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How to connect stitches on circular needles correctly. How to knit on circular needles. We knit a hat. How to knit with circular needles - working thread on the right side

/ 12.03.2016 at 21:14

Good day, friends!

In the next knitting lesson, we will talk about how to knit in a circle with knitting needles. Some knitters, especially beginners, are afraid to knit in the round. Many even prefer to knit socks on 2 knitting needles, and then sew them together.

This, of course, is all individual. Knitting is generally a democratic type of needlework in the sense that it allows different ways. And every knitter has the right to do as she is used to, and as she likes.

But as for me, I love circular knitting. And where there is an opportunity, I try to use it. First of all, because the knitted fabric turns out to be tubular, and the details do not need to be sewn together! And I (I’ll tell you a secret) don’t really like to sew knitted things ...

Another important advantage of circular knitting is that all rows are worked in the face of the work, which is very convenient for some patterns. For example, when knitting in a circle, it is easier to perform jacquard patterns, as well as patterns where even rows fit not just how knitting looks ( by drawing), and they also need to follow the scheme.

Different types of knitting needles for circular knitting

So what can you knit in a circle? Yes, a lot of things! Socks, mittens, leg warmers, hats, berets, skirts, dresses, ponchos, sweaters (it's especially convenient if you knit them from the neckline with a raglan sleeve - then you can do without seams at all!) - and this is not a complete list.

Disadvantages of knitting in a circle: in some cases, the rows are too long, and the work process is cumbersome. This is inconvenient if you sometimes have to take knitting with you somewhere. Yes, my hands get tired. And the rest, "beautiful marquise, everything is fine, everything is fine!"

You can knit in a circle on 5 short, so-called stocking knitting needles, or you can use ring knitting needles for this. Let's consider each method in more detail.

It is more convenient to knit small things on 5 knitting needles: socks, mittens, gloves, when there are relatively few loops in a row. For this, a set of five knitting needles is used - identical in thickness and length, with pointed ends on both sides. Like all other knitting needles, they come in different numbers.

First, we take 2 knitting needles and cast on them the required number of loops, as usual. It is desirable if the number of loops is divisible by 4. For example, let's dial 32 loops:

Immediately after the cast-on row, we distribute the loops on 4 knitting needles. There should be 8 stitches on each needle (32:4=8). Everything is done very simply: we take one of the remaining 4 knitting needles and knit 8 loops with it, leave the loops on this knitting needle. We take the second knitting needle and knit the next 8 loops, then we connect the third and fourth knitting needles in the same way:

Now we connect the extreme knitting needles. We fix the short end of the thread at the opposite end of the typesetting row so that the circle does not move apart. So, all the loops of the row are distributed on 4 knitting needles:

The fifth knitting needle will be working. With the fifth knitting needle, we alternately knit loops from each knitting needle, connecting the working thread. At the same time, after the loops from the next knitting needle are knitted, this knitting needle is released - and it already becomes working. Thus, the rows are knitted in a circle in the direction from left to right, or counterclockwise. As you can see, everything is quite simple.

In the example for the photo, I knitted all the loops with facial ones. When knitting in a circle, in this case, stocking knitting is obtained, or the front surface:

It is clear that different patterns can be knitted in a circle, following the pattern or description of the pattern. In this case, it is extremely important that the number of loops in a row exactly matches rapport.

For example, if the pattern repeat is 5 loops, then you need to dial the number of loops that is divisible by 5. It may turn out that this number will not be divisible by exactly 4 in order to evenly distribute the loops on 4 knitting needles.

It doesn't matter: we distribute them so that the number of loops on the knitting needles matches through one knitting needle. For example, if you need to dial 50 loops for a pattern, then we distribute on the knitting needles: 13, 12, 13, 12 loops, or as it is more convenient to knit with a pattern. It's not essential.

And by the way, to knit in a circle, it is not necessary to distribute the loops exactly on 4 knitting needles. You can distribute it to 3, the fourth will be working. It's just more convenient to knit with five knitting needles.

For knitting in a circle, you can distribute the loops not on 4, but on 3 knitting needles.

Knitting on circular needles

On circular needles, it is convenient to knit in a circle when your rows are much longer than when knitting on 5 knitting needles. The knitting technology is the same as in the previous case. We collect loops, connect the ends of the row into a circle.

At the same time, on the one hand, it’s good if your row is so long that the loops fill the circular knitting needles along the entire length - you just knit counterclockwise in a row and that’s it.

But even if the row turned out to be shorter, it doesn’t matter. The extra length of the knitting needle (connecting line, tube) is simply pulled out with a loop somewhere in the middle of the row, as shown in the photo below.

The most difficult and responsible thing here is to watch so that the row does not twist. Then we connect the ends of the knitting needles and begin to knit in a circle counterclockwise. Additionally, we fasten the short end of the thread from the set of loops by threading it into the first loop.

We extend the excess part of the flexible section of the knitting needles in the form of a loop.

Having knitted the loops to the place where the extra length of the flexible part of the knitting needle is extended, we tighten the right end of the knitting needle so that the loops lie on the left knitting needle and are ready for knitting:

The stitches on the left needle are ready to be knitted.

We introduce the right knitting needle into the first loop lying on the left knitting needle and continue to knit, as usual:

We do this every time and every row, reaching this place. Subsequently, the place of “advancement of an extra knitting needle” - I will call it that, can be moved. Make it at the beginning of the row, for example. At the same time, it will be easier to navigate where the new row begins.

The short end of the thread at the bottom shows where the row begins. In this place it is most convenient to pull out the excess part of the knitting needle.

But there are cases when, on the contrary, the rows are so long that all the loops simply do not fit on one pair of circular knitting needles. For example, when knitting the bottom of some flared skirt. Then you can use 2 or even 3 pairs of annular knitting needles for work at the same time (it is clear that they should be the same in thickness).

In this case, the principle of work is the same as when knitting on 5 knitting needles - one pair is released and becomes a working pair of knitting needles. By the way, this is how I had to knit the lower part of the skirt of this openwork dress.

How to knit sleeves in the round

There is another way to knit on circular needles, which is useful in cases where the rows are not too long, but not too short to use a set of 5 needles. The method can be used for knitting sleeves (especially if the thing is knitted from above, from the neck), hats without seams.

The bottom line is that we extend the “extra” length of the knitting needle in two places - at the end and exactly in the middle of the row. Each time, having knitted to this place, we turn the knitting so that the working thread is on the right.

By themselves, circular knitting needles are ordinary metal knitting needles interconnected with a fishing line or tube made of synthetic material. They differ from each other in thickness (just like ordinary knitting needles) and the length of the fishing line, on which the loops are shifted and on which the circumference of the product depends. On a very long tube or fishing line, the loops will stretch too much, and on a short one, on the contrary, they will pile up. The convenience of circular knitting needles lies in the fact that the entire weight of the knitted product will be concentrated in the center of the fishing line and lie on your knees.
In addition, you can knit in a circle on ordinary toe knitting needles, of which there are usually five pieces in a set. Their length is small, so they can only help you when knitting small items.

Knitting on circular needles is just as easy as on regular ones. A little practice and you will master this science.

So how do you knit on circular needles? Procedure:

1. You should start with a set of a certain number of loops. You need to do this on a regular knitting needle (the number of a regular knitting needle must match the number of a circular one, which will then be used for knitting). All cast-on stitches must be transferred from a regular knitting needle to circular ones.

2. Further, all loops must be evenly distributed along the length of the fishing line. The spokes themselves should remain free. Before continuing knitting, you need to check if the loops have turned over (they should all be turned in the same direction).

3. In the right hand, you need to take the end of the knitting needle on which the last loop was typed, in the left hand, respectively, the end of the other knitting needle (the beginning of the set). In order to keep track of the number of rows, after the last loop you need to set a mark. It can be a dark thread or a small plastic ring.

4. You need to knit in a circle to the place where the mark is. After that, the mark should be transferred to the end of another knitting needle and knitting should be continued.

Fishing line on circular needles often tends to twist, and this sometimes greatly interferes with knitting. In order for it to straighten up, it needs to be dipped in hot water for a few minutes.

The first few loops belonging to the first row must be knitted not only with the working thread, but also with its free end. This must be done so that when joining the first row, a hole does not appear in it. This can also be done in another way by picking up one extra loop in the initial row. Then, without knitting, it must be transferred to another (first) knitting needle and, closing the circle, knit together with the first loop.

In this master class, we will talk about how to make the edge neat and perfectly even.

Video master class on connecting circular knitting:

We collect the required number of loops for your product, plus one loop to connect the row. We make a set in any way. In our master class, you can see a set of loops using an additional stocking knitting needle. After dialing, we take out the additional knitting needle and set it aside, we will no longer need it.

In the right hand we take the knitting needle with the last loop cast on and the working thread, and in the left hand on the knitting needle we bring the loops to the edge, the first loop should be located on it.

Before joining the edge, make sure that the edge is not twisted! After the connection, it is no longer possible to fix the twisted row and you will have to dissolve everything.

So, we begin the connection process itself. We remove the first loop with the right knitting needle from the left, introducing the knitting needle from right to left. Now, with the left knitting needle, we throw the last of the dialed loops over the first, transferred to the same knitting needle, i.e. throw the second over the first. In this way, we removed that very extra loop, and the edge will now turn out to be smooth and beautiful. The loop must be returned to the left knitting needle and tighten the threads.

We hope everything worked out for you.
Share with us your result and leave comments.
Author Svetik

On circular needles? This question is increasingly being asked by beginners. And all because recently it has become common to knit clothes without seams. It began when loose, oversized sweaters with voluminous braids and dropped shoulders came into fashion (that is, several sizes more than necessary). For such a style, there is no need to fit the model, calculate the armholes and the neck. The simpler and more careless the thing looks, the better. And it is most convenient to knit it on circular knitting needles.

Of course, such devices are suitable not only for but also for large shawls, stoles, snoods, blankets, hats and even socks. Let's take a closer look at knitting with circular knitting needles for beginners (and not only).

How to choose a tool

Materials from which circular knitting needles are made:

  • Metal.
  • Aluminum.
  • Tree.
  • Bamboo.
  • Plastic.

In the process of work, each craftswoman chooses the material that is more convenient for her, lies better in her hand and allows the loops to easily slide over the surface of the tool.

Between themselves, the circular knitting needles are connected by a fishing line or a nylon cable. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the joint between the cable and the spoke is tight, there are no gaps or sharp cuts. Yarn will cling to such “burrs”, which can damage its quality. If you work with thick knitting needles, from 4.5 mm or more, it is important that the transition from the thickness of the tool to the cable is smooth. Otherwise, it will become difficult to transfer the loops from the cable to the knitting needle.

Choose the size of the needles based on the thickness of the yarn from which the product will be. As a rule, the recommended size is written on the packages. But if suddenly there is no such information, or the label is lost, take the tool twice as thick as the working thread.

The length of the fishing line or cable is different, so focus on the size of the future product. If this is a plaid, then the length can be maximum, but for knitting clothes of a small size, it can interfere.

Features of working on circular knitting needles

Knitting with circular knitting needles for beginners consists of several stages. First we collect loops. To do this If the product does not go in a circle, then the work is performed, as when knitting with straight knitting needles, that is, the working fabric must be turned over after each knitted row.

If the working canvas closes in a circle, then the last knitted loop of the first row becomes the first loop of the second. At this point, it is better to attach a plastic marker or tie a thread in a contrasting color in order to know exactly where one row ends and the next begins. Be sure to check that the row is not twisted and that all loops look up.

In order to prevent “steps” in the place where the product closes in a circle, pull the thread harder.

magic loop

Magic Loop, or “magic loop”, is a European knitting technique on circular knitting needles, in which the diameter of the product is absolutely not important. It can be a mitten or a cuff - those things that we are used to knitting on four or five stocking needles.

How to knit things with a small diameter on circular needles?

  • We start with a set of loops in the usual way.
  • We divide the number of loops by two, we pass a loop from the cable into the middle and distribute the loops over two knitting needles.
  • Next, the knitting needle, which is in the right hand, is pulled out so that you can start knitting loops from the left knitting needle.
  • Having knitted to the end of the left knitting needle, we again stretch the right one and continue to work in the same vein.

This method will appeal to those who do not like to work with stocking knitting needles.

Knitted hat

We knit a hat on circular needles. This is the simplest model that even beginner needlewomen can handle. In the future, it can be associated with the use of volumetric braids or arans. For a winter hat, choose woolen yarn with the addition of acrylic, then the product will turn out warm, soft and will not irritate the skin on the forehead.

We start by calculating the loops. Work a small swatch, eg 20 sts wide x 20 rows high. Ideally, the sample should be washed and dried, then you will know for sure whether the hat will change in size after washing. Measure the sample, so you will know how many loops are in one centimeter.

Measure the circumference of your head. And now let's make a simple calculation: multiply the number of loops in the sample by the number of centimeters of head circumference and divide by the data indicated in the sample. That's how many loops we collect.

How to knit a hat on circular needles? We distribute the loops on two knitting needles by pulling the loop. Using the "magic loop" method, we begin work. We knit in a circle an elastic band 2 * 2 about 20 cm in height, it can be more or less, depending on whether you will make a lapel, and what size. After the gum, you need to make a narrowing. We decrease about a quarter of the existing loops by knitting two together, evenly distributing them. For example, knitting together every seventh and eighth loop.

We continue to work only with facial loops. Having knitted about 10 cm, we make another decrease, reducing one third of the existing loops. Choose any length of the cap: it can tightly wrap around your head, or it can be a long beanie hat. Close off half of the loops closer to the edge of the product. At the end, knit all the loops in two, use the hook to thread the working thread through them and tighten. The finished hat can be decorated with a pompom.

How to adapt schemes for circular knitting needles

Often in the patterns of patterns, both front and back rows are shown. But when knitting in a circle, there are no purl rows. This makes the job very easy. So how to knit on circular needles according to patterns?

  • There are none in circular knitting, but they are indicated on many diagrams, so take this into account when making calculations.
  • If you are a beginner needlewoman, then it is better to choose those patterns where odd rows need to be knitted according to the pattern. Then over each front knit the front, over the purl - the purl.
  • Keep in mind that there are patterns that are not designed for knitting in a circle. Just replace them with others, no less beautiful and interesting.

Each, even a beginner knitter, sooner or later faces the fact that the intended product or some part of it needs to be knitted in a circle. It can be a sweater collar, a hat, a scarf-collar or ordinary socks. Many knitters use circular knitting even for more complex items. For example, a vest.

circular needles

However, it is quite common that once accustomed to working with ordinary long knitting needles, and even having successfully mastered knitting in a circle with a set of five double-edged knitting needles, the knitter no longer tries to work in circles, considering it difficult.

Many of those who have tried knitting with circular knitting needles, then knit with them even those things in which knitting in a circle will not be used and will no longer return to ordinary long ones.

Differences between circular knitting needles and regular knitting needles

We propose to consider the main differences between circular knitting needles and ordinary knitting needles and find out if circular knitting is really more difficult with them. Or is it still worth a try.

The first thing that distinguishes circular knitting needles is their compactness. They are much more convenient to take with you on the road, on a picnic, to the country house - and anywhere. Long straight needles always make knitting more cumbersome. A set of double-edged knitting needles is generally quite difficult to pack in such a way that both ends are securely hidden.

Second: if you knit a big thing with them (a sweater, a dress or even a coat), the hands do not overstrain when knitting. After all, in fact, they work only with the number of loops that are directly on short knitting needles. The main weight of the knitted fabric hangs on a cable or fishing line and partially rests on the knees, without weighing down the hands and without restricting movements.

The third follows from the first. The fact that such spokes are much shorter than straight ones significantly reduces the chances of hitting someone nearby when working with them.

Fourth: products knitted in a circle do not have seams, which is important, for example, for hats or the neck of a children's sweater, and if they do, then there are very few of them.

Fifth: versatility. With the help of circular knitting needles, you can really knit almost everything, including hats, socks and mittens, the knitting of which the vast majority of craftswomen associate with a set of double-edged knitting needles. Although, in fact, both processes are not too different from each other.

In addition, today you should not be afraid that the elastic part will bend and break off. The times when knitting in the round was accompanied by periodic cutting of a broken elastic tube and putting its rest on a knitting needle have sunk into the past. Even the knitting needles that came to the aid of knitters with a thick fishing line attached to them today may well replace reliable circular ones with an elastic, durable metal cable.

In a word, manufacturers of needlework accessories today only delight both beginners and fairly experienced knitters. We just have to consider the question of how to knit a circle with knitting needles.

Features of circular knitting

The main nuance of knitting in the round is that with this method only the front side of the product is knitted. This should be kept in mind from the very beginning. A set of loops for the product should already be carried out taking into account this specificity. After all, edge loops are not needed here.

Openwork patterns are much more difficult to knit in the round. The loops that, when working with the wrong side, need to be knitted in the usual way, when knitting in the round, it will be necessary to knit in the so-called grandmother's way or give preference to embossed patterns without openwork.

The set of loops on circular knitting needles is made exactly the same as on ordinary straight lines. In this case, the extreme typed loop will always be the last loop of the circle. For convenience, it should be additionally noted with a contrasting thread or pin. You can use a special plastic marker that can be transferred from one knitting needle to another.

There are circular knitting needles of different diameters and different lengths. Ideally, when knitting, you should use knitting needles of exactly the length indicated in the instructions. However, not everyone today can afford to purchase separate circular knitting needles for almost every product. If you have knitting needles of a suitable diameter in your bins, but the cable between them is too long, it will be more convenient to immediately divide the cast-on loops into two parts and work, leaving groups of loops closer to the ends of the knitting needles, and between these groups - the free part of the cable. At runtime, it looks like this:

Remaining circular, our work will, as it were, consist of two parts, which must be knitted alternately until we reach the desired length. We work with one half of the loops, while the second one hangs on the flexible part of the knitting needles, waiting for its turn. Then we move the untied part to the end of the left knitting needle, and we move the just knitted part to its place approximately in the middle of our cable, freeing the right working knitting needle. And so on.
There is no need to constantly take care that all knitting loops move in a circle. The loops will not stretch or deform.

So, the set of the required number of loops is completed, you can start knitting.

In the right hand we take the knitting needle with the last of the loops cast on and the working thread, and in the left hand - with the first of the loops cast on.

We start knitting

When knitting the very first row, special attention should be paid to ensure that the loops do not twist. Otherwise, the edge of the product will be uneven. However, this is much easier to follow than when knitting the first and even the second row with a set of double-edged knitting needles.

To avoid the formation of a too noticeable hole at the junction of the first row of the circle, it is advised to start knitting loops with a working thread along with its free end. However, this method can make the beginning of knitting noticeably thicker and tighter.

You can carefully close the loops around by typing an extra loop on the knitting needles, and at the beginning of the first row, remove it without knitting. Then, at the end of the circle, this extra loop should be knitted together with the first loop.
More often, it is more convenient to start knitting as usual, just pulling the thread harder so that when the circle closes, a step does not form.

Decreasing loops

We propose to consider the process of decreasing loops in circular knitting using the example of a regular hat.
Those who already know how to decrease loops know that the more so-called decrease lines, the more rounded the top of the product will turn out. You can knit a higher hat, close the loops with one line and at the same time get two kind of "ears". And you can reduce the loops at regular intervals.
Here it should be noted another plus of circular knitting needles. When knitting, say, with double-edged knitting needles, you can decrease the loops, for example, by knitting them two at the end of each knitting needle. More than four times in one circle to reduce them is no longer very convenient.

On circular ones, you can knit two loops together every, say, 8-10 loops. The next round should be knitted without decreasing loops. In the third row from the beginning of the decrease in loops, two loops already after 7-9 loops. Then we decrease the loops in each odd row, until there are 2-3 of them from each group of loops.
Through the remaining loops, you can use a crochet hook to stretch the thread folded in half, pull it tightly into a ring, and then fasten the free end of the thread from the inside out. The result is a neat rounded crown.