Seamless Knitting in the Round with Circular Needles: A Beginner's Guide

Updated at: 17/05/2025

Knitting in the round is a magical process that transforms flat knitting into seamless tubes and cylinders, perfect for everything from hats and socks to sweaters and toys. Unlike traditional knitting back and forth on straight needles, circular needles allow you to knit continuously, creating a beautiful, uninterrupted fabric without the need for seaming. This technique can seem daunting at first, but with a little guidance, it’s surprisingly easy to master. The satisfying rhythm and consistent stitch work are rewards in themselves.

This beginner's guide will demystify the art of seamless knitting in the round using circular needles. We'll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right needles and yarn to understanding the basics of casting on and working your first round. Get ready to ditch those pesky seams and discover the joy of effortless, circular knitting; let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Circular needles
  • Yarn
  • Stitch markers
Safety Guidelines
  • Always check your needle size and yarn weight match the pattern instructions. Using the wrong combination can lead to uneven tension and a poorly fitting garment.
  • Avoid twisting your yarn as you knit. Twisted yarn creates uneven stitches and can affect the overall look and drape of your project. Keep your yarn flowing smoothly from the ball or cake.
  • When joining in the round, make sure your first round is closed and you don't have any extra stitches or gaps. A carefully joined round prevents errors that can be difficult to correct later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on stitches onto your circular needle. Use any cast-on method you prefer.
    • Ensure your cast-on stitches are not twisted. The raised ridge should face the same direction (usually inward). Untwist if necessary.
    • Stretch your cast-on stitches to nearly reach the needle tips.
    Stretch your cast-on stitches to nearly reach the needle tips.Stretch your cast-on stitches to nearly reach the needle tips.Stretch your cast-on stitches to nearly reach the needle tips.
    Casting On

  2. Joining in the Round

    • Knit into the first stitch on your left needle.
    • Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning/end of the round.
    Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning/end of the round.Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning/end of the round.
    Joining in the Round

  3. Knitting the First Round

    • Continue knitting around, pushing stitches up onto the left needle as needed, until you reach the stitch marker.
    • Remove the stitch marker from the left needle and place it on the right needle. Continue knitting.
    Remove the stitch marker from the left needle and place it on the right needle. Continue knitting.Remove the stitch marker from the left needle and place it on the right needle. Continue knitting.
    Knitting the First Round

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • If your working yarn is coming from the left needle, simply turn your needle over to correct it.
  • Remember that you are always working on the right side when knitting in the round. Stitch patterns will differ from flat knitting instructions.
  • For a super seamless join, cast on one extra stitch. After joining, use a knit-over-purl technique to combine the last two stitches, then transfer the extra stitch back to the left needle.
  • Use circular needles that are smaller than your finished project to avoid stretching and maintain gauge. If your knitting is straining, choose smaller needles or switch to double-pointed needles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Twisted Stitches

Reason: The yarn is wrapped around the needle in the wrong direction, creating a twisted fabric that's difficult to correct later.
Solution: Carefully untwist the stitches, paying attention to the correct yarn direction around the needle.

2. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Pulling the yarn too tight or too loosely creates uneven fabric, making the final piece look bumpy and unprofessional.
Solution: Practice maintaining a consistent, gentle tension throughout the knitting process.

3. Incorrect Needle Size

Reason: Using needles that are too small or too large can result in a project that is too tight or too loose, altering the intended gauge and fit.
Solution: Use a needle size recommended in your pattern, or gauge swatch to determine the correct needle size for your yarn.

FAQs

What size circular needles should I use?
The needle size depends on your yarn and the pattern. Check your yarn label for suggested needle sizes. Generally, larger needles create looser fabric, while smaller needles create tighter fabric. For beginners, starting with a size US 8 (5mm) is a good option.
How do I prevent my knitting from twisting in the round?
Twisting is a common problem! Make sure you're knitting consistently in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) and pay close attention to your tension. If you notice a twist, gently unravel a few rows and try again, focusing on maintaining an even tension throughout.
What's the difference between magic loop and using circular needles for small projects?
Magic loop allows you to knit small projects, like socks, using long circular needles without actually joining the needles in a circle. This method is useful when the project is too small to comfortably use the circular needles in the traditional way, keeping your stitches on a relatively shorter section of the needle for easier management.