Double-pointed needles for knitting in the round

Double-pointed needles, also called DPNs (for ‘double-pointed needles’), are a specific type of straight needle that has both ends sharp, allowing you to knit from either side. Unlike circular needles, they do not require a cable, and unlike traditional straight needles, they are used in sets: usually in sets of 4 or 5 needles.

They are mainly used for circular knitting of small diameter pieces, such as socks, sleeves, gloves, hats or even children's garments and knitted toys. By allowing the stitches to be distributed over several needles and working with an additional one, a circular structure can be achieved without the need for seams, with total control over tension and design.

This type of needle is particularly valued by knitters who work on detailed patterns, tubular pieces or who want a more traditional and stable construction.

DPNs (double-pointed needles) allow you to knit in the round without relying on cables or adapters, resulting in a direct, uninterrupted experience. Unlike the ‘magic loop’ with long circular needles or short circular needles (which can sometimes feel awkward on very small projects), double-pointed needles offer total control over your work.

Main advantages:

• ✅ No seams: you work directly in the round.
• ✅ Stable stitch distribution: stitches are distributed over 3 or 4 needles, making it easy to follow the pattern in sections.
• ✅ High precision: ideal for knitting with lots of stitch changes, such as lace, cables or intricate details.
• ✅ Versatility: well suited to items such as hats, socks, cuffs or even small baby garments.

Although they require some practice at first, many advanced knitters wouldn't swap them for any other technique for small projects.

Double-pointed needles are specially designed for circular projects with a small diameter, where standard circular needles can be uncomfortable or ineffective. They are most commonly used for socks, both from the cuff and from the toe, but there are many other examples.

Ideal projects:

• 🧦 Socks, both top-down and toe-up.
• 🧤 Gloves, mittens and mitts, especially for working individual fingers.
• 🧥 Sleeves on jumpers or jackets, without the need for side finishes.
• 🎩 Hats, particularly the top where the number of stitches decreases.
• 🧸 Small garments or circular amigurumis, where you need to control a small number of stitches.

This technique guarantees great freedom of movement and avoids the use of seams in delicate or tubular areas.

The choice of length depends directly on the type of project you are going to knit and your comfort when handling the needles. The most common lengths are:

• ▷ 13 to 15 cm: ideal for very small pieces such as glove fingers or amigurumis.
• ▷ 16 to 18 cm: a versatile intermediate length for socks or hats.
• ▷ 20 cm or more: useful when there are a lot of stitches or for those with large hands.

The shorter the project, the more advisable it is to use a shorter length to avoid excess space between the needles and thus minimise the possibility of stitches slipping. On the other hand, for projects with more stitches or thick yarn, longer needles offer greater stability.

Double-pointed needles are available in several materials, each with specific advantages:

• ▷ Wood or bamboo: offer good grip, warmth and a more natural feel. Recommended for beginners or for working with slippery yarns (such as silk or mercerised cotton).
• ▷ Metal (aluminium or steel): very sturdy with a polished surface, ideal for fast knitters or those who prefer little friction.
• ▷ Technical plastic or carbon: lighter, quieter and more flexible, ideal for long projects or people with joint pain.

There is no single ‘best’ material; it will depend on your knitting style, the yarn used and your experience. Many knitters have sets of different materials for each type of project.

A standard set of double-pointed needles includes 5 needles of the same size and length. Four are used to hold the stitches evenly distributed, and the fifth is used as the active needle to knit in a spiral. In some older or cheaper models, sets may include only 4 needles, but these are considered less versatile.

The technique consists of:

• ▷ Distributing the stitches of the project over 3 or 4 needles.
• ▷ Joining the circle without turning the fabric.
• ▷ Using the free needle to knit the stitches on the next needle, repeating the process in a circle.

This method may seem challenging at first, but once mastered, it allows you to work with great freedom and precision.

Yes, although they require a bit of a learning curve, double-pointed needles are perfectly suited for people who are just starting out with circular knitting. The most important thing is to choose the right material (wood or bamboo, to prevent the stitches from slipping), and start with simple projects such as a hat or a sample.

Some advantages for beginners:

• ▷ No need to assemble cables or connectors.
• ▷ They allow you to see the distribution of the fabric clearly.
• ▷ They help you understand how circular knitting works from the ground up.

With practice, they become an intuitive and very versatile tool for all kinds of projects.