit Knitting as proof ...pssst ...I think Elizaeth Zimmerman was either a man in disguise or a knitting witch that rides a pair of knitting needles ...a knitting pattern looks every bit as confusing to a lay person as any mathematical formula and talk about graphs and charts ...knitters have that covered as well

[@charlottecaywood1099]

Went from “Women are smart” to “that smart women must be either a man or a witch” in 3 seconds

[@bbyn]

I swear your channel name changes everytime i go to it...

[@verypinkknits]

My channel name has been the same since 2009.

[@eileenmills9471]

Too much talking

[@verypinkknits]

Well, then, you can go away.