Tips with Trish – Knitting in the Round with Two Circular Needles

If there is one thing we have all learned from knitting it’s how to be patient. Depending on what is being made, it can take weeks or even months to see a finished product. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I crave instant gratification and need to start and finish something in a day or a weekend. I had one of those moments last weekend, so I dug into my stash for a bouncy and bulky yarn and decided to cast on for a comfy cozy pair of slippers.

I found a glorious green Estelle Bulky, colour Q61522-Forest, that has just been waiting to be cast on. My only problem was, I don’t use double pointed needles and I didn’t have the right length circular needle for Magic Loop. I had a 9″ circular in my ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Set and a fixed 24″ ChiaoGoo Lace Circular but no 32″ or 40″. My solution? Knit in the round with the two shorter needles.

Knitting with two circulars is great for those who find Magic Loop fiddly or if you tend to lose the loop. Start by casting on all the stitches on the longer of the two circular needles; I like to use two different lengths whenever possible as it allows me to quickly identify Needle 1 and Needle 2. Slip half of the stitches on to the second circular needle and hold the two needles parallel to join in the round. Leaving the second needle hanging, pick up both ends of the Needle 1 and begin knitting as you would with any circular needle. When you’ve knit all the stitches on Needle 1, slide them to the centre of the cable and drop the needle, pick up Needle 2 and work to the end of the round. Continue in this manner, using one circular needle at a time and leaving the stitches centred on the cable of the unused needle. Like all circular knitting, you’ll want to give a gentle tug on the first few stitches of each needle to avoid ladders.

The photos above illustrate how to join in the round and how your work should appear after a few rows. Like any new technique, it may feel awkward initially but as you progress you’ll find your own comfort zone.

As you’ll see in the photo below, this technique is especially handy for sock knitting as the unused needle acts as a stitch holder when working the heel flap.

Estelle Bulky, with its versatile blend of 40% wool, 50% acrylic and 10% nylon, was just the ticket for sturdy, quick knit slippers. The nylon content is ideal for slipper soles that will see high traction, the acrylic provides extra durability and the wool gives just the right amount of warmth and softness. Knitting the slippers on a 6.5mm needle created a dense, thick fabric and knit up in record time. Affordably priced and with twenty-five colours to choose from, I’ll be making slipper socks for everyone on my wish list this year.

Not sure where to find Estelle Bulky? Check out our Find A Retailer page to find the store closest to you. Some shops have reopened to the public and many others are still offering curbside pickup as well as delivery, so be sure to call ahead to check.

What’s your favourite technique for knitting in the round? Are you a die hard dpn user or do you prefer circular needles? Whatever your preference, there is no right or wrong, it’s all about what makes you comfortable.

Happy knitting and crocheting everyone!

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