Tips for successful knitting in the round: the Knit-sis' practical guide 🧶✨

Introduction: Why knitting in the round changes everything

You may have already heard about knitting in the round and wondered why so many knitters are so fond of it. No need to sew pieces together, a smoother finish, fewer visible seams... In short, a real revolution in your knitting projects 🙌.

But let's be honest: the first time you pick up circular needles, you might feel a little lost. Am I casting on enough stitches? How can I avoid the infamous "twist" at the start? How can I manage ball changes without a hole?

👉 Don't panic! In this article, we (Lenny & Louise 💕) share our best practical and tested tips for successfully knitting in the round, avoiding common pitfalls and enjoying every stitch.

1. Start your project off right without stress

The secret to a good start is preparation.

Choosing the right circular needles

▪️ Cable length : choose a cable suitable for your project (40 cm for a hat, 60-80 cm for a sweater).

▪️ Interchangeable or fixed hands : it's up to you, but we love interchangeable ones for their flexibility.

✨ Louise's tip: “When I started knitting my first sweater in the round, I chose a cable that was too long. The result? The stitches were pulling and I had to start all over again. Since then, I always check before casting on.”

Cast on your stitches and avoid twisting

Before closing the circle, check that all your stitches are straight on the cable. If a stitch is twisted… it will haunt you throughout the project 😅.

👉 Remember: Place a turn start marker right from the start. This is the key to not getting lost.

2. Classic mistakes to avoid (and how to get around them)

Even after years of knitting, we still sometimes fall into these traps... But not you, thanks to these tips 👇

❌ Forgetting to tighten the junction of the first round

Result: an unsightly hole in the middle of your work.
✅ Solution: Pull the yarn of the first stitch on the second round slightly to tighten.

❌ The scales between needles (especially with the magic loop)

These small “loose columns” often appear at the change of ends.
✅ Solution: regularly alternate the position of your stitches on the cable, or tighten the first stitch of the new round.

❌ Losing the thread when changing balls

✅ Lenny's Tip: “I knit a few stitches with both yarns together to secure the join. It's invisible and much stronger.”

👉 If you want to practice without any hassle, we recommend our model Festi : a modern round cardigan, perfect for starting this technique with confidence.

3. Why knitting in the round is perfect for your projects (and which ones to choose)

Knitting in the round isn't just about technique, it's also about fun. You get:

▪️ Seamless work (so a cleaner finish ✨)

▪️ A fluid rhythm : no need to constantly turn the book

▪️ Faster projects (yes, really!)

Concrete examples with our Knit-sis models 💖

▪️ Strippie : round sweater with cheerful stripes → ideal for getting started with color changes.

▪️ Cardichou : a soft top-down raglan cardigan → perfect for trying out seamless round knitting.

▪️ Doudou (free 🎁): an easy and comforting sweater → a great introduction to circular knitting.

👉 Tip: Start with a simple and rewarding project. There's no better way to fall in love with knitting in the round.

4. Bonus to keep on hand 📝

We know you like to have a handy cheat sheet, so here it is:

Checklist “Knitting in the round”

▪️ Check the correct cable length

▪️ Align the stitches well before closing the circle

▪️ Place a turn start marker

▪️ Tighten the first stitch when changing sides

▪️ Anticipate ball changes

📌 Save this checklist on Pinterest or print it → it will save your day more than once!

Conclusion: it's your turn!

Knitting in the round is one of those techniques that can change a knitter's life. With a little preparation and the right reflexes, you'll be able to make seamless sweaters, cardigans, and accessories with a finish worthy of a pro 🧶💪.

👉 So, why not try it right away with our collection of round sweaters ?
Or start easy with our free pattern Doudou .

💌 And if you want to receive other exclusive tips, remember to subscribe to our Knit-sis newsletter → This is where we share our knitting secrets and our new models in preview.