How To Join Knitting In The Round (Circulars & DPNs)

Joining knitting in the round is an essential skill that opens the door to seamless, beautifully finished projects.

Whether you’re making a hat, cowl, socks, or sleeves, learning to knit in the round allows you to move beyond straight needles and explore new techniques and textures.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from materials and setup to avoiding twists and mastering techniques like the magic loop.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know before you begin knitting in the round:

This technique is perfect for creating seamless tubes such as hats, cowls, or sweaters.
You can work with circular needles for larger projects or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for smaller circumferences.
Always check your stitches aren’t twisted before joining in the round — it’s key to a smooth, even fabric.
A stitch marker will help you track the beginning of each round.
When knitting in the round, you’re always working on the right side of the fabric.

No need to turn your work each row.

This helps maintain consistent tension and makes cables, textures, and colorwork easier to manage.

Tools/Materials Needed

Circular needles: Two short needles connected by a flexible cord, used for larger projects like sweaters or cowls.
Double-pointed needles (DPNs): A set of four or five short needles for smaller projects like socks or hat tops.
Yarn: Use the recommended yarn for your project or a medium-weight yarn for practice. Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
Stitch markers: A set of your favorite stitch markers. – What Are Stitch Markers?

knitting in the round with circular nedles

Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial – See how to knit in the round for beginners on the Handy Little Me YouTube channel.

How To Join Knitting In The Round

Knitting in the round creates seamless, tubular pieces with an invisible join.

Follow the steps below to get started.

There are two different methods, using circulars and DPNs.

Method 1: Using circular needles

Circular needles are ideal for projects that require a larger circumference, like hats or sweaters.

Follow these steps:

Cast on the required number of stitches onto your circular needle. Ensure your needle’s cord length matches the circumference of your project.

Join to knit in the round:

Arrange stitches evenly with no twists.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round.
Knit the first stitch on your left needle with the working yarn to connect the circle.
Knit your project: Knit every round (for stockinette stitch). The piece will naturally form a tube.

Method 2: Using double-pointed needles (DPNs)

DPNs are perfect for smaller circular projects or when you’re decreasing stitches, like at the top of a hat.

Here’s how:

Cast on the required number of stitches evenly onto three or four of the double-pointed needles, depending on your project. Make sure you distribute the stitches evenly across all needles.

Join to knit in the round:

Arrange the needles in a triangle or square with stitches evenly spread.
Use the fifth needle to knit the first stitch, joining your work in the round.
Place a stitch marker to track your rounds.
Knit your project: Continue knitting as if you were knitting with straight needles, moving from one needle to the next when you finish a set of stitches on a needle. Each time you finish a round, you’ll switch from one DPN to the next.

How to join without twisting

Cast on your stitches evenly and check that they all face the same direction, or your work will spiral, making it hard to fix.
Arrange stitches evenly around your needles.
Place a stitch marker at the start of the round.
Start knitting the first stitch from the left-hand needle.
Check for twisting during the first round — correct immediately if needed.
Continue knitting smoothly in rounds once untwisted.
Keeping a close eye early prevents spiraled, twisted work later.

Seamless joins and stitch markers

When joining, hold the circular needle with the working yarn in your right hand and the free needle tip in your left.

Insert the free needle tip into the first stitch on the right-hand needle and knit or purl it as your pattern indicates.

This connects the ends of your cast-on row and joins the knitting in the round.

Continue following your pattern instructions and work your way around the circular needle.

Use a stitch marker to help

Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

The marker will help you track your progress and identify the start of each new round.

Also, use others for pattern repeats or increases/decreases.

“PM” in patterns means place marker.

Closed markers are best (open ones can fall off).

Move the marker up as your work grows so you can always see where the round starts.

Working decreases and binding off

For hats or other shaping projects, follow your pattern’s decrease instructions (like k2tog or ssk) to reduce stitch count.

Bind off as usual, maintaining even tension to avoid a tight or flared edge.

Tips for success

Always check your gauge in the round — tension can differ from flat knitting.
Maintain even tension, especially when switching needles or using the magic loop.
Start small with hats or cowls before tackling sweaters.

Understanding Flat vs. Circular Knitting

Flat knitting: Worked in rows, turning the work after each row — great for scarves, blankets, and panels. Great for your first hat, but it will require seaming.

Circular knitting: Worked continuously in a loop using circular or DPN needles, perfect for seamless items like hats and socks.

Benefits of circular knitting:

No seaming
Faster, continuous knitting
Easier colorwork and pattern management

What Is The Magic Loop Method?

The magic loop is ideal for small-diameter projects (like sleeves, mittens, or sock tops) using a long circular needle.

If your circular cord is longer than your project’s circumference, pull out a loop of the cable to adjust the size and keep knitting smoothly.

Learn more: Magic Loop Knitting: A Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial

Recap

Knitting with circular needles differs slightly from flat knitting, so here’s a quick recap:

Join your work to form one continuous circle.
Hold your needles with the cast-on edge in your left hand.
Begin knitting with the working yarn to connect the circle.
Use DPNs or circulars with flexible cables for your chosen project.
Try the magic loop method for small items.
Use a stretchy cast-on for circular projects.

FAQs

1. Is knitting in the round easier?

Many knitters find knitting in the round easier — here’s why:

No purling in stockinette projects.
No turning the work — just continuous knitting.
Seamless, professional finishes.
Simpler colorwork since the right side always faces you.
However, smaller projects (like socks or sleeves) using DPNs can be fiddly at first. It’s all about preference and practice!

2. Why join knitting in the round?

To create seamless, professional-looking tubes for hats, cowls, and sleeves.

3. How do I prevent twists?

Check your stitches before joining and after the first round.

4. Can I knit flat on circulars?

Yes! Circular needles can be used for both flat and round projects.

Check out a tutorial here. – Knitting Flat With Circular Needles (+ Video Tutorial)

5. Is the magic loop method beginner-friendly?

Yes — once you understand circular knitting basics, this knitting technique is a flexible next step.

Want To Learn More?

I hope this guide helps you feel confident joining your knitting in the round and be ready to create seamless, beautiful projects.

Happy knitting!