Double Pointed Knitting Needles are always available as a set of 5 as standard. Usually 5 needles are also used for knitting with double pointed knitting needles. But you can also knit with just 4 knitting needles and that's exactly what we're going to focus on in this blog today.
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In principle, knitting with 3+1 double pointed needles is the same as with the conventional method 4+1 double pointed knitting needles. The 3+1 method is the best way to knit socks and position the heel a little better.
How do I cast on the stitches on 3 double pointed needles?
First, take a circular needle, it should be 2mm thicker than the double pointed needles you will be using later. Cast on the number of starting stitches you need to start your project on this circular knitting needle. There are sock knitting instructions that knit the heel over half of the total stitches and those that knit it over a third of the stitches. Depending on how you want it, divide your stitches either into three, a third, i.e. a third of the total number of stitches on each needle, or a quarter of the stitches on one needle, then half of the total stitches on the second needle and the remaining quarters to the last needle. For example, you have 24 stitches – for the first variant, pick up 8 stitches per needle. For the second variant, divide the 24 stitches as follows: 6 – 12 – 6 stitches.
Casting on with a circular needle saves you from having to cast on with several needles. This makes it easier to cast on the stitches properly first and pick them up later on the double pointed knitting needles. But be careful not to slip when you transfer the stitches from the thicker needle to the thinner one.
How to knit
Now we make the first stitch and at the same time connect the work together to form a closed round. When knitting the first stitches, make sure that you really work with the working yarn and not with the short yarn.
Now take the fourth needle and knit each stitch according to the pattern. We recommend always knitting the first 1 to 2 rounds in knit stitches only, as these are the most difficult rounds.
From now on, everything runs as usual with 5 Double Pointed Needles, simply knit off the three needles all around one after the other. After the second round, you can start with your pattern.
An advantage of knitting with 3+1 double pointed knitting needles is that the work, i.e. the rounds, go a little faster because only 3 knitting needles have to be straightened. In addition, it may be easier for beginners because the number of double pointed knitting needles is lower, making it a little easier to get started with double pointed knitting needles.
“Deadlines and things make you creative.” – Jack White
Be inspired by this new technique and discover new possibilities to create great knitting projects. The very best Double Pointed Knitting Needles and accessories can of course be found at Mindful Collection.
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