If you're here, this is probably your first time knitting with circular needles. In that case, hello! And congratulations on trying a new technique :)
In this post we're going to explain how to close in the round using circular needles.
Step 1: Make a slip knot leaving a tail of thread long enough for the stitches you need to cast on.
Step 2: Cast on the number of stitches you will be working with + 1 extra stitch. For example, if your pattern tells you to start with 44 stitches, you will need to cast on 45 stitches. We will use the extra stitch to close the circle.
Step 3: Slip your stitches to the center of the cable. Then, count half the stitches plus one. For example, if you cast on 45 stitches, count 23 stitches and separate them to one side to pull the cable through the middle. (Start counting from the side without the yarn tail. That is, you need to have one extra stitch on the needle without the yarn tail.)
Step 4: Place your stitches on the needles. 23 stitches on one needle and 22 on the other.
Step 5: Now we're going to take the extra stitch from the needle with the most stitches and transfer it to the opposite needle. You can do this by hand, or you can use another needle if you prefer.
Step 6: You have placed the extra stitch on top of the stitch with the yarn tails. Now, take that stitch with the yarn tail and bring it over the extra stitch you just placed and off the needle. Release it and pull the yarn tails tight (you have decreased by one stitch). You should now have 22 stitches on each needle.
You're ready to start knitting!
We hope you found this post helpful.
List of photographed materials
On the cover
- Prym x Knit Pro Circular Needle Tips
- Cable for Prym x Knit Pro interchangeable needles
- Prym stitch markers
- Clover Adjustable Stitch Guard
- Alpaca thread
