how to knita hat with circular needles

Circular knitting needles are two knitting needles without end caps that are joined together with a cord. It allows you to knit "in the round," without switching from one needle to another. Knitting on circular needles may seem a little daunting at first, but because you don't need to join your seams at the end of the project, it will save you time and looks professional.
Knitting a hat in the round is both a simple and easy way to knit a hat and to learn how to knit with circular needles.
This article is not a basic how-to about knitting techniques and terms. For beginners, refer to beginning knitter's tutorials online (see additional resources).

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Yarn Circular Knitting Needles Knitting Markers

1. • 1
     Choose your yarn. The thicker the yarn, the wider the stitches and the less time it will take you to knit the hat.
   • 2
     Choose your needles. The bigger the needles, the faster the knitting. You also need to decide on the length of cord between the needles. The length of the circular needles always include the length of the cord, so 16 inch circular needles are 16 inches long from the end of the first needle, through the cord, to the end of the other needle. As a rule, you want the length of the needles to be less than the diameter of the hat you are going to knit. It is possible to knit a hat with a longer cord, but it is more difficult. This article will use size 15, 16-inch circular needles.
   • 3
     Create a yarn ball from your skein of yarn.
   • 4
     Make a slip-knot in one end of the yarn. Cast on 48 stitches. Place a plastic knitting marker on the needle after this last stitch.
   • 5
     Join the stitches, this is where knitting in the round differs from typical knitting. Make sure all the stitches in the row are facing down (i.e. the bumps are below the needle).
     Bring the yarn to the front of your work. Slip the first stitch you cast on from the left needle to the right needle. Take the yarn to the back of your work. Slip the stitch back onto the right-hand needle.
     You won't have to take this step again, now that you have joined the stitches, when you reach the end of the row just continue knitting normally.
   • 6
     Knit until you reach the marker, then slip the marker from one needle to the next and continue knitting the next row.
     Because you are knitting in the round, you don't need to knit then purl for a consistent pattern, just knit each row. Continue to knit evenly at 48 stitches per row for about 8 inches.
   • 7
     Start to decrease your stitches in the following pattern:
     Knit 6 rows, K2tog - repeat this 6 times (36 rows)
     Knit 5 rows, K2tog - repeat this 6 times (30 rows)
     Knit 4, K2tog, repeat 6 times
     Knit 3, K2tog, repeat 6 times
     Knit 2 K2tog, repeat 6 times
     Knit 1 K2tog, repeat 6 times
     K2tog across the whole row.
     This should leave you with six stitches.
   • 8
     Cut the yarn leaving about 10-12 inches of yarn as a tail. With a yarn needle, thread the tail through the last six stitches. Pull the tail until it draws the yarn together into a single point. Double-knot the yarn. Cut the last bit of tail yarn and that's it, turn the hat inside out and you're all done.

how to join in the round on circular needles

You can make a hat by joining circular needles properly.

When making a hat, socks or a sweater, it is often helpful to use circular knitting needles to knit in the round. Although using circular needles can make your project easier, there can be difficulties. One of the difficulties in knitting in the round is joining the two sides together without causing the knitting to become twisted. There are ways to prevent twisting from happening when you knit on circular needles.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Circular needles
• Yarn
• Scissors

1. • 1
     Cast on your stitches onto circular knitting needles as you would for straight knitting needles.
   • 2
     Hold the circular needles out in front of you with one hand.
   • 3
     Use your other hand to adjust the stitches so they are all facing the same way.
   • 4
     Hold the needles as you normally would when knitting.
   • 5
     Knit the first stitch while keeping your pinkies on the stitches on either needle to secure them in place.
   • 6
     Knit as usual. The stitches will remain as they should in order to create a circular knitting project.

how to knit a close check pattern

If you want to beautify your bedroom with your own creation, you can knit a blanket or a pillow cover. Use a close checks pattern to add a new stitch that looks complicated but is relatively simple to learn.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Knitting needles
• Yarn

1. • 1
     Use this pattern for a blanket, sweater or pillow cover. This stitch pattern is reversible which makes it ideal for double-sided projects.
   • 2
     Cast on stitches in multiples of 6 plus 3. Cast on 24 stitches for a project divisible by 6, and then add 3 more to equal 27. Select any multiple of 6 based on the size of the project. Many patterns provide instructions that include the number of stitches to cast on, needle size and suggestions for yarn.
   • 3
     Start by knitting and purling combinations of 3. Purl 3, knit 3, and then repeat this cycle alternating until all the stitches are on the opposite needle. Continue knitting this combination of stitches for the next 4 rows.
   • 4
     Begin rows 5 to 8 by switching to knit 3, purl 3, and then repeating the stitches to complete each row. This completes the close checks pattern. The full pattern is a cycle of 8 rows that repeats until you achieve the required length.
   • 5
     Finish the project by casting off stitches. Add a decorative border by using simple techniques in casting off, crocheting or sewing.

how to knit a triangle check pattern

The triangle check pattern uses two colors and slipped stitches to create triangles in the knitted fabric in one color while having a background yarn in a different color. This pattern is one that only requires basic knitting knowledge but looks very impressive once you're done with your project.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Color A Yarn
• Color B Yarn
• Knitting Needles

1. • 1
     Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3 extra stitches in the color B yarn. This means that you must use a number of 6 multiplied any number plus 3 extra stitches.
   • 2
     Knit row 1 using the color A yarn and using the following pattern: knit 1, then begin the repeating pattern of slipping 1 stitch, wrapping the yarn in the back, knitting 5 stitches. Repeat this pattern until you have 2 stitches left on the left hand needles then slip 1 stitch and knit the last stitch. In knitting abbreviation row 1 is: k1, *sl1 wyib, k5; rep from ** until 2 stitches remain, end sl1 wyib, k1.
   • 3
     Knit row 2 with the pattern of knitting the first stitch and then beginning the repeating pattern of slipping 1 stitch, wrapping the yarn in the front, and purling 5 stitches. Continue this pattern until 2 stitches remain on the left hand needle and then slip one stitch, wrapping the yarn in front and knitting the last stitch. In knitting abbreviation Row 2 is: k1, *sl1 wyif, p5*; rep from ** until 2 stitches remain, end sl1 wyif, k1
   • 4
     Knit the first 3 stitches of row 3 and then begin the pattern of slipping 3 stitches, wrapping the yarn in the back and knitting 3 stitches. Continue this pattern until the end of the row. Row 3: k3, *sl3 wyib, k3*; rep from **.
   • 5
     Switch to the color B yarn for row 4 and then knit the first 1 stitch, purl 2 stitches and then begin the pattern of slipping 3 stitches, wrapping the yarn in front, and purling 3 stitches. Repeat this pattern until there are 6 stitches remaining and slip 3 stitches, purl 2 stitches and knit the last stitch. Row 4 is: k1, p2, *sl3 wyif, p3*; rep from ** until 3 stitches remain, end sl3 wyif, p2, k1.
   • 6
     Switch to the color A yarn again and begin row 5 by knitting the first stitch, slipping 2 stitches and wrapping the yarn in the back. Then begin the pattern of knitting 3 stitches, slipping 3 stitches, wrapping the yarn in the back until there are 6 stitches left. End the row by knitting 3 stitches, slipping 2 stitches, wrapping the yarn in the back and knitting the last stitch. Row 5 is: k1, sl2 wyib, *k3, sl3 wyib*; rep from ** until 6 stitches remain, end k3, sl2 wyib, k1.
   • 7
     Knit row 6 by knitting the first stitch, slipping 2 stitches and wrapping the yarn in the front then being the pattern of purling 3 stitches, slipping 3 stitches, and wrapping the yarn in the front. Repeat this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Finish the row off by purling 3 stitches, slipping 2 stitches, wrapping the yarn in the front, and knitting the last stitch. Row six is: k1, sl2 wyif, *p3, sl3 wyif*; rep from ** until six stitches remain, end p3, sl2 wyif, k1.
   • 8
     Switch to the color B yarn and knit row 7 by knitting 4 stitches then beginning the pattern of slipping one stitch, wrapping the yarn in the back and knitting 5 stitches. Repeat this pattern until there are 5 stitches left and then slip 1 stitch and knit the last 4 stitches. Row 7 is: k4, *sl1 wyib, k5*; rep from ** until 5 stitches remain, end sl1 wyib, k4.
   • 9
     Knit the first stitch in row 8, purl 3 stitches, and begin the pattern of slipping 1 stitch and wrapping the yarn in the front, then knitting 5 stitches. Repeat this pattern until 5 stitches remain. With the last 5 stitches, slip on, wrapping the yarn in front, purl 3 stitches and knit the last stitch. Row 8 is: k1, p3, *sl1 wyif, p5*; rep from ** until 5 stitches remain, end sl1 wyif, p3, k1.
   • 10
     Repeat steps 2 through 9 until your project is the length you want then bind off.

how to knit a slip stitch honeycomb pattern

Slip stitch honeycomb creates what looks like a honeycomb in the project that you are knitting. It is a simple pattern that is created by simply slipping stitches in one color of yarn while moving to another color yarn. For this pattern, it is best if you use two different colors that are different but compliment each other rather than two colors that are distinctly different.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Main Color Yarn
• Contrast Color Yarn
• Knitting Needles

1. • 1
     Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches for your project using the main color yarn. This means that you must use 8 multiplied any number of times to work the pattern repeats over.
   • 2
     Knit all the stitches in row 1 with the contrast color yarn.
   • 3
     Purl all the stitches in row 2 with the contrast color yarn.
   • 4
     Switch to the main color yarn and begin the pattern of knitting 6 stitches and slipping 2 knit wise. In knitting abbreviation form row 3 is: K6, Sl2 KW.
   • 5
     Repeat the instructions in step 4 for rows 4, 5, and 6.
   • 6
     Knit all the stitches in row 7 using the contrast color yarn.
   • 7
     Purl all the stitches in row 8 using the contrast color yarn.
   • 8
     Switch to the main color yarn and begin knitting the pattern for row 9 of knitting 2 stitches, slipping 2 stitches, and then knitting 6 stitches. End the row by knitting 4 stitches. In abbreviation: *K2, sl2, K6*, repeat between **, end row with K4.
   • 9
     Repeat step 8 for rows 10, 11 and 12.
   • 10
     Repeat steps 2 through 9 until your project is the length that you want it. Complete the pattern through either row 6 or 12 then bind off.

how to add a novelty yarn while knitting

 

crCustomize your knitted eations by incorporating novelty yarns

Knitting can be adapted for almost any yarn preference. Whether you want to knit a pattern using only one color or add additional ones, you can combine yarn fibers and colors to create your own knitting designs. If you want to use novelty yarns in your knitting, such as fun fur yarns or ribbon yarns, simply incorporate them into your knitting projects the way you would for changing any other color of yarn.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Knitting needles
• Yarn
• Novelty yarn
• Scissors
• Large-eye blunt needle

1. • 1
     Begin knitting your project using standard yarn. Cast on the required number of stitches and complete the stitch pattern up until the point where you want to add in the novelty yarn. Perhaps you want to make a stripe in a scarf or a sweater or add a novelty yarn border on a hat. Either way, follow the pattern instructions to knit the item with your standard yarn, and then stop when you get to the stitches or rows where you want to use your novelty yarns.
   • 2
     Hold your working yarn in place, either in the back for knitted stitches or in the front for purled stitches. Bring up your new strand of novelty yarn and hold it together with your working yarn. Knit three stitches holding both strands together.
   • 3
     Drop the working yarn and continue to work with your new novelty yarn. When you turn your work and go down the other side, be sure to knit through both loops on the three stitches where you held the two strands together from the previous row.
   • 4
     When you finish your project, cut the working yarn approximately 2 inches down, and weave in the ends using a large-eye blunt needle. If you want to go back to your original yarn again after a few rows with novelty yarn, follow these same instructions but in reverse (so you will drop the novelty yarn after the three stitches and work with your original yarn

how to knit with novelty yarn

How to Knit With Novelty Yarns

 

Susan Brockett

Susan Brockett worked in the computer industry as a technical writer for nearly 20 years at companies including Motorola and Dell Computer Systems. In addition, her articles have appeared in Society of Technical Communications publications. Brockett has a master's degree in English composition and communications from Kansas State University.

• \looks like an shearling lined boot, a scarf that resembles a colorful, soft caterpillar, a shawl that shines with metallic ribbons, or a knitted bag with handles that look like red licorice candy. All these knitting projects are possible with novelty yarns like suede, fun fur, eyelash, ribbon, and jelly. Knitting with novelty yarns is not that different from knitting with traditional wools or cottons, but knitters should consider a few things about choosing projects and working with these yarns.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1
     Choose a design that has a simple shape and standard stitches like garter stitch or stockinette because novelty yarn has more texture than traditional yarns. For example, a scarf with cables or lace is not a good choice because the novelty yarn will hide the design. But a triangular scarf or a tank top in garter stitch is a good choice because the yarn will give these projects texture and pizazz with simple stitches.
   • 2
     Knit a swatch to get a feel for how the yarn behaves and how the fabric looks. Use the size needle specified by the pattern, and cast on 12 stitches and knit six rows of garter stitch or stockinette.

     If you are knitting a garment, this is your gauge swatch. Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch and that information is included in the pattern. It is important that you match the pattern's gauge for the garment to fit.
   • 3
     Make adjustments to the needle size if needed. If you want a looser fabric, use a bigger needle. A smaller needle gives you a firmer fabric.

     Some novelty yarns split easily. In this case, choose a needle with a blunt tip. One other consideration is the needle material. If you find that the yarn is slippery, choose a needle with a little grip, like a bamboo needle. If the yarn sticks, change to a metal needle.
   • 4
     Cast on loosely for your project. Because the yarn does not have a lot of give, use a stretchy cast on like the long-tail method.
   • 5
     Knit slowly to avoid errors. Novelty yarn is harder to rip out than traditional yarn when you make a mistake. If you do need to rip back, just go slowly.
   • 6
     Cast off loosely. One trick for a loose cast off is to use a needle a few sizes bigger.

Tips & Warnings

• A good source for patterns is the yarn manufacturer's website. Look for patterns designed specifically for your yarn.
• Another use of novelty yarn is as an accent. Add it to the edge of a hat or the cuff of a sweater.
• Because novelty yarn hides the stitches and usually has no elasticity, it is not a good choice for a first knitting project.
• Novelty yarns with a high percentage of acrylic fiber are not flame retardant, so use care when choosing a novelty yarn for infant or children's clothing.

fun fast things to knit

Fun fast things to knit are scarves and pillows, which require little shaping.

Fun fast things to knit encompass projects that require little shaping, such as hats,blankets, pillows, scarves and bags. Clothing items with simple patterns, which include ponchos, vests and shrugs, can also be quick and enjoyable. Begin with worsted weight yarn that is smooth and easy to manage. Use large-sized needles. Select patterns that employ two strands.

1. Pullover

   • Knit two squares with two strands of chenille yarn, and join the shoulder and side seams to make a pullover. Gather about 765 yards of chenille acrylic yarn and a pair of size 13 needles. Use a Stockinette stitch to make 11 stitches and 17 rows. Check your gauge, which should measure about four inches for a small-sized pullover. Use a double strand of yarn to cast on 55 stitches for the back, purling the first row and knitting the second. Repeat this last step for the front. Lay the two squares flat. Put markers 9 1/2 inches from the bottom edge of the sides of the two squares, leaving room for the arms. Leave also the 13 inches in the squares' center free for the neck. Put markers at 3 1/2 inches from each shoulder edge. Sew the seams for the shoulder, allowing the neck and lower edges to curl inside.

   Scarf

   • Gather 15 ozs. of red, 15 ozs. of fuschia and 2.5 ozs. of turquoise worsted weight yarn, and a set of size 15 knitting needles. Use two strands of yarn while you knit. Knit four rows, casting 34 stitches with the red yarn. Knit three, purl 28 and knit 3 for the next row on the wrong side. Knit all of the stitches for the next row on the right side. Repeat the last two rows until the scarf is 10-inches long. Join with the turquoise yarn and repeat 6 rows with the identical pattern. Rejoin with the red yarn and knit until the scarf is 5-feet long. Join with the fuschia yarn and knit with the same pattern until it is the same length as the red piece that extends to the turquoise stripe. Rejoin with the fuschia and knit for another 10 inches. Bind the stitches to finish, and then gently steam the scarf.

   Afghan

   • Pull together four shades, ranging from very dark to light, of a color of worsted weight yarn. Use the following weights of yarn: 16 ozs. for light; 20 ozs. for medium; 20 ozs. for dark; and, 28 ozs for very dark. Use size 13 knitting needles, knitting in a pattern with two strands and measuring from top to bottom and across. Check gauge so that three stitches equates to one inch, and seven rows to two inches. Knit one strip by following these steps: 1) cast on 31 stitches with the darkest color; 2) knit one row; 3) knit one stitch, purl one stitch and knit one across row; 4) knit row; 5) repeat third step; 6) repeat second and third steps for the next 34 rows, and then cut the darkest color; 7) repeat steps two through six for 34 rows with the dark color, and then cut; 8) repeat steps two through six with the darkest color; 9) repeat steps seven and eight twice, and then bind off. Use the same nine step pattern for the next strip, but use the medium and light colors of yarn. Pin and sew the strips together when finished knitting.

   Baby Blanket

   • Gather 24 ozs. of worsted weight yarn and 10 1/2-sized 29-inch circular needle. Check gauge so that four stitches equates to an inch and 14 rows to two inches. Cast on four stitches and knit across, then begin with the following pattern: 1) knit one, knit in front and back of the next stitch, and then knit across for the first row; 2) repeat first row for the next 208 stitches on the needle; 3) start decreases with knit one, knit two together and then knit across; 4) repeat the last row until five stitches are left; 5) knit one, knit two together and knit two for the last row; and, 6) bind off. Spray the finished blanket lightly with water, shape as desired and allow to dry.

shaw knitting instructions

The art of knitting may seem like a thing of the past, but with accessories like scarves and shawls rising in popularity, you may want to whip out your knitting needles from the attic. Starting with a basic knowledge of knitting, you can easily pick up this fun hobby that will add variety to your closet and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.

1. Supplies

   • For a basic rectangular shawl pattern, you need a size 11 knitting needle and 555 to 740 yards of yarn. Read the label on the yarn to see how many yards are in each bunch or skein, as it is known to the savvy knitter. Most patterns will take at least three skeins and will be approximately 24 inches wide and 48 inches long, depending on the yarn's elasticity.

   Beginning

   • Cast three stitches onto the end of your needle. Begin the first row with three knits and then three purls, going back and forth until you reach the end of the row. This pattern will have a total of 54 stitches. However, this shawl can be done in any multiple of 3, such as 54, 57 or 60, depending on your size preference. When choosing your yarn, keep in mind that if it is multicolored, you need to match up the colors when adding on a new skein. The start of a new skein will be really obvious if there is a break in the color succession. Also, it is best to start a new skein inside the body of the shawl rather than on an edge in which a break can show.

   Next Row

   • When starting the next row, use the opposite pattern with which you used on the prior row. For example, the second row would be three purls, then three knits. Always be careful to follow this rule when starting a new row, especially if you are picking up your knitting after a break. It is an easy mistake to make that will greatly affect the uniform appearance of your shawl. Continue until your shawl has reached the desired length, then bind off the end. If desired, adding a fringe to the end of your shawl can really complete the beauty of your hard work. For an 8-inch fringe, wrap the yarn around a piece of cardboard 9 inches wide. Cut only one end and separate the pieces of yarn into three groups. Take one group and double it over. Then with a crochet hook, insert the yarn into an end stitch from back to front and pull the loop through. Insert the ends of the yarn through the hoop and pull it taught. Continue looping yarn onto your shawl until you reach the end.

how to knit a scarf

Scarfs are ideal during winter and can keep you warm in cold weather. This scarf is easy to knit and you'll want to make one for yourself and another to give away as a gift. Follow these easy, step by step instructions on how to knit a scarf.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles

1. The Scarf

   • 1
     Look for midweight, sport-weight or four-ply worsted yarn for this scarf.
   • 2
     Purchase about 6 oz. yarn and size 8 knitting needles to complete a scarf that is approximately 6 1/2 inches by 60 inches.
   • 3
     Buy extra yarn for scarf fringe (optional). The fringe will add approximately 7 inches to each end of your scarf.
   • 4
     
     

     Knit a sample square. The gauge for this scarf is four stitches per inch. You may need to change knitting needle sizes to achieve the correct gauge.
   • 5
     Keep your stitches loose. See "How to Gauge Knitting Stitches" in Related eHows.
   • 6
     
     

     Make your scarf. Cast on 26 stitches. Row 1: K1, P across the row, Row 2: P1 Knit across the row.
   • 7
     
     

     Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your scarf is 60 inches long.
   • 8
     Cast off your knitting.

   The Fringe

   • 1
     Add fringe to your scarf. Wind your yarn around a piece of heavy cardboard that is 8 inches long by 5 inches wide. Wind the yarn lengthwise around the cardboard 60 times.
   • 2
     Insert one blade of a pair of scissors between the cardboard and yarn at one end of the cardboard and cut through the yarn.
   • 3
     Divide the yarn into groups of five strands each.
   • 4
     Fold one group of strands in half and use a crochet hook (medium or large) to pull the fold through one stitch in the scarf edge. Pull through just far enough so that the fold forms a loop.
   • 5
     Use the crochet hook to pull the yarn strands, from back to front, through the loop made in the previous step. Pull to tighten.
   • 6
     Start your fringe at one left or right edge of the scarf and space each yarn group about five stitches apart. End your fringe at the opposite edge.
   • 7
     Repeat for the other end of the scar

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase more than 6 oz. yarn if you want a longer and/or wider scarf. Extra yarn is helpful in case you make a mistake.
• Know that K indicates that you should do a knit stitch and P indicates a purl stitch. See "How to Purl" and "How to Do the Knit Stitch" for instructions in Related eHows.
• See "How to Cast On in Knitting" and "How to Cast Off in Knitting" for instructions in Related eHows.