Flat VS Knitting in the Round - Everything you need to Know

Flat knitting and knitting in the round are simply different techniques to produce the same end result. Whether you knit flat or round, you’ll need knitting needles, yarn and a pattern for the project. The distinction between flat and round comes down to the path that your knitting needles take to create a project. A scarf, for instance, must be knit flat while a sweater can be knitted using either method. If you knit it round, you’ll have a seamless design and if you knit it in pieces, you can seam the edges with a darning needle. It all comes down to the pattern requirements and instructions, or even the type of needles being used. Single-pointed needles are exclusive to flat knitting while double-pointed needles are most commonly used for knitting in the round, specifically on smaller projects. The most versatile choice is the range of circular needles - both fixed circulars and interchangeable circulars can be used to knit both flat and in round.

But the choice of knitting flat (back and forth) or in the round depends on the knitting pattern or the knitter’s preference.

Flat Knitting

When it comes to flat knitting, the traditional method is to work across rows and make a flat-shaped knitted fabric. You begin by casting on the stitches, knitting one row on the left needle, and then turning the project and repeating the same process on the right needle until the pattern instructs or you reach the desired length. You can either use single-pointed needles or circulars for this. Knitting patterns that mention flat knitting will guide

With Single Pointed Knitting Needles

Single-pointed needles are available in different lengths and sizes, and can be ideal for projects like dishcloths, scarves, and parts of garments. But when it comes to heavy-weight items like blankets, these needles may not be able to accommodate the size and you’ll have to adjust the stitches. Moreover, their pointy ends can cause strain on your hands and wrists, making it difficult to knit. To work with STNs, you simply cast on stitches on a knitting needle tip and then turn the project to knit row by row. Just make sure to turn the WIP after each row.

With Circular Knitting Needles

Circular knitting needles on the other hand, whether it is fixed or interchangeable circulars have more flexibility, as they have tips in standard sizes and cables in varying lengths that can be joined together to join the round. The cable length allows you to knit more easily since the weight of the project is not all on the needles, but resting in your lap instead. This makes it the ideal choice for blankets, scarves, and other flat-knit projects. Similar to STNs, after completing a row, turn the WIP.

In the Round Knitting

In the case of knitting in the round, the technique produces a seamless tube for socks, hats, sleeves, and the like. You start by casting on the stitches and then joining the round, knitting the right side of the project without having to turn it. No sewing is needed either, so you’ll just need a wool needle for weaving in the yarn ends.

With Circular Knitting Needles

Knitting in the round is the basic purpose of the invention of circular needles. The needle offers great versatility for seamless round knitting. You can both use a circular needle that is shorter than the project circumference, or an extra-long one and employ the magic loop technique. For more advanced knitters, using two circular knitting needles of the same size and length is another way to go. Just like flat knitting, you simply cast on stitches on one needle tip and then stretch it over the cord to the other needle tip. Joining the round is important and there are many neat ways to do this.

With Double Pointed Needles

Double-pointed needles are the most suitable for knitting small circumferences in the round. The set of five needles with different lengths and standard sizes. The needles may have pointy tips on both ends and managing multiple needles at once can be difficult, but with time and practice, this technique can be mastered. Here too, you cast-on stitches on one needle tip and divide them evenly over three or four needles for the circumference while keeping the extra needle free to knit with. Join the cast-on stitches in the round to form a circumference and continue knitting. Even when there are only a few stitches, DPNs are ideal for round knitting.

When deciding whether to knit flat or in the round, it is all a matter of preference and the project. The Lantern Moon Collection offers a variety of premium knitting needles made from ebony wood. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the range displays traditional craftsmanship along with the love of handmade, In addition to the needles are knitting accessories including cables, stitch markers, scissors, a row counter, and other essentials. No matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned knitter, it is always recommended to have the entire range of knitting needles for your creativity and smooth knitting experience.

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