Knitting In the Round 3 Ways: DPNs, Two Circulars, or Magic Loop?
[Sponsored] There’s an age-old question in the knitting world: double-pointed needles or long circulars for small-circumference knitting in the round? We took a dive into all three methods and have some takeaways to help you decide which method is best for you and your project. Ultimately it’s a matter of personal preference and will depend a lot on your project, yarn, and knitting style.
Double-Pointed Needles
Also known as DPNs, double-pointed needles have been around for centuries. In fact, they used to be the only way to knit in the round. If you’ve ever seen Victorian-era images of knitters, we think you’ll agree that the DPNS of yore look like bicycle wheel spokes. Many knitters still prefer this method, as you can simply keep knitting around and around.
However, many modern knitters consider DPNs a bit fiddly because manipulating four or five needles at a time can be cumbersome. Plus, sometimes needles fall out of the work completely! DPNs can also leave ladders, or loose stitches, between needles where one needle transitions to another. These are valid concerns.
Solution from Signature
However, with the right kind of needle, those issues can be alleviated, or at least lessened. The engineers at Signature Needles Arts worked hard to address these problems. They created DPNs with a “slip/grip” needle stalk that keeps your yarn—and your project—on your needles. This finish enables you to knit faster and easier without having a needle fall out as you’re moving from one needle to the next.
Similarly, having better control of your needles also cuts down on those pesky ladders. You can be confident that your needles will stay in place when you give your yarn that extra little tug while moving from needle to needle.
Signature DPNs come in 4”, 5”, 6” and 8” lengths. The 5” needles have a stiletto point on each end, which is Signature’s sharpest point option and great for fine detail work like lace or cables.
The 4” DPNs come with a stiletto point on one end and a blunt point on the other end. This allows you to choose which end works best for your project. This kind of customization is what we’ve come to expect from Signature Needle Arts, and boy, do we appreciate it!
In addition, there’s a set of DPNs for cable knitters which includes 7 needles in a range of sizes from 2.25mm to 3.75mm. The slip/grip finish on these needles keeps your stitches in place as you cross even the most complicated cables. We love these!
Circular Needles
There are two methods for working in the round with circular needles: working with two mid-length circular needles and magic loop. Each method requires pulling the cable through to set yourself up to work one half of the stitches at a time. But both methods are better for controlling ladders between stitches and allow you to keep your stitches on just one or two needles, rather than four to five.
Two Circulars
You can work small-circumference projects in the round with two mid-length circular needles. Simply place half of your stitches on each needle, and work each half with the other end of the same needle. This method involves a lot of sliding stitches from one end of each needle to the other, and requires you to have two circulars of the same size. But it’s easy to learn and easy to work. Just be sure you remember which needle has the first half of the stitches, and which has the second half! We recommend using a removable stitch marketing to tag your first needle.
Magic Loop
Those who love magic loop absolutely swear by it and often use it for absolutely all of their small-circumference knitting. It’s super convenient to be abloe to have all your stitches on just one super-long circular needle. However, it can be difficult to get your rhythm going the first few times you try it.
Learn how to work the magic loop method and get some free patterns to try it out in our free Magic Loop eBook!
Solutions from Signature
Signature Needle Arts has developed some fantastic options for circular needles, too. Their Convertible Needles are totally customizable. Simply order the size needle tips you need (choose 4”, 5”, or 6” needle tips), the length of cord that you want, and the needle tip you want. You can order extra cords to make longer or shorter-length needles to fit whatever project you’re working on. Magic loopers will love these options for knitting in the round!
We’ve tested almost all the needles out there, and Signature needles are some of the best. They feel good in our hands and move effortlessly through the yarn. Plus, the point options are great for detailed lace knitting or tried and true stockinette.
Not to worry, Signature didn’t forget “team 9-inch circulars”! They now offer 9” or 12” needles in sizes 1 US/2.25 mm, 2.50 mm, 2 US/2.75 mm, and 3.00 mm with fixed cords—perfect for all your sock knitting needs!
And if you’re a magic loop sock/hat/mitten knitter, these small-size needles are available in lengths up to 47”!
What’s your favorite method for knitting in the round? Let us know in the comments!
Signature Needle Arts has you covered no matter what your knitting preferences are. We hope you’ll try these fantastic tools the next time you’re in the market.
All photos in this post are courtesy of Signature Needle Arts.
Originally published 11/17/2021. Updated 12/7/2022.
I learned from the peerie makkers (kids who are learning to knit) in Shetland that you can knit in the round on 3 needles. Divide the stitches between 2 needles and use the third to knit with. I use it for truly tiny numbers of stitches – they make sweaters like that.
You didn’t include double knitting. A favorite for really tiny circles esp…toy arms, miniatures.
I always use circular needles, starting when the children were small and I kept loosing a needle. I’ve tried other ways, but always return to circulars.
Flexible dpns are my choice of working in the round on small circumference now!
Everyone seems to forget about 9 inch circular needles. These are my go to for socks and sleeves. I love them.