Many hats and socks can be made with double pointed needles.They are easy to use and can look intimidating at first.When you join the round, knitting on double pointed needles is the same as knitting with 2 needles.You don't have to turn your work.
Step 1: The pattern should be read.
Most patterns require you to knit on 4 needles, with the fifth one doing the actual work.Some patterns only require 3 needles, with a fourth doing the knitting.There are usually packs of 5 double pointed needles.Just like standard needles, they have numbers, so make sure you get the right size.
Step 2: Cast on.
To find out how many stitches you need to cast, read your pattern.Next, get out one of your double pointed needles, and cast all of the stitches onto that needle.You want to be able to move the stitches around.The long tail can be used for best results.
Step 3: If you're using 4 needles, put half of the stitches on a second needle.
You can use your left hand to hold the needle.There is a second needle in your right hand.Pull half of the stitches from the first needle with the second needle.Continue until you have an even number of stitches on each needle.You will end up with 16 stitches on each needle if you cast on 32 stitches.
Step 4: If you use 3 needles, put a third of the stitches on a second needle.
With the stitches in your left hand, hold the second needle.Pick up a third of the stitches from the first needle with the second needle.You'll only slide 6 off if you cast on 18 stitches.You will have 12 stitches on one needle and 6 on the other.
Step 5: The stitches should be distributed onto the remaining needles.
Go to the right side of the second needle and use the third needle to collect half the stitches.Go to the left side of the needle.Half of the stitches can be collected by using a fourth needle.Each needle has 8 stitches on it if you cast on 32 stitches.If you're knitting with 3 needles, you can collect a third of the stitches by going back to the left needle.If you cast 18 stitches, the needle will have 6 stitches.
Step 6: There is a marker between the last 2 stitches.
The end of each row will be marked by this.This will make it easier to tell when a previous row ends and a new one begins.Stitch markers can be found in the yarn section of a craft store.If you can't find stitch markers, tie a piece of yarn in a contrasting color around the needle.
Step 7: The yarn needs to be worked in your right hand.
Normally, you would knit with your left hand, but you want to hold it in your right for this.The stitches need to be close to the point.If you prefer to knit with your left hand, switch the needle to your right hand.
Step 8: The last needle should be inserted into the first stitch.
If you are knitting on 3 needles, take your fourth needle and hold it in your right hand.The tip should be inserted into the first stitch on your left needle.Just like knitting, you need to insert the needle through the front of your work and out the back.You have to hold the needle in your ring and pinky fingers to use it.
Step 9: The yarn should be wrapped around the right needle.
If you are knitting on 4 needles, tilt the needle towards the left needle to form a square or triangle.Wrap the yarn around the needle.Don't drape the yarn over the needle.Allow the yarn to drape across the top and to the side by wrapping it under the right needle.
Step 10: Pull the yarn through the stitch.
Pull the yarn through the first stitch with the right needle.Make sure the looped yarn is on the right needle and then slide the first stitch off of the left needle.The working yarn is not being added onto the needle.To maintain your shape, keep that needle close to the left needle.
Step 11: To keep a square or triangle shape, tug on the yarn.
When working with double pointed needles, knitting tightly in the corners is important.Pull on the yarn to adjust it when you form a tight corner on your square or triangle.If you start with 4 needles, you will have 5 in a hexagonal shape.You will have 4 needles in a square shape if you start with 3 needles.
Step 12: You should knit across the first needle.
You can knit across the first needle if you join the round.Stop when you reach the end of the first needle.A simple knitting pattern is the focus of this video.If your pattern calls for a different combination of stitches, use those instead.
Step 13: Use the new empty needle to knit the next set of stitches.
The first needle becomes empty after you have knitted all of the stitches off of it.You can use the empty needle to knit across the stitches on your second needle.The first stitch on the new needle should be tight.
Step 14: Continue this way until you return to where you started.
You will have an empty needle as you finish knitting your square or triangle.Remember to knit tightly in each corner when using this needle.
Step 15: You can finish the last stitch by putting the marker on your needle.
Knitting on double pointed needles is similar to knitting in the round.After you finish the second-to-the-last stitch, slide the marker onto your right needle.This is the end of your first row.
Step 16: Start a second row without turning.
You don't have to change your stitches.Remember to count a new row after shifting your marker and finishing the last stitch if you follow the pattern.After a couple of rows, the item you're knitting will start to form.
Step 17: To find out how you should finish the project, read the pattern.
The double pointed needles are used for small projects.The cast-on stitches become the hem for a hat.The top edge is closed off.You have to cast-off the stitches in some patterns.Arm warmers.Other patterns will require you to gather the stitches with a short piece of yarn.