Double-pointed knitting needles are handy tools for knitting in the round. Whether it's fingers of mittens, sleeves, hats or socks, DPNs have them quickly growing on them. The set of five needles works together for circular knitting. You can knit any stitch pattern with double points as long as you are proficient with the knit stitch and the purl stitch. In knitting, every stitch pattern is a combination of these basics. It’s hard to believe that two stitches would not provide much variety, but they do! For your knitting in the round projects with double-pointed needles, here are five easy stitch patterns.

Let’s begin. Make sure to work with a set of DPNs you are comfortable with. You will begin with a slip knot. You will need to cast on stitches in any method you prefer. You basically cast stitches on one needle tip and then divide it over two or three DPNs. To join the round, there are many ways but the simplest would be to cast an extra stitch and simply slip it to another needle and join the stitches.

Garter Stitch

Generally, the basic garter stitch pattern is made by knitting every row but the rule changes when knitting with double-pointed needles. It becomes a pattern of alternative rounds of knit and purl stitches. When knitting in the round, you are always working on the right side of the pattern, you do not need to change the stitches. The stitch creates a flat, reversible and ridged fabric.

Here’s how to create Garter Stitches:

• Cast any number of stitches. Join the stitches in the round. Place a stitch marker between two stitches to mark the start of the round.
• Knit every stitch on the round
• Purl every stitch on the round.
• After several rows, you’ll begin to see a growing knitted fabric of garter stitch.

Stockinette Stitch

The next basic stitch pattern, stockinette stitch is typically made by alternating one row of knit stitches followed by a row of purl stitches. But, working in the round with double-pointed needles becomes a pattern of all rounds of knit stitches. This is once again due to the fact that you are always working on the right side of the project.

The knitted fabric has a tendency to curl at the edges, therefore it works best at cuffs, and necklines such as socks.

Here’s how you to make Stockinette Stitches:

• Cast on any number of stitches. Join the stitches in the round in any method you prefer. Place a stitch marker to mark the start of the round.
• Knit all the stitches in the first round.
• Once you get to round 2, continue to knit all the stitches.
• After several rows, you can see a knitted fabric of Vs.

Similarly, for the reverse stockinette stitch, you work on rounds of purl stitches. As you start the first round of purl stitches, you will continue with the rounds of purl on the right side of the project.

Rib Stitch

Rib stitches are created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row or round. This stitch pattern is particularly favored for its stretchiness and makes up the hems, necks and cuffs of most sweaters and socks. As you alter the stitches in the same round, it is often tricky to remember to position your yarn. In fact, many knitters believe the trickiest part to work the stitch pattern is to remember to move the yarn in front or back of the working knitting needle tip. There are variations of this stitch, with different combinations of knit and purl stitches. 2X2 means knit 2 stitches then purl 2 while 3X1 will refer to knit 3 stitches then purl 1.

Here’s how you make rib stitches

• Cast on stitches in the method you prefer. Join the round any way you want.
• Work knit one stitch (K1), purl one stitch (P1) until you reach the end of the row.
• Continue for several rows to find a knitted fabric of stretchy material.

Cable Stitch

The cable stitch looks intricate but it is also worked with basic stitches (knit and purl) on any set of double-pointed needles. When you work on cable stitches, you knit or purl but need to work a few stitches out of turn. These stitches are secured on a cable needle or stitch holders or another double-pointed knitting needle.

Here’s how you make cable stitches

• Start with casting on stitches.
• Knit or purl according to the pattern.
• Remove the stitches mentioned on a cable needle.
• Knit or purl the stitches on the cable, they will look twisted.
• Continue a few rows to see the effect.

You can easily create these basic stitches with not just DPNs, but any of your knitting needles. With the Lantern Moon Collection, explore premium knitting needles, crochet hooks, and accessories. Work with a set of five premium ebony wood double-pointed needles with tapered tips that work with all kinds of yarn. Handcrafted by skilled artisans the tools and accessories serve all your craft needs. Enjoy a luxury crafting experience!

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