Two Circs Method of Knitting in the Round // Technique Tuesday

[@dagmoon]

Omg! I just learned that I can use a pair of two different needle sizes. It's the working needle that dictates stitch size. Ms. Richardson your videos do indeed ROCK. Thank you for all these videos you do. You are a heaven-sent resource.

[@mj-ls7qr8xp3n]

Me too!! I never dreamed..... -) I might rethink magic loop. I wasn't a fan.

[@lles6235]

THIS IS AWESOME!! I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!! I was ready to give up on a sweater pattern that I was so excited about, because I was so frustrated with magic loop! This video saved me!! Your instructions are so clear, that everything just flowed so easily. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

[@LisaMarli]

I love using 2 circulars. The beware of accidentally picking up the wrong end and knitting onto the same needle is real. I've done it. But using the two different size needles helps prevent that. That's why I use circular tips that have different colors for each needle size and I'll use different colors for the two cords. I tried magic loop once and switched back to two circulars in the middle of the project.

[@kathrynlaw5438]

From a first-time learner, thank you so much, clear explanation of the technique and a solution for the laddering, plus extra tips as well. Best instruction I've found!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! :-)

[@Pluviophile218]

This information is great. I use this method for EVERYTHING I knit in the round. Hats work up really fast. Nice and handy for stranded color work. I make socks 2 at a time on 2 circulars and when you're done, you're done with the pair. I love it and I would recommend this to anyone!!! Great video!! Thank-you!!

[@MsOscara]

I've tried Magic Loop several times and cannot get comfortable with it. This method looks much easier and more comfortable. I really like your videos!

[@beverlycruz6]

Ms. Richardson YOU ROCK !!! I learn so much from you. You help make me a better knitter.....Thank You!!!

[@manondesrochers5729]

Now I understand how to work in the round with 2 circular. Thank you for a very detail and very easy to understand tutorial.

[@phyllisli882]

Thanks Roxanne for solving a problem I've carried around for tens of years. Thank you.

[@djparr]

So basically this is like working with two very long double-pointed needles, and with four tips, they basically become their own extra DPN. Very well explained, as with everything you teach, Rox. Thanks!

[@PapercraftLady]

Thank you, Rox! I must say that I started watching your video but stopped after a minute or so because of the visual quality. I watched two other videos on this method, and it still was not clear or did not make me feel confident that I was doing it correctly. I went back to yours, and I'm so glad I did! You explain this so well! I like that you gave an overview at the beginning of the mechanics of this method and then delved into instructing how to do it. Thank you so very much!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Glad it was helpful! I'm curious, though, about what you meant when you said you stopped at first, "because of the visual quality." The video was recorded in HD. Were you perhaps watching at a lower resolution?

[@libbyannstew8775]

Roxanne, thank you for another fantastic video. You have the gift of being able to clearly explain new techniques and any pitfalls to watch out for. I am struggling with the sleeves of a sweater and was ready to abandon the project. This is my last kick at the can!

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

Excellent explanation. I’ve wondered how to do this. I’m a magic loop goal myself, but Mai get definitely give this a try. Thanks so much!

[@abcnu9711]

This has helped me sooo much. I was staring my sweater and ive got 80cm, but past 200 stitches, I wouldn’t be able to try it on to see if it will fit so i was going to give up but then i saw this video and it really has helped me to regain my motivation to finish this, thank you so soooo much!!!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

I always get confused about which needle I’m using and sometimes the stitches end up on the same needle! Magic loop is so much easier to keep straight with no confusion! I’m going to try this again! Thank you for this video! I keep coming come back and watch it.

[@JaninaM]

Really nice explanation. I'm about to give this a go with socks when my needles arrive in the post. Thank you and I hope you're feeling well 🙂

[@knitntea1672]

Excellent video! Clear and not overly chatty. Two thumbs up :-)

[@SuziQZ]

This is AWESOME!! So glad i couldn’t sleep tonight and was going through your videos! This is sooo helpful 😊

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Seriously I couldn’t sleep tonight either and I just found her video and it saved my butt oh my gosh thank you

[@psh4680]

Roxanne, this is the best explanation of this method that I have seen! Thank you so much.

[@littleredd0g]

As always, informative and presented in an easy to understand format. Thank you.

[@sheryltisdale]

Thank you so much Roxanne, this helped me understand this better. I watched you a lot to learn continental knitting and it is always so funny to me to watch you knit, I knit like you do! Great video!

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Wow thank you you just saved me from so much frustration!!!, thank you thank you thank you thank you

[@lindanovak7232]

I really enjoyed this video-I believe that I have watched videos on every type of working in the round - I particularly dislike DPNs and have not been crazy about magic loop, but I do like using the two circular needles and I would not have thought of using two different size needles on one cable of a circular - that is really great. Thank you!

[@oleladyx5613]

Thank you for explaining how to do this method with 1 set of interchangeable needles.

[@Grobeda]

Once again, just excellent information to have! Thank you. You are such a good teacher!

[@victoriar8668]

You are an amazing teacher. Thank you so much, so grateful to have found your videos 🩷

[@barbm734]

Thank you SO much. Your video now has me preparing to begin an elegant Cocoknits jacket in a lovely Habu Textile silk yarn. I feel confident to begin my project after practicing your suggestions. I have two sets of interchangeable needles but I think I'll sell one now that I know how to use two sizes of needle tips on one cable. Incredible. Thank you again. Barb

[@kimsechrest2202]

Thank you Rox! I've tried this method before but I was using the wrong (back right) needle to knit with instead of the front left. You've changed my knitting world for the better. Keep up the great work for us knitters. We appreciate you more than you know! I'll buy you another few cups of coffee to say 'thanks'.

[@beththoreson9216]

I always learn something new from you Roxanne! Thanks

[@monaarsenault3965]

Wonderful to know as a fairly new knitter. I have used your videos numerous times and I find you to be so knowledgeable and super at explaining things! Thank you Roxanne ❤️

[@giuliacox2199]

This video is so useful! I come back for a refresher and always appreciate it!

[@naja2314]

This method solved my problem when knitting hat in a round.thank you for the idea💞

[@caroll.2552]

Best explanation of this method ever. Thanks

[@ctobo2587]

The two needle method is something I can use to knit. I cannot use double pointed needels without getting into trouble. This was a very helpful video. Thank you.

[@purlgirl49]

Thanks!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You bet!

[@arlaschmaltz2821]

Thanks for sharing your expertise! I learned about the different sized tips quite some time ago...and just never thought about using them when using this method! Now I just have to apply what I already know to other applications...such as when working with two circs!!! Thanks again! Blessings!

[@lisaalleman1454]

Thank you so much! I was struggling with a poncho and your instructions were a life saver!

[@DiniAdd0807]

Thanks for this video. I nearly always use 2 circular needles. For socks I use 2 16” circular needles. I am trying the magic loop method to see if I like that.

[@barbaracash808]

Thank you so much. A great presentation for a new sock knitter. Thanks again.

[@khurshidkhoree4871]

Great tutorial. Learnt a new way of working when using circular method for knitting. Thank you very much.

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you Rox! This has increased my horizons😉

[@guyivie8987]

What a great technique! Guess how I'll be working my next hat... Yes, indeed, Rox Rocks!

[@allaboutyarn8240]

You are a great tutor! Love your videos. Thank you.

[@theblindknitter6995]

I think the magic loop is to cumbersome for me, this might just work! Thank you!

[@garboabbott9974]

Thank you! It will help me with my current WIP!

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

this will be life changing. thanks so much

[@stitchy_linn]

Excellent tutorial, Roxanne.

[@michaelpuglisi5784]

Very helpful!!!!! For me is not as frustrating as magic loop - it was really doing my head in. Cheers Mick

[@vindeljay]

Thank you, this is really valuable information, especially using different sized needles.

[@rachelprichard1809]

Brilliant!

[@felixdiaz52]

Thanks for your time and instructive videos !!!!

[@debraraymer3386]

Great explanation of using different size needles!

[@kathb1206]

Ahh my favorite, I use it for everything. Great video to show people the technique!

[@chillbro2275]

thank you Roxanne. I casted on 2 circs for the first time, but then knitted from one to the other as if i was doing magic loop xD these stitches are so tight hahah

[@lakshmiranasinghe9260]

Wow 👏 I am new to knitting and this method is great 👍

[@janetjohns194]

Thanks so much for a clear video. I am a new sock knitter, using a ten inch circ so far, and think I may give this method a try. I could not understand it before watching your video, and know that I will reference it again when I attempt it!!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joann5157]

I've never seen this before, and it is awesome! I'm going to try it on some sleeves I have coming up. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love your videos and am subscribing!

[@margreetjanssen6342]

Thank you very much for the explanation 👍

[@whcis]

I needed this information last week as I was struggling with a sweater . Divide and conquer ! Interesting to use the correct needle point on two cords so. I do not have to have 2 pairs of same size The entire. Video was enlightening . I use two circus for my teddy bears and dolls so small I am visually impaired so seaming is a problem now . Thanks for your clarity and sharing your expertise

[@ivonnastrauhmane6248]

Thank you so much! I didn't know this technique.

[@mariehansen2534]

Hi there, I knew that I had seen a video that you had made saying that you don't have to have 2 needles the same size. I have been away and left a needle in the garden of the home I was visiting and I thought how am I going to sort this because Post is very slow but you have saved the day, yet again. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@gdpope52]

The tip at 12:33 is golden. I have been buying extra circulars to have two! Thank you.

[@giuliacox2199]

Agreed!!

[@karenmwangi9807]

Thank you, I really appreciate your thorough explanation!!! I understand now.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad!

[@madamedemonsieur]

This is great! I’d never heard of this method, and a friend sent me the video link. I must try it!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Hope you like it!

[@melissastewart5838]

Oh my this was just what I was looking for thank you! You must be an amazing knitter!

[@victoriasmaranda7832]

Superba idee,multumesc!🌹💝🍀

[@deliriousrobinnails300]

Knitting cables flat using a circular with a silk blend yarn that varies significantly in circumference. It’s been a particular struggle to make the multiple left and right twists, but I’m really looking forward to swapping out one needle out for a smaller size as you mentioned! Hopefully that will make it easier to knit into those second stitches! Thank you!

[@melstrydom3545]

This is really great and I have been knitting hats only for the last two years an$ always

[@annesfeltedfriends]

Thanks so much for this! I had started a large sweater in the round on one 80 mm needle and it twisted so much I gave up. I now see that I can try again using two needles.

[@libbyworkman3459]

Your advice or maybe it was your tip to try using two different size needles solved the problem I was having working with a difficult cotton chenille yarn. Always having the left hand needle smaller than the working needle is giving me much more room to complete each stitch off.

[@Amethyst1919]

I'm a tight knitter and find a smaller left hand needle is easier to work off and keeps me relaxed.

[@shelleyn.8503]

Great video! I seem to have lost my Magic Loop mojo and think this might work better for me.

[@donnagoode6923]

I'm going to try this on my next set of leg warmers. I've been using 5 double pointed needles but i hate the way the points sometimes get stuck in the work and cause snags or just refuse to stay in position. This method looks easier. thank you.

[@heidicook2395]

Thank you for the idea of using a smaller needle to work stitches off.

[@mariehansen2534]

Thank you for being an Angel without wings. I have been trying to buy a pair of needles that are 100cm long for magic loop socks and cannot find any except a pair that are 40cm long and if I use your method it should be OK. Thank you.

[@GalacticChimp]

Not sure if this would make a big difference, but I would probably cast on half + 4, transfer the extra 4 stitches to the second needle and finish casting on.

[@Donna_child_of_God]

This is a great video. Thank you!

[@gillianrolland4305]

Very useful . Am intending to knit some hats for Christmas but dont have the right circumference needle for the start. Think I'll give this a go see if I can get it to work better then magic loop

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Two circs would work for a hat. Hats tend to be a bit larger in circumference than works for Magic Loop, at least at the start. I personally start with Traveling Loop for hats, and then switch to Magic Loop at the crown, once the circumference gets small enough for it. Again, two circs will also work. Good luck!

[@gillianrolland4305]

@@RoxanneRichardson thanks . My problem is really not wanting to buy yet another needle I have one that will do for most of the hat but I can't quite stretch the first few rows. Two needles will solve the problem

[@luanecorreia8080]

Thank you very much! Helped me a lot! 😀

[@trish3kimble163]

It finally makes sense

[@mj-ls7qr8xp3n]

Great video!! Thank you

[@SuzKnits]

Great tutorial..thanks very much.

[@kaylemoine1571]

Now I know "why". Couldn't figure out the need when you have majic loop. Makes sense. Thanks.

[@yarnexpress]

Love this technique because I can do 2 circular items at the SAME TIME! 2 socks, 2 mittens, or best of all 2 sleeves. DH no longer says I should've married a 1 legged man.

[@musicgirl8029]

Sometimes, I don't have two circulars of the same size, so I use 1 circular with two DPNs. For example, with mittens that have a design on the top of the hand, I put those stitches on the circular circular. After a few inches of knitting, I can try it on every now and then for sizing. Now for a question -- How do you keep the last stitch from getting too tight on the cable when you bridge to the first stitch of the second circular?

[@Fran-yh8vy]

Very informative video, thank you. Can I use this method to swatch in the round?

[@Fran-yh8vy]

Also, if possible, can you do a video on swatching in the round using two circulars?

[@fatimakane405]

Brillant!

[@helencaudill1583]

This should help me with sock knitting -- hope hope. Double points are not friendly with me :( Thank you for this video

[@babayaga1973]

Well!! Thank you!! I just learnd this method which is great and very comfortable for me! It turns out I was doing wrong, but yet the result was fine! Basicaly I was using the 2 circular needle like 2 flexible straight needles, or a sort of "broken magic loop" method! now thanks to you I also lnow how to cast on. I like this method very much, and I prefer it to magic loop for medium size projects when there is quiet not enough of spare wire to create a confortble size loop if you don't have the longest wire.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm glad you like the technique, Miti! FYI, there is another technique called Traveling Loop, which is good for medium sized projects, and requires only one needle (in case you don't have two of the same size).

[@babayaga1973]

@@RoxanneRichardson I was just watching the traveling loop!! and endeed, I only have 1 pair in each zize, but i like to use a smaller needl for the non working needle

[@o0oTyPow]

I have a question. I never thought about using different changeable sizes! Now that it's in my head, how does one cast on with the right needles pointing in the right direction? I am struggling with this. Still learning and I'm slow due to head injury. So my brain has a hard time mentally seeing it. If there is a video, can you direct me to it?

[@eliedgecomb4903]

I feel inspired to knit a cozy for my car, just because I now can. 🥰. But we both know I won’t get further down than the mirrors. And it would take more than 3 weeks. 😂

[@NamelessOne08]

Thanks so much for this ~ all your videos are SO interesting and helpful, I really appreciate the energy you put in to creating them :) Two questions, please ~ (and apologies if you have referenced this but I missed it; fibromyalgia ‘brain fog’ somewhat impedes my ability to focus/ concentrate) ... re TWO / MULTI-CIRC NEEDLE METHOD I’m guessing the answer to this may well be swatch, swatch, and swatch again, but: * does using two different needle sizes affect the tension, thus the overall sizing of the item being knitted? * if so, how (i.e., does it veer towards the smaller or larger of the needle sizes)? * if it does, how does one compensate for it? Also, unrelated to knitting advice per se, but I wonder: ... have you ever considered, or would you consider, using Patreon, making it possible for people to support you in a more ‘regular’ way? Again, thanks for your time :)

[@RoxanneRichardson]

When you say "two different needle sizes" are you talking about using an interchangeable set, with each tip a different size, or are you talking about using one circ where both tips are of one size, and another circ where tips are another size? In the first case, the tension is not affected by the smaller tip, because you are knitting off of that needle. The larger tip establishes the stitch size as you create new stitches. In the second case, I did mention that you have to compensate for the row gauge difference on the smaller needle every couple of inches. For example, if you're knitting the instep of a sock using a size 2/2.75mm needle, getting 11 rows/in, but using a size 0/2.0mm needle for the sole and getting 12 rows/in, then every 22 rnds (2'' on the larger needle) you'd have to do a set of short rows on the sole to add 2 rows, because the gauge for the needle used on the sole has 24 rnds every 2''.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Ko-fi allows people to support me by "buying me a coffee" (or many coffees), and there is an ability to sign up for monthly support of any amount of your choosing (in $3 increments, since that is the amount I have set up for a single "coffee"). Thanks for asking!

[@NamelessOne08]

Have only just now (2months later!) come back to this and seen your replies! Thank you very much for taking the time to do so, and for the info you spell out for me! I really am in awe of your knowledge of how knitting is constructed, and your the gift of your skills in teaching :)

[@beckerabstracts]

So it looks like I could switch from in the round to flat for drop sleeves and back to in the round for the body? I'm working on top down pullovers that can be tried on as I work.

[@mariameehan3295]

Hello Roxanne your Podcasts are really priceless. I would love to hear from you what can 2,50mm Knit Pro Zing needles of 40 cm length be used for. A friend gifted them to me but the cord is so short I wonder what exactly are they for ! Thank You.

[@nadiaquerengasser1819]

A very clear explanation. Thankyou. When you say you can use 3 needles to knit a blanket in the round, do you mean that this method can be used for knitting flat? I have a pattern that calls for the two circulars method using 3 40" needles and it is knitted flat. I'm a bit confused... If you have any advice I would appreciate it greatly!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

A blanket that is knit in the round is also a blanket that is flat. You're not knitting a tube, you're knitting a flat circle that starts with a few sts at the center, and then is increased every few rows. Like this one: ravel.me/Rox/ropbb

[@nadiaquerengasser1819]

@@RoxanneRichardson Thanks for your reply! Ahh ok. I see what you mean now. That makes sense. Do you know if it is possible to use this method not in the round?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

If you don't have a circular needle with a long enough cable, you could use multiple circs to knit flat. This is one of the situations in which interchangeable needle sets are handy. You can use a much longer cable, or even combine cables together to create a circ that has the length on want. FYI, when you have a question like this (e.g. "is it possible to...") you can often answer it yourself by trying out your idea. Regardless of whether or not your idea works, you will have learned more about knitting than you knew previously.

[@nadiaquerengasser1819]

Thankyou for this. That's a good point. I'll give it a go. Sorry for my very late reply!

[@BernadineVan-pn7xo]

@8:30- using two sets of needles. Do you have a video showing this technique left handed?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Are you asking about using the technique as a mirror knitter? The process would be similar to how you would knit in any other situation, using the approach shown in the video, where you work across one needle, using the tips from that needle, and then working across the next needle, using the two tips from the second needle. Are you having trouble executing the technique, or just trouble visualizing what you'd need to do? If it's the latter, I'd suggest actually trying it out, and then see if you run into trouble.

[@BernadineVan-pn7xo]

@@RoxanneRichardson it’s the visualization. I’m a beginning knitter and find it difficult. I bought a knit kit and 20” cable,double tip needles were included. They’re much longer than the project requires. So I’m trying to find a way to compensate without having to buy needles with shorter cables. Thank you for the suggestions.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

@@BernadineVan-pn7xo It's really hard to visualize something you've never seen before, because there are gaps that your brain can't fill in. The best thing to do when you come across a knitting instruction you can't visualize or don't understand from reading (or in your case, mentally reverse) is to get some knitting in your hands and *then* try to follow the instructions. You'll get the visualization you need right there in front of you. You'll see the things you couldn't visualize.

[@kddrew8138]

what is the name of the grey sweater you are wearing? it is really nice. love your tutorials.

[@melstrydom3545]

Sorry pushed wrong button...... as said I use the short tips, so my question is, I have two sets of IC’s but they are both short tips. Will this method work for me? I knit hats to sell, so I am always knitting, sometimes crocheting hats. What do you suggest? Unfortunately I spent a fortune on my needles, so buying more is not an option.Thanks Mel

[@RoxanneRichardson]

When I stated that you can use two different sizes of tips, if you have only one set, I meant the *diameter* of the tip, not the *length* (e.g. size 8/5.0mm and size 7/4.5mm). Length of the tip isn't an issue.

[@neelie5182]

Thank you so much :) can the gusset of a fair isle sock be done on 2 circulars?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Sure. Anything that would normally be worked on dpns can be worked with two circs. It's just a different way to work the same small circumference in the round. You could do the round on one long circ, using Magic Loop, or a 9'' circular needle, or three Flexi-Flips.