Hello all. It looks like you’ve got a great site here and I’m happy to be a part.
I knit up a baby hat (I’m expecting) and the pattern used straight needles. I would like to try again knitting in the round instead to get rid of the bumpy seam at the back.
So, the question is, how do I change my pattern from straight to round? Would you cast on the same number of stitches, or cast on less stitches because there will no longer be a seam?
If you need pattern details, I can provide them.
Thank you!
Welcome!
Usually when you switch a pattern from flat to round you take off one stitch at each end that would have been seamed. Of course, if there is a stitch pattern, that has to have the right number of stitches to complete the patterns.
Thank you, Ingrid.
The only stitch pattern is in the decreases. Do you have “Natural Knits for Babies and Moms”? It’s on page 39.
If not, the decreases go like this:
*k5, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1
k4, k2tog… k1
k3, k2 tog… k1
k2, k2tog… k1
k1, k2tog… k1
k2tog… ki
(the … replaces the * rep from * to last st)
So would you just drop one stitch, in this case? Thanks.
It looks like that at the time you start your decreases, you need to have a multiple of 7 stitches on the needles. Either cast on a multiple of 7, or two rows before you start the decreases, decrease a few stitches evenly so that you end up with a multiple of 7. From there you can follow the directions as written. 
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=85&d_id=5&lang=us Ingrid, I am doing this pattern 85-5 and I am changing it to the round and I just read your advice of taking two stitches off the CO because I don’t need to sew up the sides. Would I take two stitches away on this pattern? I am going to do it in the round up to the armholes and the same as the sleeves. I am not adding in the design because my son wants it plain but the size is right for him.
Technically, you’d take a stitch off each edge–4 total. That would be almost an inch with the gauge it’s at, so it might be worth considering.
Thanks, do I just take off 4 stitches when it comes to the shaping too.
I’d take off the 4 initially and then shape as written–you’re shaping from the reduced size.
OK, I get it, if the pattern says bind off the center 13 sts for the neck I would still BO 13 sts. Thanks.
Yes, it only changes at the `seam’, not the middle.
sue
Don’t forget that knitting every row flat gives you garter stitch, with ridges on both sides, whereas knitting every row in the round gives stocking stitch. Stocking’s nice actually and I prefer it for hats, but if you want to keep it garter stitch in the round you need to knit one round, then purl the next round, then knit a round, purl a round, etc. And your gauge for stocking stitch is probably different from that for garter.
Don’t forget to switch your first and last cast-on stitches - put one on the other needle beside other end stitch, pull that end stitch off its needle, through the first end stitch which you have just moved, and onto the other needle. Crochet hook helps there. The two end stitches will now have switched places. I find this is the best way to eliminate the jog you get in the round.
Sarah
Or you can cast on one extra stitch, and knit the first and last ones together. That works very well too.
sue
Ingrid, I already have a question. I am suppose to cast on 113sts and since I am taking off 4sts I am CO 109sts. My ribbing is K1, P2 repeat. So how should I change the ribbing on the round so I have it flowing at the end.
Cast on 108 or 111. It doesn’t have to be exactly 4 stitches less if you have to fit a stitch pattern in.
sue