Hello everyone. So it’ll be my 6th attempt to cast on. I’ve nailed the Italian caston on now, and struggled with the k1 ttb and p1ttb - what a hassle - is it really worth it…?FIRST QUESTION
But my kneedles are circular and 32" with only 88 stitches on and the work is over stretched. How do you tackle this? SECOND QUESTION
I’m new to circular knitting and this is truly challenging me that I feel that throwing the whole lot in…but I hear it’s meant to be easier?
Can’t wait to hear what you have to say as I attempt to cast on for the 6th attempt
Beginner Knitting In The Round
I’ve knit circular quite a bit. I use a 40cm circular for hats.
Honestly if you are very new to it then just try a basic cast on, join and knit a few rounds. It will get you used to working n the round without any pressure of following a pattern. Once you get a feel for it you’ll be able to do a pattern much easier.
Have a look at this video https://youtu.be/mO-w_N5CFZk?si=ptt3eaZ5KvFo81vG
Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on nailing the Italian cast on! That’s an achievement. I avoid things that require ptbl. lol You’ll need to use magic loop or traveling loop or two circs to use a 32" needle. Other than that there are dpn. I prefer magic loop. One of these should work for you
Yes I often read this too, but easier in what way?
Some knitters really dislike purling and knitting stockinette stitch in the round avoids purling on the wrong side of the fabric. If you don’t mind purling or have a pattern that has purls on the right side as well as the wrong side then this point of “easier” is moot.
Similarly with stranded colour work or fairisle, working in the round avoids tackling the wrong side row which many may dislike. Again if you don’t mind purling in colour work or the pattern isn’t colour work then the point is moot.
Many knitters don’t like seaming up and working in the round, plus choosing seam-free patterns can avoid all seaming. If you don’t mind seaming and if you like the advantages of seaming (adding structure to a piece so it keeps shape better and less likely to stretch out of shape under its own weight) then working in the round may be pointless or even disadvantageous.
If you make sweaters, one of the common items for knitting in the round, you have to decide what happens from the underarms to the neck, switch from round to flat (so then needing to purl the wrong sides or tackle the colour work on the wrong side after all), or work the yoke in the round which is a bit conical shaped around the shoulders and neck which may or may not suit your desired fit depending on body shape, or continue straight up and steek the arm holes later, fine if you like steeking and the shape of drop shoulder sweaters (throws and blankets and such can be worked this way too, I’ve even seen a fairisle bookmark worked in the round and steeked to open it out flat, all avoiding working the wrong side of the fabric). Is steeking easier too? For some yes.
If you’re a sock addict then in the round is probably the only way to go, not just “easier” but pretty much a must.
I’m not saying don’t work in the round. I’m just pointing out that what one knitter might consider easier another might see as harder, more frustrating, not offering the structure or shape they want… all sorts of different things effect what we knit and how we knit.
Sure, give knitting in the round a go, I have, and whilst I’m glad I have I’m also glad I’ve discovered that for many things I prefer to knit flat - or a combination.
Any new skill or technique is going to be tricky to begin with and then get easier. It’s worth the perseverance so long as it isn’t driving you insane. Having new skills gives you more options. But equally don’t feel that you really must switch to knitting in the round because of trends or external pressures to do so.
I have 2 pieces on the go. A sweater totally knit flat and another where the hem to underarm is knit in the round, the underarm to neck is flat and shaped, the neckband is in the round and the sleeves are knit flat, seamed then set in. I have chosen based on what’s best for me based on what I enjoy and the result I want in the project.
Magic loop will help with your current problem as has already been said and you may love it or you may hate it. And either is fine.
IMHO traveling loop would be the best choice. The “Faking a shorter needle” video linked above shows how to do it. Trying to complete the hat as it is on your needle now will mess up gauge and you’ll end up with odd tension because of the stretching.
Didn’t you twist stitches when connected in the round?
OMG. YES YES YES. I’m away. An inch into my work with a traveling loop. Who would have known. Thank you so much all of you for your advice. I’m away with my first project that is EASY apparently but in the round which is a new concept for me
Thank you all again
Katie
I’m glad you figured out how to continue. I was concerned when someone said it looked like you’d twisted the work. I think we’ve all done that. One way to avoid that is to knit a row or two flat then join. It’s much easier to avoid a twist and the tail can be used for joining the unjoined stitched later. That’s for future projects. Joining over a hundred stitches and finding a twist can really be a pain.
Pleased to hear you are off and away with your first in the round project. Great news.
I hope we get to see the progress and finished project pics!