Knitting With Double Pointed Needles

From KnitWiki

Although knitting on double pointed needles (often called "DPN" in patterns) looks complicated, it doesn't take long to get used to. It also allows you to knit cylindrical projects ("in the round") of virtually any size without a seam. Your finished work will naturally look like stockinette stitch without you having to purl. It also works well with ribbing.

[edit] Instructions

The equipment used in the example.

The first 30 stitches on one needle.

The first ten stitches.

1. Consider how many stitches you will be knitting, and how many needles you will need to complete this. You will also always need an extra needle, which will be called the floating needle here. The minimum number of needles is 3.
These instructions will show you an easy example of 30 stitches on 3 double pointed needles, so 10 stitches per needle.

2. Cast on the full 30 stitches onto your first needle. If you're using more stitches in a larger piece of work, circular needles might come in handy to fit them all onto one needle.

3. Knit ten stitches onto a DPN.

The next ten stitches.

The last ten stitches.

Arranging the work into a circle, ready to start the first circular row.

Half-way through the first needle of the first circular row.

4. Knit the next ten stitches onto a new DPN, as if it were the first needle.

5. Finally, use your floating needle to knit the last set of ten stitches.

6. Join the ends of the two rows together. Being very careful not to twist or turn the work, start off the next row by arranging the 3 needles into a circular pattern and knitting the stitch next to the current stitch with the floating needle. Knit the next stitches on the needle as you would usually.

7. You will notice that the floating needle becomes active at the end of the row, and the previously active needle in your left hand becomes the floating needle. Begin work on the next set of ten stitches with the floating needle, keeping the yarn taut between needle-changes and keeping the work straight in your hands.

8. Continue in this way, and you should end up with a long tube. Add or take away stitches symmetrically for neatness, and bind off as usual, dropping needles one at a time.

[edit] Tips

• Pull the yarn tight between needle-changes for a smooth finish.
• You'll work out the best way to arrange the needles in your hands with practice.
• If you naturally knit loose stitches, you might find that metal needles slip out of their stitches when you're not holding them. It helps to buy bamboo needles, which provide more friction.
• For longer work, a marker at the place you plan to change colours might help to keep the work neat.