Knitting with circular needles opens up a whole new world for knitters. At first, it may seem confusing. But don’t worry—it’s easy to learn and incredibly useful.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone ready to move beyond straight needles, this guide is for you. I’ll go step by step so you feel confident and excited.
You’ll learn what circular needles are, how to knit with circular needles, and what projects are best to start with. I’ll also include smart tips to make knitting circular needles fun and easy.
By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to tackle projects like hats, cowls, sweaters, and more. You might even wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
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What Are Circular Needles?
Circular needles are knitting needles that connect at the ends with a flexible cord. They look different from straight needles, but they’re not hard to use. In fact, many knitters find them easier.
Each needle tip is shorter than a traditional straight needle. The flexible cable between the tips holds your stitches. This design is perfect for working on both round and flat projects.
The needles can be made of metal, plastic, bamboo, or wood. The cord is usually made of nylon or another smooth plastic.
Unlike straight needles, circulars hold more stitches. This makes them great for knitting in the round or working flat pieces with many stitches.
Let’s look at the parts of a circular needle:
- Needle tips: These are the rigid ends you hold.
- Cable (cord): This is the flexible part that connects the tips.
- Join: The place where the tip meets the cord.
My favorite kind circular knitting needles are made of bamboo by Clover or ChiaoGoo. Knitting needles by both brands are very well made. The bamboo is smooth and the yarn slides easily on it, and there’s a smooth transition for the cable.
Circular needles come in two main types:
1. Fixed Circular Needles
The cord is permanently attached to the needle tips. These are great if you always knit similar projects and don’t need to swap sizes or cords.
2. Interchangeable Circular Needles
These sets let you change out tips and cords. They’re handy and save space. You can mix and match needle sizes with different cord lengths. Great for knitters who like variety!
Lengths of Circular Needles
Circular needles come in different lengths. The total length includes the tips and the cord. Here are the common ones:
- 9 to 12 inches – Best for tiny tubes like baby hats or sleeves.
- 16 inches – Good for adult hats or narrow cowls.
- 24 to 32 inches – Great for shawls, scarves, and body pieces of sweaters.
- 40 inches or longer – Used for blankets or magic loop knitting (I’ll explain that later).
Always match the needle length to your project’s size. Too short, and your stitches may fall off. Too long, and it may be hard to move your yarn around. You can read more about circular needles and other types of knitting needles here.
Why Use Circular Needles for Knitting?
Circular needles are a smart choice for many knitters. They work for round projects, flat projects, and even large items. Once you try them, you might never go back to straight needles!
Let’s explore the top reasons to use circular needles knitting.
1. Great for Knitting in the Round
The main reason people use circular needles is to knit in the round. This means your work is connected in a loop and you can knit tubes without seams. You just keep going around in circles.
There’s no need to turn your work at the end of each row. Instead, you knit every stitch in a circle. This is great for hats, sleeves, cowls, socks, and sweaters.
Since there are no seams to sew, your project looks cleaner and feels smoother. That’s a big win!
2. Easier on Your Wrists and Hands
Straight needles can get heavy, especially with large projects. The weight pulls down and strains your hands. This gets tiring fast.
With circular needles, the weight of your project sits on the cable. That means your hands don’t hold the full weight. It’s easier on your joints, wrists, and fingers. You’ll be able to knit longer and feel better doing it.
If you deal with hand pain or arthritis, circulars can be a real game-changer.
3. Perfect for Large Projects
Circular needles can hold a lot of stitches. The flexible cable lets you spread them out. This is perfect for wide scarves, shawls, and blankets. You can even knit a whole sweater on one long needle.
You won’t need to worry about stitches falling off the ends. You can even use needle stoppers on the tips if you want extra safety.
I personally love the needle stoppers made of silicone as you don’t need to worry about then slipping out. There are many cute looking stoppers available, such as these Flower and Leaf Needle Point Protectors.
This extra space helps you relax. You’ll focus on the pattern, not your tools.
4. Fewer Seams to Sew
Many knitters don’t enjoy sewing seams. It takes time and can be hard to make them look neat.
When you knit in the round, your project comes out as one piece. That means fewer seams—or no seams at all!
For example, a top-down sweater knit in the round has no side seams. Just weave in your ends, and you’re done.
5. Great for Flat Knitting Too
Yes, circular needles are also great for flat knitting. You don’t have to knit in the round.
To knit flat, just turn your work at the end of each row. Knit one row, purl the next—just like with straight needles. You’ll love the extra space and ease.
So why use circulars if you’re not knitting in the round?
Here’s why:
- They’re lighter in your hands.
- They hold more stitches.
- They’re easier to carry around.
- The flexible cable tucks into small bags.
Many knitters use circulars for everything—round or flat.
6. Travel-Friendly and Compact
Do you take your knitting on the go? Circulars are easier to carry. The cords coil up, so the whole thing fits in a small pouch.
Straight needles can poke out of bags or get bent. Circulars stay safe and compact. They’re great for travel or knitting on the couch.
7. A Smoother Knitting Experience
Once you get used to them, circular needles feel smooth and natural. There’s less fuss. The stitches glide along the cord. You won’t stop as often to shift your work.
This helps you knit faster and enjoy the process more.
In short, circular needles give you more control, more comfort, and more freedom. They’re a smart upgrade for any knitter.
How to Knit With Circular Needles: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you know how to knit with straight needles, switching to circulars is simple. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the whole process. Don’t worry—it’s simple and fun!
Let’s begin with a basic project: knitting in the round. You’ll learn how to cast on, join in the round, and knit your first rows. Let’s go!
Step 1: Choose the Right Circular Needles
Pick the correct needle size for your yarn. Check the yarn label—it usually suggests a needle size. For beginners, worsted weight yarn and size US 8 (5 mm) needles are a great combo.
Next, choose the right cord length. For hats, go with 16-inch circular needles. For a shawl, use 32 to 40 inches. Check your pattern or try a few sizes to see what works best.
If you’re not knitting in the round, longer cords give you more space.
Step 2: Cast On Your Stitches
Cast on just like you would with straight needles. You can use the long-tail cast on or your favorite technique.
When casting on stitched on circular needles, you can also use two needles instead of only one. This way, the stitches will be loose enough and it will be easier to knit the stitches and the edge of your project will not be too tight. You can use a double pointed needle in the same size for this purpose.
Make sure the stitches are not twisted around the needle. Slide them down the cable and double-check—they should all face the same direction.
This part is important. If the stitches twist, your project won’t lay flat.
Step 3: Hold the Circular Needles the Right Way
Holding circular needles feels different from straight ones. But once you get used to it, it’s easy and comfortable.
Here’s how to do it:
Hold each needle tip just like you would with regular knitting needles.
- Your right hand holds the working needle.
- Your left hand holds the stitches on the resting needle.
You’ll only move the tips—not the whole cable.
Step 4: Join in the Round
This is the magic step!
First, move all the stitches close to the left needle tip. Once more time, make sure they’re not twisted. The cast-on edge should face inward, forming a circle.
To begin, insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle purlwise. Then slip this stitch onto your right needle.
Next, insert your left needle into the original last cast-on stitch on your right needle. Then pass this stitch over the slip stitch, off your right needle and onto your left needle.
You’ve now joined in the round! Make sure to check the detailed instructions with images for joining in the round here. You can also find an alternative way for joining in the round with circular needles.
Finally, place a stitch marker onto your right needle. This tells you where each new round starts.
Step 5: Knit the First Few Rounds
Now, its time to start knitting with circular needles.
Let the cable between the needles rest loosely in your lap or on the table. Don’t try to control it too much. Let it follow the curve naturally. This helps prevent hand strain and lets your stitches move freely.
If your pattern says to knit every stitch, you’ll create stockinette stitch. In the round, there’s no need to purl on the back. Each round builds your tube of fabric.
As you knit, gently slide the stitches along the cable toward the needle tip. Push a few at a time, not all at once. This keeps your tension even and avoids stretching the yarn.
Since circular needles are shorter and lighter, your hands can stay relaxed. Keep a soft grip on the needle tips. Don’t squeeze. Use your fingers and wrists to guide the yarn—not your whole arm.
Sit with your elbows close to your body and shoulders relaxed. Circular needles let you knit with small, efficient movements. This helps you knit longer without getting tired.
Once you get the feel for it, you’ll love how circular needles fit in your hands. Holding them the right way makes knitting circular needles easier and more enjoyable.
Step 6: Check Your Work Often
Look at your stitches after each round. Are they even? Is your stitch marker still in place? Are the stitches facing the right way?
Checking early helps you catch mistakes before they grow.
You can also use a row counter to track your rounds. This way, you’ll know exactly when to start shaping or switch patterns. This classy handheld row counter is one of my favorites as it is reliable and easy to use.
Step 7: Bind Off
Once your project is the right size, it’s time to bind off.
Bind off as you would with straight needles across the final round. After binding off the entire round, connect the start and end of the round seamlessly to eliminate any gap at the end of the bind-off round. Make sure to check the detailed instructions with images here.
Finally, weave in your ends.
You’ve just finished a project using circular needles—congrats!
Bonus: How to Knit Flat With Circular Needles
Want to knit back-and-forth with circular needles? It’s easy.
Just turn your work at the end of each row—like with straight needles. Knit one row, purl the next, and repeat.
You’ll enjoy the extra space the cable gives you. And your hands will feel less tired, too.
Now that you know how to knit with circular needles, you’re ready for more! In the next section, you’ll learn what common mistakes are when knitting with circular needles and how to avoid them.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Learning something new often means making a few mistakes. That’s okay! Everyone runs into problems when they start knitting with circular needles.
Here are the most common issues—and how to solve them fast.
1. Twisted Cast-On
The mistake: You cast on your stitches and join in the round, but your first round looks twisted.
Why it happens: The stitches wrapped around the needle during cast-on weren’t aligned. This causes your work to twist like a spiral.
How to fix it: Always check before joining. Lay your stitches flat so they all face the same way. Make sure the bottom edges of your stitches form a neat circle.
If you spot the twist right away, rip out the cast-on and try again. It’s easier to fix now than later. You can read more about twisted stitches in this post.
2. Dropped Stitches at the Join
The mistake: You joined your work in the round, but now you have a loose or dropped stitch.
Why it happens: It’s easy to fumble the first few stitches when joining. This leads to uneven tension or missed loops.
How to fix it: Use a stitch marker to mark the start of the round. Hold the yarn snug as you knit the first few stitches. This keeps the tension even and helps you stay focused.
If you drop a stitch, use a crochet hook to pull it back up.
3. Stiff or Tangled Cable
The mistake: Your circular needles feel stiff. The cord doesn’t bend easily or coils in the way.
Why it happens: Some cables are made from plastic that needs softening.
How to fix it: Dip the cord in warm (not hot) water for a few seconds. Then gently pull it straight. Let it cool in the new shape.
Over time, your cables will soften naturally. But this trick helps speed things up.
4. Losing Track of the Round
The mistake: You don’t know where the round begins or ends. Your stitch count is off.
Why it happens: Without a marker, it’s easy to lose track.
How to fix it: Always place a stitch marker after joining in the round. Move it up after each round if needed. You’ll always know where you are.
Some knitters even use locking markers and clip them to the fabric.
Ring stitch markers are my go-to stitch markers when marking a beginning of a round when I’m knitting in the round. I like using these NBEADS Butterfly Stitch Markers as they are good quality and they slide easily on the needles.
5. Wrong Length of Circular Needle
The mistake: Your needle is too short or too long for the project. The stitches don’t move smoothly.
Why it happens: Different projects need different lengths of cable.
How to fix it: Use the right length for the project size:
- Hats: 16 inches
- Cowls: 24 inches
- Sweaters: 32 to 40 inches
- Flat knitting: 32 inches or longer
If your stitches feel tight or stretched, swap out the needles.
Don’t worry if you make these mistakes. Everyone does! The key is to notice them early and learn what to do.
In the next section, you’ll find out the best projects to try first with circular needles.
Best Beginner Projects for Circular Needles
Now that you know how to knit with circular needles, let’s look at the best beginner projects. These are simple, quick, and fun to make. Each one will help you build skills and confidence.
Circular needles knitting doesn’t need to be hard. Start small and grow from there!
1. Knit Hat in the Round
A basic knit hat is the perfect first project for knitting with circular needles. You’ll practice joining in the round, knitting even rounds, and shaping the crown.
Why it’s great:
- You only knit (no purling).
- You learn to decrease stitches.
- You can finish it in a weekend.
Use 16-inch circular needles and worsted yarn. When the crown gets too tight, switch to double-pointed needles or use the magic loop method.
2. Simple Cowl or Neck Warmer
A cowl is just a short tube of fabric. It’s an easy way to get used to the rhythm of knitting in the round.
Why it’s great:
- You don’t need to shape anything.
- You can use fancy yarns or textured stitches.
- It makes a great gift.
Use 24-inch circular needles and cast on enough stitches to fit over your head.
4. Flat Scarf (on Circular Needles)
Yes, you can knit flat on circular needles! Try a simple garter stitch scarf. Cast on, knit every row, and turn your work after each row.
Why it’s great:
- You practice basic stitches.
- You don’t need long straight needles.
- The cable holds lots of stitches easily.
Use a 32-inch needle or longer for comfort.
5. Wrist Warmers (With Magic Loop)
Want to try something new? Use a 40-inch circular needle and try the magic loop method. You can knit tiny tubes without switching to double points.
Wrist warmers are a smart beginner project once you’ve mastered hats or cowls.
Why it’s great:
- You try shaping and working in small rounds.
- You learn how to knit two items at once (if you want).
- You’ll actually use them!
6. Seamless Sweater (Optional)
If you’re feeling brave, start a top-down sweater in the round. Choose a basic raglan pattern. You’ll use circular needles from start to finish.
Why it’s great:
- No seams to sew.
- You learn to shape with increases and decreases.
- You get a finished garment you can wear!
This is a bigger project, so take your time. Use stitch markers and keep track of rows.
All these projects will help you get comfortable with circular needles. Choose a pattern that matches your skill level. Start with the small ones. Once you feel ready, go bigger!
Tips for Success When Knitting With Circular Needles
Knitting with circular needles can feel tricky at first. But with a few simple tips, you’ll be knitting smoothly in no time.
These easy tricks will make every project more enjoyable—from your first cowl to your tenth sweater.
- Check for Twisted Stitches: Before you join in the round, lay your cast-on stitches flat along the needle. Make sure they all face the same way and none are twisted. If one stitch is flipped, your whole project will twist into a spiral. You’ll have to start over. Take a few seconds to check—it’ll save you lots of time later!
- Use a Stitch Marker to Track Rounds: Always place a stitch marker at the start of the round. This helps you know where one round ends and the next begins. Each time you finish a round, just slip the marker from one needle to the other. You’ll stay on track, and your stitch count will stay correct.
- Try the Magic Loop Method: If your circular needle is too long for your project, try the magic loop method. Use a 32- to 40-inch circular needle and loop the cord at each side of your stitches. This handy trick lets you knit small things, like socks or mittens, without needing double-pointed needles. It takes practice, but it’s a handy skill to learn. In addition, it saves money and space in your toolkit.
- Knit Two-at-a-Time: Want matching sleeves or socks? Try knitting two at the same time with circular needles. Use the magic loop method and divide your yarn in half. Work one piece on each half of the needle. You’ll save time and get identical results.
- Be Patient With Yourself: Every knitter was a beginner once. If something doesn’t work right away, that’s okay. Keep practicing. Try a simpler project. Ask for help if you need it. Soon, circular needles knitting will feel just as natural as breathing.
These tips can make a big difference. Even one or two will improve your experience.
Common Questions About Circular Needles Knitting
Is it hard to learn how to knit with circular needles?
No! If you already know the basics of knitting, it’s not hard. The biggest trick is making sure your stitches aren’t twisted when joining in the round.
Can I use circular needles for every project?
Almost! They work for most projects, whether round or flat. Very small projects may need double-pointed needles or the magic loop method.
What is the magic loop method?
This is a way to knit small tubes with a long circular needle. You pull a loop of the cord out between the stitches. It’s great for socks, sleeves, or baby hats.
Do circular needles come in different materials?
Yes. You can find bamboo, metal, plastic, or wood tips. Bamboo is light and less slippery. Metal is slick and fast. Choose the one that feels best in your hands.
How do I stop the cord from curling?
Dip the cord in warm water and let it relax. Or lay it flat under a heavy book for a few hours. This helps soften the cord and make it more flexible.
Final Thoughts on Knitting With Circular Needles
Knitting with circular needles opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter, they make projects easier and more fun.
Once you learn how to knit with circular needles, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
They’re light, flexible, and perfect for both flat and round projects. They save space, reduce hand strain, and help you knit faster. And best of all, they make big projects much more manageable.
From hats to sweaters to cowls and more—circular needles knitting is the way forward.
So don’t be afraid to try them. Mistakes will happen, but each one teaches you something new.
Pick a project. Cast on with your circulars. And enjoy the rhythm of round-and-round knitting.
Happy knitting!
Read also:
- Knitting with Four Double Pointed Needles: A Beginner’s Complete Guide
- A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Knitting Needles
- Knitting Needle Sizes and Conversion Chart
- Joining in the Round in Knitting: Easy Instructions
- How To Bind Off in the Round
- 6 Useful Knitting Tips for Beginners
- How To Knit a Beanie in 4 Simple Steps
- Cozy Neck Warmer Knitting Pattern