How To Knit With Double Pointed Needles (aka DPNs)
Many beginner knitters feel a bit intimidated the first time they knit with double pointed needles, but it’s really not such a big deal and we’re here to walk you through it, step by step! Learning to use double pointed needles is probably the biggest leap a new knitter can take into the world beyond scarves and blankets. Hats, sleeves, mittens, gloves, socks… All pretty much require the use of these short double-ended needles. So, if you’re ready, follow our Double Pointed Needles Tutorial to get over this little knitting hurdle!
OVERVIEW
WHEN TO USE DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES
Double pointed needles are used when the tube you are knitting “in the round” is too small for circular knitting needles. For example, you often begin a hat with a bunch of stitches on circular needles, but toward the top of the hat, you decrease to so few stitches that they no longer reach around the needles. At that point, you need to switch to DPNs. Other projects start out with too few stitches for circular knitting needles, and so, you have to begin them on double pointed needles.
NOTE: You can also use a technique called Magic Loop to work a small number of stitches in the round. We encourage you to check out our Magic Loop Tutorial and to give both methods a try… You will probably prefer one over the other!
KNITTING IN THE ROUND
If you’ve never knit anything in the round before, it’s very important to know that you never turn your work around when you knit a tube. In other words, the right side of the fabric always faces you. The major consequence of this is that some stitch patterns are different in the round than they are flat. For example, to knit stockinette stitch in the round you only use the knit stitch; you never purl. As you gain experience, this concept won’t sound so complicated!
HOW MANY DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES TO USE
Double pointed needles come in a pack of five, but the knitting tradition in America is to usually use only four at a time. Three needles hold the stitches while a fourth knits them. Sometimes you do use all five, four to hold the stitches and the fifth to knit. This would come in handy when the pattern increases or decreases in multiples of four, or if you can’t fit all the stitches onto three. Either way, the instructions are basically the same, but this tutorial illustrates the more common use of four DPNs.
For this tutorial, we painted our double pointed needles four different colors to help you keep track of which needle is doing what!
BEGINNING YOUR PROJECT ON DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES
CAST ON
Cast all the stitches onto one double pointed needle. As always, cast on somewhat loosely, so that the stitches slide freely on the needle.
Next, slip 2/3 of the stitches onto a second double pointed needle (the pink needle, above), starting with the first stitch you cast on. [In this case, there are 60 cast-on stitches, so we slipped 40 stitches.]
Now, slip 1/2 of the stitches from the second needle onto a third DPN (the yellow needle, above), again starting with the first stitch you cast on. Each needle now holds a third of the total number of cast-on stitches. [For us, that means 20 stitches on each needle]. If the cast on is not exactly divisible by 3, then you just distribute the stitches as evenly as possible.
JOIN INTO THE ROUND
In order to join for working in the round, hold the needle with the working yarn (the blue needle) in your right hand and the needle with the first stitch you cast on (the yellow needle) in your left hand. Don’t be alarmed if this requires flipping all the needles around… That is often the case!
Arrange the stitches so they are all facing the same way and aren’t spun around on any of the needles, then insert the fourth (empty) needle (the green one, above) into the first stitch you cast on, which is the first stitch on the left (yellow) needle.
Firmly knit the first stitch, connecting to the last stitch you cast on to the first one… And you’re joined into the round!
KNITTING WITH DPNs
Using those same two needles, continue to knit across the stitches of this first (yellow) needle. Just pretend that you’re knitting with two needles instead of four!
Once you’ve knit those stitches onto the green needle, the yellow needle that was holding them becomes free, ready to knit the stitches of the next needle! Here, the green needle knit all the stitches that were on the yellow needle, freeing the yellow needle to now knit the stitches of the pink needle. The pink needle will then become free to knit the stitches of the blue needle, around and around, with three needles holding the stitches and one needle knitting. (The first round is the trickiest because the needles tend to squirm around a bit. Don’t despair… It gets easier!)
CHANGING FROM CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES TO DPNs
Sometimes, for example when you’re decreasing the crown of a hat or a top-down sweater sleeve, you need to change from circular knitting needles to double pointed needles. To do this, you simply start knitting with an empty dpn at the beginning of the round.
You knit 1/3 or 1/4 of the total stitches, depending on whether you’d like to divide the stitches onto 3 or 4 double pointed needles.
Continuing with a new double pointed needle, knit the next 1/3 or 1/4 of the stitches, then keep going until all your stitches are on double pointed needles, and you’re at the beginning of the round.
Use a free dpn to start the next round!
TIPS + DETAILS
END-OF-ROUND MARKER
When your project begins on dpns, you don’t usually need a marker to indicate the end of the round because it is so clearly indicated by the cast-on tail. The first stitch of the needle directly above the tail is the first stitch of the round!
If occasionally you do need a marker, it’s easier to put it after the first stitch so that the marker doesn’t keep sliding off the needle. Just remember that the first stitch is actually the one before the marker.
THE FIRST STITCH OF EACH NEEDLE
To help to prevent a column of loose stitches between needles…
If the first stitch of a new needle is a knit stitch, then make sure the needle you’re knitting with is positioned under the previous needle. In the above photo, the yellow needle is under the green one, ready to knit the first knit stitch of the pink needle.
If the first stitch on the needle is a purl stitch, then it’s better to start the new needle above the previous needle. Here, the yellow needle over the green one, ready to purl the first stitch of the pink needle.
AVOID CHANNELS (LADDERING)
In addition to the tips above, always give the first stitch of each needle a bit of an extra tug to close the gap between needles. Here you can see the “channel,” also known as “laddering,” that can form if you don’t knit that first stitch snugly.
If you have a real problem with laddering, you can also slip a stitch or two from needle to needle every so often as you work so that you’re not always changing needles at the same point. Note that, if you go this route, you’ll probably need an end-of-round marker.
DECREASING
If you need to make a decrease, like a knit 2 together, at the end of a needle and you only have one stitch remaining on the needle…
… then slip that 1 stitch to the next needle and do the decrease there. Here, we slipped the remaining stitch from the pink needle to the blue one and are using the (now empty) pink needle to knit the first 2 stitches on the blue needle together.
TRY OUT YOUR NEW SKILL!
Our free Little Garter Booties pattern offers the perfect little taste of starting a project on double pointed needles. And once you knit one bootie, you get to practice again with another… And since you’ll be using our Nigh Fine 100% cashmere yarn, you’ll love every stitch!
Our Basic Hats For Everyone in Plenty pattern is a great place to try changing from circular needles to DPNs. It’s also the ultimate desert island pattern, with tons of options and customizations to make everyone happy and knit up in our super beautiful, worsted-weight, 100% extra fine merino yarn, Plenty!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Thank you for explaining this in the most simplistic of terms. You have opened up an whole new world for me.
Great tutorial, thank you. Can you tell us what the best way to knit a gauge swatch is….using a traditional stockinette stitch (knit one row and purl the next) can’t give same gauge as with continuous knit stitches in the round.
Thanks.
This is probably the best tutorial i have seen for using DPNS. I have always hated knitting with the dreaded DPNS but i think i may have another try now!
Thank you 🙂
This was so very helpful, thank you for the excellent photos and description along the way! I now may be inspired to try socks 😉
Thank you so much for putting these instructions up. I found them easier to understand than watching a video tutorial!
I’m so excited to try and make a hat as a Christmas gift… I’m not sure I can wait for the painted tips of the needles to dry LOL! That is a clever idea though… I’m going to try and be patient.
Thank you for very clear instructions on knitting on double pointed needles. I will have to try this now as I have been putting it off for too long. Christine Australia
Thanks for a great tutorial — I might just try making the toadstool rattle. My sister’s baby is due in August … hopefully I will muster up enough time and patience!!!
Thanks again… truj
I found your website looking for a tutorial on double-point needles. LOVE LOVE LOVE the tutorial and the website. So beautiful. I’m glad I found it. Only sad I’m too far from the store to go in.
Thank you thank you thank you!!
What a nice post. It is really clear with sharp pictures. Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for this tutorial – It has been very helpful!
This is the best tutorial on dpns I have found. Thank you for taking the time to create such clear instructions and helpful photos! I love that you painted the needle tips; that helped me so much. I tried unsuccessfully to knit with dpns for the first time yesterday (using a different tutorial), and from looking at your photos and instructions, I can already see what I was doing wrong. I am excited to give it another try!
this was wonderful! it’s opened so many new projects for me. I couldn’t be happier with this tutorial, and how easy it was. your photos and language made everything crystal clear, and I can’t wait to start my first dpn project. thank you so so much!
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I did not think it was possible to receive a better lesson from photos than I have from other videos online! GREAT idea to color code the needles. VERY HUGE help!
Thank you for this, I have been looking all over for pics I can easily follow for working on DPns and yours is fab I especially love the colour coded needles.!!
Cant wait to have a go with this, might take me a few tries but at least with your pictures I should be able to work out whats what!
Thank you !! x x
I had just given up on ever being able to use double-pointed needles when I found your wonderful tutorial. Even my knitting teacher hadn't been able to help me figure this out. Now I am well on my way to my first pair of fingerless gloves! This is the BEST tutorial on the Internet and better than anything in ANY book I have found. Clear language, great photos, and colored needles! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The best tutorial ever. I am now recommending it to others! Thanks so much.
I have viewed many tutorials trying to figure out how to join. This was THE BEST. The only one I truly understood. THANK YOU so much!!
Thank you so very much for the tutorial. I have just tried an internet video of such but the darkness of it, and pace, discouraged me to take it in. Your helpful hints are enlightening besides inspiring. I cannot say enough. The more I knit I learn and this is another example; for a senior (75) I am proud to confess of another achievement thru you! May the warmth of your generousity continue
hELLO and thanks once more for the double pointed needle tutorial. However, I am still densed on how to work the steps; I did review Purl Bee and I found the missed step elsewhere. Undaunted, I researched further and discovered the missing step was SLIDING THE WORKED STITCHES DOWN THE NEEDLE. I will practice double pointed needle at a knitting group meet Tuesday. I always wondered why, once given directions, the same question is asked of others.
Ok maybe I am missing something but I just can't get the first stitch tight enough, I am trying to knit christmas ball ornaments from a book beaded ornaments to knit.. and you have to cast on so many and then increase and then after like six rows you put on the dpns and then you start your rows. when I do this it has a gap at the beginning and then I get the needles twisted.. I want to be able to do this can someone please please please help me…
Thanks
This is amazing, I was struggling with joining in the round and your step by step instructions helped me so much. Thank you so much!!! You are amazing!
Hi Kim,
It's totally normal for there to be a “gap” at the beginning of the first round. Believe it or not, as you continue to work the gap does minimize, although usually you're able to really tighten it when you weave in the cast on tail. It sounds like you're starting to work in the round part way through the project and so don't have this luxury. So, you may try knitiing the first stitch of the first round through the back loop to help close the gap a little bit more.
As far as getting your needles twisted, I'm not sure I have a magic solution except practice. It may help to focus on just the two needle you're actually knitting with instead of trying to keep all five organized at once!
Please let us know if we can give you any more tips and good luck!
Whitney
Hi and thank you, your article apears to be simple and clear.
I cannot wait to put it into practice this avo.
I understand and love the idea of coloured needles, i can see myself doing the same as a beginner in Double pointed needles.
I basically need this for Hats and Berets to have a seamless professional look as oposed to sew in seam.
Shirley
I got it after practice like Whitney said and time and patience.. I got it !!! The colored points on the needles works great… and a little tip.. if you don't have the bamboo needles you can use finger nail polish on the tips of the others and it works out great…
Thanks for all of the help, and encouragement..
This is a wonderful tutorial, clear and practical. I knew the basics, having learned from a book, but the tips on how to avoid gaps while moving from needle to needle were a big help. Coloring the needles was a good idea.
Hello-
Thank you for this fantastic tutorial.
I think I get it, but I still don't understand one of the first steps–
Once you've distributed your stitches by slipping them onto the other two needles, how do you flip your work so that the tail is on the right hand, while keeping the 'right' side facing you?
After that I'm golden… I think.
Thanks again!
Hi Jennie,
When you situate your needles to join into the round, it may help you to not think about the right side facing you. I never do! What should really be concerning you is that the needle with the last stitch you cast on (with the working yarn) is in your right hand and the needle with first stitch you cast on is in your left hand. The rest just works itself out!
Good luck – please let me know if I can clarify further!
Whitney
Super helpful! thanks so much!
Thankyou so much for this tutorial! I've seen loads of patterns recently which require knitting in the round, but I've never been brave enough to do it 😉 I knitted along with the pictures and it seems to have worked! Yours is the clearest out of many I've seen, thankyou for the obvious effort you put into this, without it I wouldn't have attempted it 🙂
Thankyou! Fern xxx
What a PERFECT tutorial! The pictures are excellent, and every step is so clearly explained. I have sat in front of this as a new knitter and learned to knit on 4 needles!! I feel like celebrating, it's a fantastic feeling! THANKYOU!
Thank you so much! You have made this so much easier for me 🙂 I've been scared of dpns until now. I'm currently working on my first knitted hat and this has helped immensely. I love your idea of the painted tips too.
Yes, I have had a dread of the dpns. Now visually seeing the color needles at work, I will order my set and practice your lesson. Thank you ..Joyce
Hi Purl Bee,
My first project turned out with the knits (chevons) on the outside of the tube. When I tried making the same project again, the knits were on the inside of the tube. I've started and re-started many times to no avail. Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong?
Hi Diana,
It sounds like you're knitting inside out which is pretty common for double pointed needle beginners. This happens when you join for working in the round. Make sure that the first stitch you knit is the first stitch of your cast on (instead of the last stitch, which is what I think you're doing).
If you realize you're knitting inside out and don't want to start over, try just turning the work right side out and see if you can continue on your way. Usually you can!
Please let us know if you need more help and good luck!
Whitney
I'm so sorry but I just don't understand: you hold the yarn in the right hand but I always hold the yarn in me left hand, so what should I do? Hold the yarn as I always do and knit counter clockwise? Or it's important to flip knitting?
Thank you sooo much! I now have scarves coming out of my ears from not having a clue how to use DPNs. I can now have a go at making a little dog for my brother! Thank you!
Hi Julia,
Holding the yarn in the left hand makes surprisingly little difference! Continental knitters (which is what you're called) should follow the directions just as they're written. When you join to work in the round you still want the yarn to be coming from the right needle (so, yes, flip) and you still want to knit clockwise.
I hope you get the hang of it. Please let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for these!
Whitney
Wish I had seen your tutorial for using double pointed needles years ago–it is wonderful. I juggled those sticks for the longest time before finally getting the idea. Painting the tips of the needles is ingenious! Your website is beautiful, and if I ever come to NYC (doubtful), want to visit your store more than any other place.
My mom bought me double pointed needles a few years ago and every so often I stumble upon them when I get to the bottom of my yarn basket. They have always intimidated me and I am always jealous of others when I see them knitting with them, but after reading your tutorial I think I can finally conquer them! I have a long Montana winter coming up, and I think mastering these needles will make the time go much faster! Thank you!
Hi, thanks for the brilliant tutorial, I learnt how to use DPNs from this months ago and have never looked back! I was just rereading it as no matter how tight I pull the first stitch of each needle, I always end up with a slight ladder effect in the joins, have you anymore tips on how to avoid this? or is a slight ladder inevitable?
Thanks again, Lisa x
HI Lisa,
I'm so glad you're on the road with double pointed needles! A slight ladder is not inevitable, but it eliminating it may be a matter of lots of practice. Besides making sure that the working needle is situated above or below the right hand needle (depending on whether you're knitting or purling) and giving a little extra tug on the first stitch, another tip I've heard is knitting the first stitch of each needle through the back loop. This does take up tension, but it also adds a twist to that stitch which is almost as visible as the ladder! Also wool yarn will cause fewer ladder problems than more slippery yarns like cotton or cashmere. Likewise, with bamboo needles you'll be able to control slippage a little more easily than with metal needles. And, again, practice!
Thanks for your question. Good luck!
Whitney
~~i don't have a problem with dp needles…..EXCEPT….when there are only, say, 6 sts to go on 3 needles…that is 2 on each needle…..i'm an experienced knitter & i've tried & tried but i fail miserably every time…i fell like i'm just starting to knit!….any tips please?
Hi Doreen-
Can you be more specific about what your problem is? Do the stitches fall off? Do you knit them out of order?
Thanks-
Molly
Your dp tutorial is fantastic and I've used your technique for a few years – clear, easy and it works. My problem now is a project on dps where you cast on with only 5 stitches and then on the third round, start increasing. I'm finding it really tough to maneuver 5 stitches on 3 needles. I'd appreicate any suggestions to make this easier. Thanks so much.
~~i thought i had answered this question somewhere…oh well….the sts. fall off and/or get twisted…it's just really awkward/impossible to do!
Thanks so much for these directions. What kind of paint did you use on your needles? It looks really helpful. Thanks!!
Hi Ginny-
It's just acrylic paint. Thank you for writing in.
Molly
Thank you!
Hi Doreen,
Yes, manipulating so few stitches on double pointed needles can be quite awkward! You might prefer to cast your stitches onto one needle and to knit the first few rounds back and forth in rows. After a few rows, it'll be much easier to join into the round and to continue on your way. You can use your cast on tail to sew up the tiny seam.
I hope this helps, because there really is no magic trick for working a small number of stitches on dpn's, except a lot of patience and a few deep breaths!
Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
I'm just experimenting with DPNs. Your tutorial is very clear and easy to follow. I am knitting a hat on circular needles and the decreases are making it necessary to switch to DPNs. When I transfer my stitches I assume I will already be "in the round." How will that affect my beginning? Thank you.
Beautiful post! I love the painted needles, and might actually do it just for fun. More importantly, I've been struggling with purl stitches in dpns, and one quick glance here told me all I needed to know. Thanks for such a beautiful and informative blog post!
Hi purl bee,
I'm try to knit the big cuddly bunny project and the instructions say cast 8 stitches on dbp needles
Would that then be three on two needles and two on the third??
Thanks
Orit
Hi Orit-
Yes that would work fine!
Thanks for your question!
Molly
I understand the double-pointed skill. It's good to know all kinds of ways and methods to knit. I prefer to use two circular whenever double pointed are called for. You knit each needle separately and can actually knit in very small tube. Your post was very informative and nicely presented.
Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I was ready to totally give up on DPNs after two book tutorials and several very confusing YouTube videos. The clear pictures and the colour-coded needles made all the difference, plus your tips and tricks helped me get rid of the weird loop-y things I was getting at the start of every needle. Thank you again!!!
Last year I used DPNs for the first time to knit legwarmers for my now 1 year old baby daughter – and this was using this really clear and fantastic tutorial. The tips been really useful – i never got ladders even on my first time ever! Ive now returned to consult it to knit some gloves for myself 🙂 Ill definitely be keeping this page as a favourite…. it was all a mystery to me before and now im not scared to start DPN projects 😀 thank you !!
Thank you thank you thank you! The DPN's are no longer the DDPN's-the dreaded double pointed needles! Purl bee is awesome!
I am a beginner and very confused how the tail and knitting yarn are on the same needle (white needle). Can you please explain this to me? If I can figure this out, I understand the rest.
Makes absolutely no sense to me either. Just starting out with double pointed and wish I hadn’t. So much easier just to knit and sew clothing parts together.
Hi Amy,
If you use a Long Tail Cast On (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-cast-ons/2006/9/29/long-tail-cast-on.html), your tail and working yarn end up in the same place.
Maybe you used a different kind of cast on, like a Backward Loop or a Cable Cast On, that leaves the tail at the beginning of the cast on. This doesn't actually matter or change the instructions, it just means you have to adjust for this difference in your head when you're looking at our photos!
Thanks for the great question and please let us know if you have any more. And good luck!
Whitney
This is completely untrue. I have found that unless you very specifically use the long tail cast on this very strange method of joining the round for dpns DOES NOT WORK, unless you like using the long tail cast on and restarting a project 2 or 3 times I recommend using another tutorial. I’ve tried this tutorial 8 or 10 times and always end up having to find another tutorial. Trying again now just for fun hahah.
Hi, Tori!
Thank you so much for writing in, we truly appreciate hearing about other folks’ knitting experiences with our tutorials. We are sure that others will find your insight helpful. We do use the long-tail cast on here in this tutorial and unless specified in our patterns we always use the long-tail cast on.
Best,
Kumeko
Hi! Could you tell me about your painted needles? I have a whole pile of dpns, and have been wanting to color code them somehow. what kind of paint did you use? I never paint, and I'm afraid I'd get the wrong thing and ruin my needles and yarn. :-/ do you have/know of a tutorial I could follow, or tell me what all you did?
This is the BEST instructions ever…..Thank You DEB
Hi Rebecca,
I used acrylic paint, but I didn't actually ever knit with these needles. In fact, i kind of remember the paint was already starting to chip off a little bit.
I imagine that some kind of ink or stain would be best because it wouldn't chip and it wouldn't interfere with the smoothness of the needles' tips, but I would worry about the color coming off on my yarn. Hmmm… I wonder if acrylic paint mixed with a thinning medium might be best. That way it wouldn't be too thick or chippy, and It's not likely to rub off either. But, mind you, this is said in an experimental spirit!
Thanks so much for asking and let us know how it goes!
Whitney
I am new to PDN’s this was so helpful. I’ve seen some that are so complicated and confusing I almost gave up. Thank you.
Thank you! I have put off learning how to usr double pointed needles for a really long time. This made it easy for
me. I am thrilled. I can’t wait to make some hats and socks.
Thanks so much for this! I have only been knitting for about a year and have dreaded the sleeves of my first sweater because of the DPNs. I’m still working on it, but your tutorial taught me everything I needed to know!
I always wondered why do some companies sell do needles in sets of 4 and others sets of 5? Why the difference? To force you to buy another set? Just wondering. Most patterns I have tried you divide between 4 needles and need a 5th ‘working’needle.
Hi Victoria-
It’s just one of those weird things! Most of the double pointed needles we sell come in a pack of 5 so that you can divide the stitches onto 4 needles as you mention. But you can certainly knit in the round with four total needles and it can be less confusing since DPNs can get a little unwieldy. Whitney goes into more detail about this in the story above, in the third paragraph of the “overview”.
Please let me know if you have any more questions and thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
I am new to dpns , but not to marking just about everything:) I think an easy way to mark your needles may be to color the ends with colorful Sharpie pens, or some other permanent marker. They tend to penetrate better and hopefully won’t rub off. Just an idea…
Hi Lisa!
This is a pretty cool idea! Just keep in mind if you do this, your needles are constantly switching places with each other as you knit around on DPNs.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I have to say this is an amazing tutorial! I am a fairly new knitter and this was really clear and easy to understand. I continue to refer back to it as I use dpns more and more. Great work!
My grandmother taught me how to knit and said I was a natural because the tension of my very first swatch for my very first project came out perfect. She has always had a difficult time with DPN’s and I admit that fact ALONE gave me pause. Then she refused to teach me because of her own difficulty and bought me several cable needles. I have looked at other tutorials because I want to learn but have still always been apprehensive. This seems so simple that I may just start a new project, before finishing my current one, just to try it. Also if it is easier than I still think it will be I shall inform my Grams as well. Thank you. BTW I’m 26. It doesn’t make a difference but I like to point it out.
HI
I am just starting knitting socks and have bought sock double ended needles which are quite short. Do you have any tips to stop the stitches falling off the ends? can you get any little stoppers?
thanks
Hi Alice-
Yes you can buy something called “point protectors” that will stop the stitches from falling off when you put your project down. However, they won’t help as you are knitting. Unfortunately I think your best bet might be to get some longer needles. I would suggest bamboo needles in an 8-inch length, the bamboo grips the yarn nicely and keeps it from slipping: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/156-Crystal-Palace-Double-Pointed-Bamboo-Knitting-Needles
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for getting in touch!
Thanks-
Molly
I love my bamboo needles. Best money I have spent in my knitting career.
Do you have these instructions on one of yr Pintrest boards??? Just learning & was FINALLY able to start working a practice sock after seeing this-thank you.
Hi Meg-
No, I don’t think this is on one of our Pinterest boards. But you can certainly pin it if you like!
Thanks for getting in touch. I’m so glad to hear this helped you!
Molly
Many thanks for this very enlightening lesson. It’s the best I’ve read as its so easy to follow. Most give you too many options, which can be overwhelming and you end up no wiser. I know now exactly what to do. Thank you once again.
I’m picking up stitches from a sweater sleeve, so I don’t have working yarn from these stitches and have to start with a new strand of yarn. This is my first time with dble pointed needles, I might be in over my head! Help
Hi Joyce,
I find that double pointed needles are much more intimidating than they are difficult. You will just join your new yarn as you pick up stitches and weave in the end once when you do all the finishing. Once you master this skill you can do anything in the world of knitting!
Goodluck!
Jake
Hi, I am new to knitting with dpn’s and am wondering how your first needle with the stitches cast on has the tail and yarn at the same end. Mine are at opposite ends.
Hi Lana-
It sounds like you are doing a different cast on than we are! We are using a long tail cast on. Here’s a photo tutorial: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/long-tail-cast-on/
There are many ways to cast on! If you are doing a knit-on cast on or a cable cast on the tail and working yarn will end up at different ends. These methods are both fine! However, we do not recommend doing a backwards loop cast on since it will be hard to transfer the stitches onto the double pointed needles. (Here is a link to a backwards loop cast on just so you can determine if this is what you’re doing- again we do not recommend this method! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mp6i3_pvPU&t=91 )
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Doesn’t painting the ends make the knitting stick? What kind of paint did you use? I love this idea, but it seems that it wouldn’t be smooth after painting the wood. Maybe different colored sharpies?
Hi Sheila-
We don’t necessarily recommend that you paint or otherwise color the needles yourself. We just did it in the tutorial as a way to make everything super clear. But yes, different colored pens do seem like a good idea!
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Do I cast on all 80 stitches on one dp? You say to cast on all the stitches and then divide them evenly. The dp is very short and the stitches keep dropping off as I add more.
Hi Bea,
Thank you for the comment! Some double pointed needles are fairly short and 80 stitches would be a struggle to fit on one needle. You can use a different needle that is either a straight or circular needle in the same gauge to fit it more comfortably on the needle.
I hope this helps and feel free to respond if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Thank you so much for these clear and beautifully photographed instructions. I bookmarked this back in 2008 and still refer to it because I always forget how to get that first stitch situated just right! I love Purl Bee and Purl Soho.
knitting with 3 dpns today and pattern calls for [K1, kfb] to marker. I have 12 stitches divided equally by 3 (4 stitches per needle). how do I K1, kfb to marker and end up with 18 stitches total? I understand the math but just can figure out how to get there! (that’s an increase of 2 stitches extra per needle.) pattern continues…
knit 1 round.
[K2, kfb] to marker (24sts)
pattern continues in the round, increasing stitches on every other row.
any help you can give me to understand this pattern and how to increase using 3 dpns would be so much appreciated. thank you
Hi Patt-
Perhaps our kfb video will help? Here is a link? https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/knit-front-and-back-kfb/
I hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I was looking for how to knit with DPN and joining in the round and this tutorial was so helpful. I was afraid of using DPN but now I have the confidence and was able to knit a hat. I actually like using the DPN more than the using the magic loop with circular needles. Now I’m knitting my first pair of socks. Thank you for such articles.
You’re so welcome! We’re glad it helped!
Hi, I am making a scarf on two straight needles. When I get to a certain point I need to increase , separate stitches to circular needles and stitch holder and then put on circular needles and do magic loop. I have made this pattern before but cannot get it to come out right this time. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thank you.
Hello Ella!
Which pattern are you working on? If I could take a look at it, I would be able to help you more carefully! It definitely sounds like you have to do some complicated construction. Best of luck and feel free to write again with the details of your pattern! -Alyson
your tutorial was super helpful! yet i still find that when I’m using the dpn’s that I’m basically knitting inside out, so that the wrong side is on the outside and the right side is on the inside. i cannot for the life of me figure out what I’m doing wrong. any idea what I’m doing wrong? thank you!
Hello, Michelle!
Thank you for writing in! The same thing happened to me when I first started out in DPNs! This happens when your working stitches are away from you. For example, if you are working on three DPN’s your DPN’s form a triangle if the point of this triangle is closest to you and you are working from the back of the triangle, your knitting will be inside out (I hope that makes sense!). To fix this just flip your work so that the right side is facing out then hold the two needles that you are working with close to you. A great way to make sure that you’re on the right track is to make sure that the first stitch that you are knitting is always to the left of the working yarn.
Again, thank you for writing in and please let us know if you have further questions!
Best,
Kumeko
I have yet to find a video tutorial for using dpns when you are casting on a tiny amount of stitches. I have a pattern that calls for 4 cast-on and distribute them onto 3 needles. It is driving me bananas! I can’t picture it and I can’t figure how to do it. I’ve used dpns when using lots of cast-ons, but I am helpless with this tiny amount. Can someone direct me to something? Thanks so much!
Hello, Donna!
Thank you for writing in! I recommend casting on the 4 stitches, then place 1 stitch on two of the needles and 2 on the third. Please keep us updated on your progress!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I don’t understand how you take the 4th (in this case green) needle to start knitting in the round. I have knit in the round before, but never with dpn, and I don’t understand that step.
Hi Campbell,
Thanks for your question. When knitting with double points you evenly distribute your stitches over three or four needles. Holding your needle with the working yarn in your right hand, bring the needle with the first cast on stitch close to it. You should have a triangle shape if you are using three needles. Now brace your right hand and left hand needles with one hand and insert your “free” needle into the first cast on stitch. Wrap your working yarn coming from your right hand needle around the “free” needle that has been inserted into the first stitch and knit it as normal. You have now joined in the round on DPNs!
Best,
Adam
Not sure what happened but a few days ago I followed your tutorial for joining the round no problem to make one glove and today I went to start the second glove and no matter how many times I try or how closely I follow your directions, no join. I get gap between the start and end of round. Too frustrated for words so I’m going to follow another tutorial that uses an entirely different method.
Hello, Tori!
Thank you for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you had trouble starting your second glove! I hope that you were able to get it started. Is there anything specific in the tutorial that was confusing? Please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Does anyone know of a sock tutorial that isn’t confusing? I haven’t managed to find one that makes any sense.
Hi Alyse,
Thanks for writing us. The double pointed needles tutorial is not a sock tutorial, but our Boot Sock pattern is very easy to follow and is in worsted weight wool, making it easier to see progress in your knitting. I hope this basic sock pattern can help you make a nice pair of socks!
Best,
Adam
your instructions were very clear. For me it’s hard to remember where I’m going and where I’ve been. I think I might try painting the tips of my needles. Thank you for the clear instructions. I’m going to print them, so that I will always have them at hand.
Is there a video?
Hi Lynda,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to make a video on this at the time but we will keep your request in mind for future projects! In the meantime, there are some great YouTube tutorials that can help you out!
Best,
Adam
Thank you a billion times for answering a question I’ve
asked the internet for days now…which is, what to do when
you have one stitch left on dpn and need to do a decrease
(k2tog) which happens almost every time I have been
knitting baby hats! Finally I found you and will keep
you bookmarked forever! 🙂
I am using DPN to knit socks, and I have actually completed one. I had no trouble with the pattern; however, the part of the sock that is solid knitting has ridges rather than being flat. I notice that my cast-on stitches seem to face the correct direction for knitting, but once I get around to the second row, the stitches are on the needle in a way that typically requires a pearl stitch. By knitting into the back of stitch that appears to be on the needle the wrong way, I get the ridge that I’m referring to. I hope that I haven’t totally confused you, but I am so perplexed by this!
Hi Cathy,
It seems like you might have accidentally turned your knitting inside out. The only way to fix this is to rip back to where you see the mistake and start from there again. Let me know if I’ve helped and if not, please let me know more details so I can help you solve this!
Best,
Adam
I am knitting the traveling cable hand warmers and realized that my work was inside out, but am going to flip it inside out and work on the outside and in a clockwise direction. It is a little confusing looking at the photo above under “The First Stitch of each Needle” as it looks like the knitting in being knitted to the inside. I’m probably looking at it wrong, but I was just curious if others thought the same thing.
Hi Jodi,
Thanks for writing in and sorry for the confusion! If you started knitted the piece inside out, unfortunately you’ll have to rip back and restart if you plan on flipping the work right side out. We try to make our photos clear and appreciate your pointing this out! Best of luck on the project and please let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Hi, I made a snow day hat using this tutorial as well as the SsK one — it all worked except my hat had purl like stiches when I decreased at the top. If I turn the hat inside out it has knits going all the way up, and looks like the example you show, so I can just use it that way, but I just wonder for future double pointed work (or maybe it was my SSk?) what did I do wrong? Thanks!
Hi Naomi,
Thank you for writing in! Glad the hat went smoothly. You definitely started knitting inside out when doing the decreases. This means that when you started using the double points for the decrease you started knitting in the wrong direction, meaning that when your hat was turning clockwise as you knit instead of counter clockwise. This part is easy to undo if you wanted to redo the top of the hat. If not, think of it as a design detail!
Best,
Adam
Someone suggested a way to use 2 circulars instead of the dpns. How does this work?
Also wanted suggest to others not to settle for just any length of needle when buying dpns. I’ve found the length, keyed to the project (such as knitting an infant hat) makes the difference between utter frustration and project pleasure. For me, using 5″ #7 for the infant hat was the perfect “handle able” size.
Hi Astrid,
Thanks for the question. We don’t currently have a tutorial on this but you can find some helpful videos on YouTube that show this technique. It’s a technique that is related to the “magic loop” technique. Everyone has their preference for knitting in the round and this one is worth a try.
-Adam
What about the arrangement of the 4 dpns while knitting? Any good ideas there?
Hi Astrid,
I like to arrange the needles with equal amounts of stitches or in a way that makes sense for what I’m doing in the pattern. There aren’t many tricks to this!
-Adam
Thank you for this! I’m fairly new at knitting, having only knitted a few scarves and hats, so far. Every time I saw that a knitting pattern had anything with double ended needles I dismissed it thinking it would be too difficult. I feel much better after seeing your very well put instructions. Looking forward to trying it. Thanks Again!
I meant double pointed!
This is such a great tutorial, thank you! I am about to start knitting my first hat 🙂
Thank you for your explanation on using the dpn’s needles, this be the first time I’ll use them , I’am making a baby sweater and know it’s time for the sleeves wish me luckBlessings
What do you mean about awaiting moderation .I made a mistake with the word know instead of now.
Hi Dulce,
Thanks for writing in! No worries! All of our comments are moderated. That is to say that we review them and answer them. When they have yet to be answered, they are awaiting moderation.
I hope that this clears things up and best of luck on your sleeves!
Cassy
If I could make a comment. I have been knitting with DPNs for decades. I have found it is easier to work with knit and purl stitches by beginning each needle with a knit stitch and ending each row with with a purl stitch. Even if you have to rearrange stitches. This is especially helpful in ribbing. Requires less thinking since each needle begins and ends the same. You might need to rearrange after the ribbing, if the pattern so dictates.
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for writing in! I am sure that others will appreciate your tip!
Best,
Cassy
How do you increase when doing sleeves and decrease for a set in sleeve
Hello Gloria,
thank you for reaching out! This will depend on your pattern. Are you working from a pattern? If so does it give you any suggestions of a decrease to use?
I hope I can help!
Marilla
Hi there- I’m a novice knitter & have gotten dpn’s down pretty good as long as it’s in stockinette stitch or rib type stitches. I’m tackling a pattern that has a lot of wrap & turns/purls in the same row & am having a hard time keeping track of the turns as well as when a wrap & turn happens on the last stitch of the needle, I’m not sure how to knit it to the next stitch. Any tips would be so appreciated! Thanks
Hello Kendra,
Thank you for reaching out! Short Rows can be a bit tricky on dpns. If possible, I would suggest you switch to circular needles which will eliminate the issue of coming to end of your needles for your wrap and turn. I would also suggest making your wrap and turns if you are having trouble seeing where they are. I think you will also find our short row tutorial helpful, just so you can see a visual explanation of the stitch.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there, thanks for this tutorial! Can’t you point me towards a tutorial that would show how to join for knitting in the round with DPNs when using a provisional cast one (1step method)? Thanks!
Hi Mallory,
Thanks for reaching out! While we don’t have a tutorial for this exact technique, all you need to do is, after working your provisional cast on using waste yarn, knit one row with your main yarn without joining in the round. You will then be able to join your work in the round as usual when you start your second round of your main yarn.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I was beyond myself with frustration trying to knit in the round with DPNs. The painted needle tips were genius! You saved my sanity and my project.
Thank you!
My pattern requires me to knit a sleeve on DPNs – I start off with 63 stitches and will increase both ends of every fourth row until I have 107 stitches. I’m wondering how easy it is to move my stitches around so that all my increases aren’t on one DPN and I end up with far more stitches on one DPN than on the others.
Hello Jo,
Thank you for reaching out! This is very simple, you can move your stitches around as much as you would like. The only thing I would consider is if your pattern is telling you to have a specific number of stitches on each needle. If your pattern does mot specify you can arrange your stitches however you like!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi there. I was wondering what sort of paint you used for the tips of your bamboo needles. Bamboo is hard to paint as it is naturally waxy in a way. Has your paint chipped off in used. Did you prep the bamboo in anyway before painting?
Hi Lily,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to say that we are not sure what paint we used as this tutorial was created quite a while ago (2008!). We did paint them for the purposes of the tutorial and not for long term use so we can’t really speak to what holds up. I have used clear nail polish in the past to correct small spurs on wooden needles and it has held up well so I wager that if you were to used nail polish in different colors, that this might be a bit more long lasting than other options.
I do hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Jo! I’m knitting a pig ( pinkie pig from cascade yarn pattern) and am confused about this one section. I’m sure it’s much easier than my brain is making it out to be! The pattern goes as follows: put 6 sts on scrap yarn. Put next 20 sts on dpn 5, next 9 on dpn 3, next 8 on dpn 1, next 9 on dpn 2, next 20 on dpn 4, and remaining 6 on scrap yarn. I know this is supposed to form the head, but I can’t seem to wrap my brain around it. I’ve got the first 2 steps down, but it’s the jumping from dpn 5 to dpn 3 that is tripping me up. Thanks for any help!
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry to say that we are not familiar with that pattern and do not have access to it and so cannot speak to what they might mean. It sounds as though they have named the DPNs by number earlier in the pattern. It might be worth trying to contact the designer on Ravelry for clarification on the pattern.
I am sorry that we could not be of more help!
Cassy
Good Morning. Looking for some help in starting one of your hat patterns that begins with DP needles at the top of the hat with 6 stitches, Any advice? I am tangling the 6 stitches constantly.
Hello Heather,
Thank you for reaching out! Casting on and knitting the first round of dpns is always the most challenging part. Just go slow and keep the two needles in your hands as stable as possible. After you get past the first two rows it will become infinitely easier- I promise!
I hope this helps and good luck!
-Marilla
I’m working a project I found here on Purl Soho – the top-down ear flap hat. I’ve just recently started using dpns…and am fairly comfortable with them. BUT, I’m just on the third row and am unable to see how to make the LLI. It’s fine with two needles, but I can’t figure out how to find that left leg to lift 2 rows below. I’ve searched for a tutorial doing the lift on dpns…not having any luck. Part of my problem is that I have a very dark yarn AND the stitches are so tiny!! AGH. Any suggestions?
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for writing in! Working a lifted increase on double pointed needles shouldn’t be any different from working it on circular or straight needles, but it is certainly much more difficult in a dark colored yarn or at the beginning of the hat when there are very few stitches on the needles! If you need to, you can substitute a M1L for the first round or two of increases and switch to LLI once you are a bit further into the hat.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Having struggled with laddering when using double pointed needles I found your tip on placing the working needle UNDER the needle to knit next and it has completely cured the problem. I am so thrilled that such a simple adjustment can make such a difference, I just cannot thank you enough.
Hi, it’s there any tutorial that shows you how to switch FROM Dpn to circular needles? I can find lots on switching the other way round but not this way.
Hi Nickie,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m not aware of any tutorials or videos for switching from double pointed needles to circular needles, but I’m happy to walk you through it! If you are working a pattern that has you start with a few stitches on DPNs and increase, like our Top-Down Ear Flap Hat, you will want to wait until you have enough stitches to stretch around the circular needle, or until your DPNs are quite full. When you’re ready, at the beginning of the round, you will hold the circular needle in your right hand and use it to knit across the first DPN. When you get to the end of the DPN, just set it aside and rotate slightly so the next DPN is in your left hand, still holding the circular needle in your right hand, and knit across the next set of stitches. Continue on in this manner until you get to the end of the round, at which point all your stitches should be on the circular needle, and you can place your marker for the beginning of the round and carry on!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I am knitting your easy sock pattern, top down version, and I am having a little difficulty with the heel. Do you have a video tutorial on how to knit the heal??
Thank you!
Hi Myrna,
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t have a tutorial for sock heels, but I’m happy to help answer any questions you may have! Is there a particular part of the heel instructions that is tripping you up?
Best,
Julianna
I am knitting a little sweater for a ‘softie’ toy. It’s done in the round and so far all is going well. The cast on instruction has a term I’m not familiar with – fog. Here is an excerpt from the pattern – Cast on 72 stitches with double-pointed needles size 3 mm = US 2.5 and fog. What does fog mean?
Thanks so much,
Beth
Hi Beth,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, I don’t know of any knitting abbreviations or terms with those letters – this is a new one to me! I also did a quick search and couldn’t find anything that would explain this, so it is probably either a typo or something specific to this pattern. If there isn’t a definition in the notes of the pattern, I would recommend reaching out to the designer to see if they can help clear things up. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
Best,
Julianna
Hi! So, when knitting on the DPNs, my work is coming towards me. The right side is out, but the tube (mitten cuff) is basically between me and my needles. Is it supposed to? Or is it supposed to go away from me (so needles should be closest to me when I am holding them)? If it is meant to be growing farther away from me, any ideas why it isn’t and how to fix it?
Thank you!
Hi A.J.
Thanks for reaching out! When working on DPNs you should have it oriented so that the needles are facing you, the right side of the fabric is on the outside and then fabric is growing downwards away from you. I think it may just be a matter of getting the correct orientation to begin with (following the images in this tutorial!)
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m using double pointed needles to make mittens and I realized that the right side of my work is on the inside and it’s not facing me. How do I change that?
Hi Morgan,
Thanks for reaching out! You should be able to simply flip your work inside-out on the needles so that the right side is on the outside and continue working!
Warmly,
Gianna
Honestly this is the clearest, most concise and best photographed set of instructions I have found. Great job and thank you for sharing. 🙏
Hi Judy,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I am so thrilled to hear that you have enjoyed our tutorial and found it so useful!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I am a crocheter and a newbie with knitting. Every time I even thought about trying dpn’s I got discouraged. I must say that your tutorial was wonderful, especially with painting the tips different colors to illustrate how to proceed. Thank you so very much for this wonderful tutorial.
I am working on the crown for the classic ribbed hat. The instructions for the crown do not indicate where to switch to DPNs and this tutorial doesn’t explain that to me. As I start the crown I have 120 stitches. At one point (roughly) in the decreasing should I begin with the DPNs? I’m knitting the round. And do I use two or three or four? Thanks!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for writing in! You will switch to DPNs once you feel like your stitches are struggling to get around your needles. As you decrease, you will notice that the stitches are starting to stretch around the cable, making it harder to knit or purl the next stitch. This is the point you will want to switch. There isn’t an point at which you have to switch, its just what is most comfortable to you. I would recommend knitting on 4 DPNs rather than 3 but again, this is a preference and you will want to do what makes you feel most comfortable while knitting. I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Gavriella,
Thanks so much for all lyour instructions and I must say they have helped me so much. I love Purl Soho and will keep ordering patterns and yarn from them.
Elizabeth. Reilly.
You are very welcome Elizabeth! I am always happy to help!