Knitting in round with double pointed needles--help needed!

#1

Hi Everyone!

I am knitting a baby hat in the round from a pattern using a simple k3 p2 rib stitch. I am making three of the same hat for three different babies all born last week! The pattern calls for 60 stitches, which I’ve divided between 4 double point needles.

After completing the first hat, the right side of the work is on the inside of the hat. I am positive I followed the pattern exactly, and it doesn’t say anything about turning it inside out, which makes me think maybe I’m not doing the knitting in the round correctly.

My question is: when you knit in the round using double point needles, should the right side be on the inside, or the outside of the “tube” you are knitting? If on the outside, how do you accomplish this?

I knit a lot many years ago but am just getting back into it so I would classify myself as an advanced beginner.

THANKS so much in advance for any help or advice!

KIM

#2

I’m just learning, myself…but I think I read when I was learning circular knitting that the side facing you (ie: the outside of the tube) is always the right side.

#3

Correct!

#4

Yes, the knit stitches are usually on the outside, you can just flip it outside in. Check this page - http://community.knitpicks.com/notes/Knitting_in_the_Round - for pictures on how to hold the needles. The working tips should be closest to you, not away from you, that’s probably what happened… But many people do work inside out and flip it when they’re done, and usually there’s no problem with continuing the way you have been.

#5

Thanks so much everyone! I think I have in fact been doing this inside out. It should be OK with the hat I’ve already knit, but I guess I should start doing it right.

Another question: what’s the advantage/disadvantage to using double point needles vs. circular needles? The woman at the shop where I bought the yarn was pretty insistent that I use the double point needles. But the circular needle seems like it would be a lot easier. Any ideas?

KIM

#6

It depends on the size of the hat. For a baby hat dpns are probably easier, but you can knit any size hat on a single long circular using the Magic Loop method, or using 2 circs as if they were dpns. See the Advanced Techniques page for videos on Small diameter circular knitting. Some people prefer dpns, others love 2 circs and still others prefer ML, so it’s a personal preference.

#7

Thanks again so much for the help!

KIM