KNITTING IN THE ROUND: THREE METHODS

There’s an age-old question in the knitting world: double-pointed needles or magic loop for small-diameter knitting? In our informal survey, the answer was a very firm “DPN” or “magic loop,” with little to no gray area for the other technique. Not to mention the third who knit with two shorter needles. This black and white answer led us to delve deeper into the tools for these three methods.

DOUBLE-POINTED NEEDLES

Also known as DPNs, double-pointed needles have been around for centuries. In fact, they used to be the only way to knit in the round. If you’ve ever seen Victorian-era images of knitters, we think you’ll agree that the DPNs of yore look like bicycle wheel spokes.

Many modern knitters consider DPNs a bit fiddly because manipulating four or five needles at a time can be cumbersome. Plus, sometimes needles fall out of the work completely! DPNs can also leave ladders, or loose stitches, between needles where one needle transitions to another. These are valid concerns. However, with the right kind of needle, those issues can be alleviated.

The engineers at Signature Needle Arts worked hard to address these problems. They created DPNs with a “slip/grip” needle stalk that keeps your yarn—and your project—on your needles. This finish enables you to knit faster and easier without having a needle fall out as you’re moving from one needle to the next.

Signature double-pointed needles are available in four different lengths. Their colorful aluminum shafts feature “slip/grip” to keep the needles from falling out of their stitches when knitting in the round.

Similarly, having better control of your needles also cuts down on those pesky ladders. You can be confident that your needles will stay in place when you give your yarn that extra little tug while moving from needle to needle.

Signature DPNs come in 4", 5", 6" and 8" lengths. The 5" needles have a stiletto point on each end, which is Signature’s sharpest point option and great for fine detail work such as lace or cables.

The 4" DPNs come with a stiletto point on one end and a blunt point on the other end. This allows you to choose which end works best for your project. This kind of customization is what we’ve come to expect from Signature Needle Arts, and oh, do we appreciate it!

In addition, there’s a set of DPNs for cable knitters which includes seven needles in a range of sizes from Size 1 (2.25 mm) to Size 5 (3.75 mm). The slip/grip finish on these needles keeps your stitches in place as you cross even the most complicated cables. We love these!

CIRCULAR NEEDLES

Signature Needle Arts has developed some fantastic options for circular needles, too. Their Convertible Needles are totally customizable. Simply order the needle length (choose 4", 5" or 6") and size you need, the length of cord that you want, and the needle tip you want. You can order extra cords to make longer- or shorter-length needles to fit whatever project you’re working on. Magic loopers will love these options for knitting in the round!

We’ve tested almost all the needles out there, and Signature needles are some of the best available. They feel good in our hands and move effortlessly through the yarn. Plus, the point options are great for detailed lace knitting or tried and true stockinette.

Signature Needle Arts offers customizable interchangeable needles sets. Get the needle size, length, and tip you want along with a variety of cable lengths.

MORE OPTIONS FOR KNITTING IN THE ROUND

Not to worry, Signature didn’t forget “team 9-inch circulars” or those who like to knit on two shorter cable needles. They offer 9" or 12" needles in Size 1 (2.25 mm), 2.50 mm, Size 2 (2.75 mm), and 3 mm with fixed cords—perfect for all your sock knitting needs!

And if you’re a magic loop sock/hat/mitten knitter, these small-size needles are available in lengths up to 47"!

Signature Needle Arts has you covered no matter what your knitting preferences are. We hope you’ll try these fantastic tools the next time you’re in the market.