Knitting Flat With Circular Needles (+ Video Tutorial)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Knitting flat with circular needles – In this post, you will learn why this is so great plus a photo and video tutorial.
Sometimes projects may need you to work flat – knitting back and forth like you would with straight needles, but using circular knitting needles instead.
There are so many great ways to use your circular knitting needles, from working on projects that have a huge number of stitches, to when you don’t have a particular size knitting needle that is straight.
Make It Easier On Yourself
If you have large projects like a huge chunky cable knit blanket pattern or a shawl, you will probably find it easier to work on circular needles.
When your project grows width-wise, it’s so much easier to accommodate all of those stitches on circulars, rather than struggling to keep them all on straight needles.
Big projects can also become very heavy and working with the interchangeable needles can help to take some of that weight.
The cable will hold the weight, which makes it easier for it to lay on you while you work.
Related Post: The Sea Glass Shawl Knitting Pattern
More Great Reasons To Use Circulars To Knit Flat
I use circulars to knit flat (back and forth) all of the time, here are some reasons why:
- I like how it takes the weight of the project that uses bulky or super bulky yarn (if the total number of stitches is a lot). There is no need to hold the weight of the entire blanket on your needles.
- I find it easier on my arms, wrists, and hands for the movement and I have less strain. It will make a massive difference, especially on larger projects like baby blankets. The weight of the work will lay on the flexible cable and not on your arms.
- It’s great for knitting shawls or sweater pieces so you can easily try them out on yourself or your tailor’s dummy – to see if it fits, etc.
- Sometimes I don’t have single point straight needles in various sizes but have that size in my circulars so use those instead.
- You can easily store a project on a set of circular needles and the cable length, is perfect for traveling with projects. And if you want to use your needles you can buy a pair of cable stoppers, to keep your stitches safe.
As you can see in the photo below of the dog sweater knit on straight needles, I needed the circulars to hold stitches while I worked on other sections of the sweater.
Related Post: Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern {Straight Needles}
Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles
I use my set of interchangeable circular needles for my projects; they are really easy to work with and allow you to swap needle sizes easily.
I have two sets, (a different size needle tip and the flexible cord is included in a range of sizes), one is made from wood – Knit pro Symfonie and the other are Knit Pro Zing (also known as Knitter’s Pride in the US).
Circular needles come in different sizes and a variety of materials, plastic, bamboo, wood, and stainless steel.
Both are easy to work with, but for some projects, I much prefer the Zings with different cord lengths and a variety of sizes, as they allow me to have a smoother workflow.
Some people also like to use DPNs (double-pointed needles) they are a type of needle for working in the round, but these are not good for flat projects.
Love Crafts offers a variety of sets and special collections that include extra accessories like stitch marker sets.
Great For Knitting On The Go
Using circulars are also great for knitting flat when you don’t have a lot of space, for example, when you travel.
The circulars can make your project easier to carry and pack, plus if you work in the car or on a train you will be less likely to bump into anyone sitting next to you!
It will also be less likely that a needle will fall from your hands or that you will have trouble with stitches falling off the ends of the needles.
This is because when you are done, you can slide the stitches further onto the cable, so they will not fall off.
So How Do You Do It?
Working with circular knitting needles while knitting flat is the same as working with straight needles.
You knit back and forth – knitting along one side, then when you are done, turn the work to continue knitting the other side.
You will not join in the round and in the pattern if it suggests using circulars to knit flat, it will normally say – you do not join in the round.
When you start using circulars to knit flat, you will see how easy and comfortable it is and probably (like me) end up using them for all of your projects!
Tutorial
Take a look at the photo tutorial below or watch the video tutorial over on my YouTube channel here.
For more tutorials please see this related post: Knitting Lessons.
Time needed: 1 day, 1 hour and 10 minutes
Knitting Flat With Circular Needles
- Cast on your stitches and insert the needle
When you have cast on your stitches, insert your needle into the first stitch and knit one row.
- Knit the row
You will knit the row just the same as you would knit the row if you were using straight needles.
- When you finish that row, turn the work
Then, when you finish that row, turn the work to continue knitting the next row.
Circular Needles FAQs
A circular knitting needle set is used for projects that require you to knit in the round, joining your stitches to knit and create a seamless item. For example, many hats, mittens, and socks are knit with circular needles.
When using circular needles to knit in the round, you don’t need to start a new row in the traditional sense as you would with straight needles when knitting flat. Circular knitting creates a continuous round, so there is no turning from the right side of the work (rs) to the wrong side (ws).
Instead, you keep working in the same direction, and the “beginning” of your round will move up as you progress.
I would say no. Circular needles are for the advanced beginner. Most new knitters start using straight needles, as they have more control when first learning.
This will depend on the pattern you want to make. The pattern information will tell you what needle size you need and the yarn/yarn weight needed for the project. I would suggest getting yourself a good set of interchangeable circular knitting needles so that you have a variety of sizes for any project when you need them.
Yes! Circular knitting needles are great for knitting flat (back and forth) as well. The long cable is great for holding a large number of stitches on the needle as it can move freely along the cable and take the weight of your project.
Yes! Circular knitting needles are great for knitting blankets, as they can hold a large number of stitches and also take the weight of your project. You will work back and forth – as though you are knitting with straight needles but it will definitely make it easier for you.
I would suggest using 40″ (100 cm) for worsted/Aran or bulky/super bulky yarn. This size cable is commonly used for flat-knitting, it’s used for adult cardigans and sweaters as well as shawls or blankets.
Yes, there are several types of circular knitting needles available, each suited to different projects and preferences.
The most common types include fixed circular needles, where the needle tips and the connecting cable are permanently attached, and interchangeable circular needles, which allow the user to switch out different needle sizes and cable lengths.
Circular needles come in a variety of materials, such as bamboo, wood, metal, and plastic, each offering a unique knitting experience.
Metal needles offer a smoother knitting experience as the yarn glides easier, Where as wooden or bamboo needles offer a better grip, which is ideal for beginners.
To measure circular knitting needles, start by determining the needle size using a knitting needle gauge tool.
This tool has holes labeled with various sizes; simply insert the needle tip into the holes until you find the one that fits snugly, which indicates the correct size in millimeters or US sizes.
Next, measure the length of the needles of from tip to tip, including both needle tips and the connecting cable.
Use a measuring tape or ruler to do this, ensuring the needle is laid flat.
The length is typically marked in inches and commonly ranges from 16 to 40 inches, though longer options are available for larger projects.
Most circular needles are labeled with both the needle size and total length, such as “US 7 (4.5 mm) 24 inches,” making it easy to choose the right size for your knitting needs.
Check out the full guide here – How To Measure Circular Knitting Needles – A Guide.
Yes, there are various types of cables for circular knitting needles, each designed to cater to different preferences and project requirements.
Cables can vary in terms of flexibility, material, and thickness. Some are made from pliable nylon or plastic.
Nylon cables offer ease of movement and are less prone to curling, while others are constructed from coated metal or steel, providing more structure and durability.
Many interchangeable needle systems offer different cable lengths and types, allowing knitters to customize their setup according to the project’s needs.
Cables can also feature swivel joins that allow the needle tips to rotate freely, reducing strain and preventing twisting during knitting.
Additionally, some cables are designed with a lifeline hole, enabling knitters to insert a thread easily to mark rows, which is particularly useful for complex patterns.
These variations make it possible for knitters to choose the best type of cable for comfort, project size, and knitting technique.
Knitting Lessons
Check out the knitting lessons to find more knitting tutorials – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials)
For example, how to cast-on stitches, how to knit the basic stitches like the garter stitch, the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, how to knit ribbing, how to make knitting increases and decreases, how to fix knitting mistakes and many many more.
- Get a tutorial on how to cast on here – How To Cast On Knitting
- Learn how to knit the knit stitch here – How To Knit Garter Stitch
- Learn how to knit the purl stitch here – How To Knit The Purl Stitch (For Beginners + A Video Tutorial)
- Learn how to knit the stockinette stitch here – How To Knit Stockinette Stitch (For Beginners)
- Check out a tutorial on how to knit the rib stitches here – How To Knit Rib Stitch Patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- Plus if you are a new knitter looking for an easy first project check out this hat pattern you can make with bulky yarn and straight knitting needles – How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)
- For more simple knitting patterns and small projects check out my beginner pattern library here – Beginner Knitters – Handy Little Me
- How to knit the magic loop method – Magic loop knitting | step by step
The majority of the blog posts include a video tutorial to help you along.
Perfect for beginner knitters who want to learn a new technique or experienced knitters who need a refresher.
More Resources And Knitting Projects
- How to join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles
- Magic loop knitting | step by step
- Socks
- Easy Mittens Knitting Pattern
- Best Knitting Needles For Beginners
- 20 Temperature Blanket Patterns (The Ultimate Guide)
- The Best Yarn For Blankets
Have you ever worked flat on circular needles?
Are you planning to do so in your next knitting project?
Let me know in the comments.
Happy Knitting!
