Knitting in the Round for Beginners

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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.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
In this video, you’ll learn how to
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.
2. STITCH MARKERS: stitch markers mark the beginning and end of your round. Stitch markers can be anything round and ring-like, like a rubber band or a ring that you wear on your finger. Of course, you can also purchase stitch markers like the Clover split-ring stitch markers that I use in the video: amzn.to/1R9tVgB
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*:
- Knitter’s Pride 16” 7mm bamboo circular needle: amzn.to/1LkzrQK
- Chico Goo 24” 10mm bamboo circular needle: amzn.to/1LkzzzP
- Clover 36” 6mm bamboo circular needle: amzn.to/1R9uPd3
* 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.
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Music used in the video:
"Summertime" by YoWiLLLL

[@elizabethtucker1631]

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.

[@logikgirl12]

3:32

[@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!

[@kathyallred5641]

Very good teacher. I have never knitted in the round and was not sure on the length of needles Not I feel I can at least to try doing it.

[@veramills7939]

Thank you for your help could you please tell me what size needles to use for gloves

[@rubyarboleda718]

Iam trying to make a baby togs for a new baby

[@rubyarboleda718]

I already have the beginning with the ribbing now I have to start with Stockinette but I don’t remember how to start I know once I start it I wil. Remember please help me

[@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!

[@fleurlowerymccombe3466]

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!

[@sandraworsnop4654]

Hi I'm 79 and after watching a video on circular knitting i am going into town tomorrow ro buy some needles xx

[@vivienlee610]

I'm nearly 68 and you're definitely not too old.. We should always be learning new things as long as we're able. 🤗

[@TreArts9]

That's my story:) I am nervous but ready to try it🎉

[@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

[@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.

[@sheshedj1995]

aww😄

[@aaishahali2185]

Thats so cute! Maybe google a pattern using key terms. I found a few great ones. For the abbreviations or knit skill that i didnt know how to do i youtubed them to find out. Hope this makes sense happy knitting 😄

[@meowsmakemusic718]

Awww, your a great boyfriend/girlfriend are you still together?

[@apeddie3777]

This is so sweet. My boyfriend loves homemade gifts. Honestly theyre the best.

[@lelleetal-sadi3063]

Thats nice😇😊😊

[@vivienlee610]

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.

[@starlawalker8106]

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!!

[@romyt9816]

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

[@smallfootprint2961]

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 KZbin, I can do both now, fairly easily. I've tried before and never got very far. Thanks for the great video. Very clear.

[@maggiefreeman6513]

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! 😀

[@gulserendipity]

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

[@patriciaannereynolds2004]

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.🤗😄♥️

[@user-rc4fr1cs6o]

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.

[@hildivalenzano2445]

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!

[@karenmaddendreiser9357]

Wonderful video. Thank you very much!

[@pattikubacki1818]

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

[@najeebsalar9137]

Patti Kubacki yes.

[@helenwebb2154]

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.

[@michellebee1117]

OMG, thank you so much for all your clear instruction. I so appreciate how you went beyond just the how-to of literally joining and explained why certain things were important (no twist and cord size). Your video made all the difference for me.

[@marshaconnor6493]

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!

[@furfighter211065]

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.

[@alishajackson717]

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!

[@Lawgiver777]

A few months ago while knitting a baby blanket, I accidentally started to knit in the round in the middle of the blanket. I had always wanted to learn to knit in the round, but didn't think it was possible. But after the "accident" and this video, I can now purposefully knit in the round!! Yay!

[@ILOVE_DEFT0NES]

Wonderful video! This was my first lesson on how to knit in the round and now I'm so excited to try it! Thank you for explaining this so well and for the excellent quality of the video.

[@scrapbookee8647]

Thank you for this video! First time trying to knit a hat and I had a circular needle that was way too long! Grabbed a 16 inch and so far so good! Thanks again for your simple to understand video :D

[@joannelawton6958]

Thank you for explaining why different length needles are so important I FINALLY understand why and it makes so much sense 😁

[@tmyrose7396]

I have been trying to figure out how to do this and you made it so simple to do,I will try it and be back, thank you,it means so much for us beginners to have someone really explain and show us without rushing through it

[@vampireville18]

I just bought a pair of circular needles today and definitely learned alot. This was extremely helpful, thank you!

[@ladyem8927]

I cannot thank you enough for this video!! So many videos did not mention the start to join the row AND putting needle with yarn in RIGHT hand.....I could not work out how it joined (as I use circular needles for big blankets and keeping yarn needle in left hand means it doesn't join!l) and it looked like magic!!! Now I know haha!! 😂❤❤❤

[@carathrenL]

Love your tutorials. You make them clear , easy to understand and with a sense of humor. Thank you!

[@aparnatalwalker9396]

This video helped me tremendously. Thank you. Not only did I learn how to knit with circular needles, but I learned the purpose of using the correct chord length and what size chord lengths will work on various projects. Thank you again.

[@vivlee3840]

What a great video. The mystery of what size/length needles to use, is solved!!

[@heatherlight8155]

Thank you Devina Your videos are being so much of a help for me since I am a beginner knitter Thank you I love you

[@dorisdeluca4325]

Thank you for making understand that my circular needles where too big for my hat ...hopefully I enjoy knit on circular needles with the right size of needles Thanks again ...

[@dion789]

I'm going to knit a scarf in the round. I much prefer it that way, so the scarf is twice as thick and doesn't have a front and back side. Thanks for the video, it's very helpful.

[@ccstars7423]

Dion7 Ooh that’s very smart!

[@KarenHoyt-Bonkahoney3]

Fairly new knitter here! Thanks for the video! It taught me a lot!

[@detub6705]

Thank you so much for your instruction. You have solved my problem of using the circular needle. You are the best teacher..

[@susantebbutt9056]

Thank you, thank you for explaining the way to choose the correct size of circular needles!

[@sandygrogg1203]

These beginner tutorials are great... Better than others I have watched... Good work..

[@lindaouk3713]

Thank you for explaining and demonstrating the different sizes of knitting needles and length.🤗

[@tracat64]

Hi this is brilliant! I have knitted all my life and steered clear of circular knitting as my Nan had never done it so I figured I didn’t need to either, but I have three grandsons now and I’m going to embark on circular knitting when my needles arrive via aus post so wish me luck! Your video is brilliant and puts me at ease with it all lol silly isn’t it but thank you! Much appreciated.

[@l-pat]

This is awesome. I should have watched before knitting my rib band! The last time was great but it was all twisted! First time using circular needles. Previously only knitted on straight needles years ago.

[@vvelvettearss]

thanks for explaining though. That makes sense about not twisting as opposed to knitting "flat" or straight now! great and helpful video. looks so exciting! Cant wait to start knitting in the round :)

[@Sparkymag]

Needed a quick refresher. Thanks a bunch!

[@deejbrown]

Thank you for your clarity of explanation as well as the demo! Very helpful to this knitting newbie!

[@Miyavisgirl1540]

Got two patterns that knitted in the round, and felt kind of intimidated by that. Thanks for such an easy How-To. It doesn't feel as daunting as I first thought, now. :)

[@lidiaperez4020]

You are a great teacher! Your instructions helped me a lot.

[@jessicapeyton5444]

lol I had no idea about the different sizes of round needles and I wanted to make a hat for the first time, so I got about idk my circular needles are probably 24 inches but I figured out how to get around it. You just pull the extra wire out so that it extends between two of your stitches. It gets pretty annoying since you have to constantly adjust it as you go around but, hey, it works if you don't have any other sized needles.

[@nancyamato9969]

Jessica Peyton l

[@chitranarendra7697]

Jessica Peyton ..Hi good one

[@anneallan4140]

Jessica Peyton q

[@josephsherby]

I’ve heard some people refer to that technique, or at least a similar one, as “magic loop”. It’s frequently used to knit things that are a smaller size than circular needles are conventionally sold at, like socks.

[@krissy06k]

@@josephsherby I'm new, but as I've gathered, the magic loop is what people use to knit in the round WITHOUT cabled needles

[@MrsFroggyFlips]

You are an awesome teacher!!! Definitely one of my new favorite channels!

[@corrineism]

your videos are my absolute favourite instructional videos, you are such a good teacher!

[@carlam.mckenzie2287]

Thank you got frustrated with other videos. Excited to keep learning and knitting

[@s.w.6156]

Really helpful ! I’m a beginner and got a twist and was wondering if it would sort out and YOU helped me make a decision many thanks I’ve subscribed because that’s super helpful.

[@03jedidiah]

Your tutorials are really helpful, thank you for sharing 😍😍😍😍 thank you for being generous I love you and how you make your tutorial videos. God Bless!!!!

[@josiescaltrito7097]

Can you do a tutorial of magic loop knitting in the round.

[@Letheanscheme]

i just Did my very first knitting... which was a hat. it turned out perfect, i guess im a natural knitter...only i cast on 90 stitches with worsted weight yarn on with 6.5 mm needles... and it is very loose on my head... and im a guy. my tension was very good. not loose. I would maybe consider doing less than the recommended "92" if i were to make a recommendation to first time hatters. 80 or low 80s.

[@fabiolagonzalez3970]

Very good tutorial, now I understand why I couldnt knit in the round, I bought the wrong lenght of needles to knit a cowl. Thank you so much!! 😃👍❤️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

[@brutuslover2006]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!! Only one who makes it look easy!

[@sugarbabie1681]

I knit hats on a 29 Inch 6mm and there tight and fit and COMFY, I made several for me and husband and our 6/3 Yr old and Newest 6month old. I honestly do everything on my circular needles x3

[@shigginsshiggins2954]

Thank you i learned basic knitting when i was in kindergarten , last year i learned again & this year i learned pearl & seed i am happy to learn this

[@BBFCCO733]

Thank you for the introduction. It's my second attempt to learn knitting and I find it really frustrating! The last attempt was 12 years ago, I decided to go ahead and learn crochet instead! I would like to know how to bind off using circular needles. I will have a go at my hat for the 3rd time...hopefully I'll get it right this time!

[@jobeale480]

Thank you! Your tutorial is brilliant - you've covered off all the points that have been worrying me. Can't wait to start knitting in the round. I'm clicking the 'subscribe' button right now... :-)

[@lindsey1588]

you have the best tutorial vids and you are so good at explaining and making it easy!! thank you so much!

[@luciddreamer7897]

you always answer questions I’m afraid to ask cause I don’t wanna sound dumb 😂 thank you miss devina !

[@yewandekoyenikan4732]

You're such a good teacher!

[@sheepandstitch]

Thank you so much 😊

[@beverlyandrews-potry233]

I just watched it and I think I can do this😊

[@francoisetomaszewski467]

Your videos are the absolute best,,I always learn immediately,

[@orangeyuan]

watched many video but yours are the best!!!!

[@Tess2685]

Thanks for an excellent video. Now I'll give circular knitting a try. Linda Davel

[@belantww]

I'm a newbie knitter and this super helpful. Thank you.

[@butterflyqueen2600]

Same!!

[@carolina_grace5721]

The twist is actually useful for making a neck warmer or head band. :)

[@sheepandstitch]

Yes! The twist is great if it’s intentional!

[@reneejohnson4361]

Thank you for showing this tutorial. Now I understand what I've been doing wrong when trying to Knit a hat. I would give up every time I tried. I was using the wrong cords all this time. I am going to get me a 16 inch and some shorty tips needles very soon. Thank you for all the valuable information, it really helped me!

[@Ruffian144]

Thanks for explaining the importance of needle length! I realize now the circular needles I have are WAY too big for the hats I want to make. LOL

[@ItsMePhoebe]

Thank you! This was really helpful and educational!!

[@dame6158]

Thank you so much for the subtitle: :)

[@momatrucker703]

I just started knitting and my mom is so proud that she wants me to knit her a coozie

[@timenotime]

amazingly well explained! very clear instructions and good show and tell, thanks a lot!

[@sand__witch]

Hi, coming back to this video because I just had a guy in a fabric store* insist, to my face, that you can't knit in the round on circular needles and like...I was pretty sure that's incorrect, but I had to double check. He's made me doubt my own knowledge. *Not really a fabric store, but I have no idea what those are called in English. According to a dictionary, the word I'm looking for is "haberdashery", which is a very fun word, but I don't think anyone says that.

[@janetdiesnis456]

Oh yes we do.! Haberdashery has nothing to do with wool thought... For me anyway. More of a notion department. Darning wool possibly but do people darn these days? All those things you didn't know you needed but are vital.!

[@angb4968]

Hello i have a question? When you use the 16" needles does this hat one size fits all?

[@trishhartzell9354]

I love the rug in the background

[@delphinajames1885]

Brilliant! Now going to knit something in the round with confidence :-)

[@jeannecidoine7797]

Delphina James

[@zanpsimer7685]

Who knew it’s so easy peasy? Thanks!

[@anitatiwari6982]

There are many circular needle at Amazon ,(16")but now can we choose which one is good .

[@etv346]

Thank u so much! It has been years since I’ve attempted this!

[@LeoSunScorpioMoon]

You are wonderful! I love these videos by you. Thank you.

[@daniellen2016]

Amazingly helpful video. Thank you!!!

[@planetpelo]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@sherristell4747]

Great video, thanks for information and making the video for all of us 👍

[@loissoane6555]

That was fun! You are the best!

[@amandaletcher5921]

Davina are you able to do a tutorial on binding off in the round with a neat join please. I’ve tried watching other tutorials and the way you record is on point!

[@karensmith3565]

You’re funny! I like that! Also, you’re very good at explaining the methods! Also I can tell you’re very literate! I hope you have made a lot of vids! .......Karen..

[@Hi_18233]

Honestly I kinda want to twist it sometime soon cause it looks cool

[@f5scrub517]

This video was ok but I don’t concur with all of your opinions regarding needles 🪡 and sizing. You failed to add the parts about the needles MM not just how long they are in the circular, both need to be taken into account when knitting 🧶 anything appropriately. I think you should add this into something that is supposedly for “beginners.” I do like how you showed the part about the Twist in the round, I think that itself could be a very cool video about a “mistake” that wound up becoming quite cool!!! It actually looks really neat and if a great knitter like you made two of those twists into a cowl I think we can set a new trend!!! #Trendsetter! 🥰 keep up more videos. I appreciate that I can actually See everything in your video as well! Thank you

[@carmen9706]

Great tutorial! Thank you. I finally know how to join

[@christaerickson9736]

Really great teacher!!! Thank you!!!

[@Tossie1425]

Thank you. New Knitter, Great information

[@karenstrom2329]

Great video! The only thing I had a problem with is the music in the background. I am hearing impaired, and often times, I find that in a video, someone is talking with music in the background. Please leave the music out. Thanks!

[@triciasmith908]

Do you have a pattern you can share for the hat used in this video?

[@csneade]

Brilliant explanation! Thank you 😊

[@Reeeemer]

I just found you! You're an amazing teacher!! You disappeared though 😫. Hope you're doing well though and come back soon :) !

[@rosiek8975]

Reeeemer q

[@sheepandstitch]

BACK!

[@camilaaravena2291]

I agree!! I speak spanish but i understood everything you said... please upload more videos :D

[@NSQ22]

Fantastic tutorial, you made it so easy for me to try knitting in the round and succeed, thank you 🙏🏻

[@carolemiddleton4792]

Hi. I need help. I'm using 4" 40cm round needles but my knitting is curling up around the needles. what am I doing wrong.