When this year's Socktoberfest began to formulate in my head, I started to receive several emails from beginner knitters asking where to get a start on sock knitting. Before I knit socks, I familiarized myself with the concepts and techniques behind circular knitting, both on circular needles and on double-pointed needles. My first project on double-pointed needles was my Divine Wristlets (which were… not so divine). As I did more circular projects, I fell in love with the technique, and now use it often any chance I get.  I feel that it is easier, and a nice match for my style of knitting.

So, for the future sock knitters out there – maybe you can join us for Socktoberfest 2007? – here is a great way to practice circular knitting techniques on circular needles and double-pointed needles, and you will be ready to wield the needles for socks very soon!

For this tutorial, I had the great opportunity to talk to Lisa Shobhana Mason, blogger at My Life in Stitches, and author of the new book, Yarnplay. Included in this post: some questions, answers, and helpful hints on knitting in the round for accessories and garments, as well as a preview of her lovely new book!

Do you prefer to knit garments in the round rather than separate pieces that need to be seamed?

I definitely prefer knitting pullovers in the round. I started doing this early on in my knitting career as a means to avoid sewing up seams. Now I don't mind seaming so much (mattress stitch can be a girl's best friend!). In fact, I find it very soothing. However, i still knit my pullovers in the round!
What tips do you have for beginners who have never worked with circular needles or with double-pointed needles?

A chunky hat is a good place to start, as you get to work with both a circular and DPNs and the stitches are big enough that you can see what's going on and can keep a good grip on your work. The most important thing is to be careful that your stitches don't get twisted during the first couple of rounds.

Is there a special trick that you have to join the work? No special tricks, really. When you join the yarn should be coming from the point or needle (in the case of DPNs) on the right.

What kind of needles do you prefer when working in the round?

I prefer metal needles, both double points and circular, as my knitting is on the tight side. If you're a loose knitter you'll do better with wood or bamboo, as they keep the stitches from slipping.

Another great project to do in the round: armwarmers, such as the adorable Austin Armwarmers, featured in YarnPlay! …and the other great thing about the armwarmers? They are the perfect way to use up leftover yarns – especially the fun self-striping/handpainted sock yarns!

…and because Shobhana loves us, she shared her helpful hints on how to convert a standard seamed pullover into a knit-in-the-round garment!

You'll need a circular needle between 24 – 32" in length depending upon the size of the sweater (the larger the size, the longer the needle).

• Cast on the total # of sts for both the front and the back, placing ring makers between the back and the front.
• Join, being careful not to twist.
• Proceed with the pattern, keeping in mind that on each round you are working 1 row of both the back and the front. If the pattern calls for any side shaping, you will be working it before and after each of the markers. You can continue in the round until you reach the armholes.
• Seperate the front and back, placing half the stitches on stitch holders. You will work the back and front seperately. After you have completed one side, put the remaining stitches back on the needle, join yarn and continue.

Sleeves can also be knit in the round. Cast on using double-pointed needles. Use a ring marker to mark the beginning/end of the round. Join, being careful not to twist. Shaping will be worked just before and just after the marker. You can continue in the round until the armhole bind offs, then you will be working on both sides of the fabric. The best part is that you don't have to sew up the sleeve and side seams!

I find that handpainted yarns have a more interesting look on sweaters that are knit in the round. For me, the color seems to have a bit more flow. This method works best with simple patterns.

Shobhana relates this method to the sweater in the book, aptly titled the Everything But The Kitchen Sink pullover, as it is knit with about 37 different colors and textures of predominantly aran weight yarns.

The more colors and textures, the better! The yardage of each yarn can vary from as little needed to complete one round to a full skein that you will use throughout the sweater. In order to keep your gauge correct the majority of yarns should meet the stated gauge. You can knit an occasional round with a yarn that is slightly lighter or heavier. This occasional deviation from gauge produces an interesting texture. However, you should not use these yarns for more than 2 rounds at a time. When joining a new yarn overlap it with the previous yarn and knit with both for 3 or 4 stitches, cut the first yarn leaving a 2" tail and continue knitting with the new yarn.

…And since this is Socktoberfest… I just had to learn more about Shobhana's sock knitting habits and history…

I was completely lost when i took a sock knitting class way back when. I had been knitting for a couple of months and I was really intrigued with the idea of knitting socks, but I didn't get it. I just couldn't wrap my brain around it. At that time, I discoved a simple pattern for a worsted weight sock at my LYS and with a little coaching from the shop owner a light went on and magic happened! I knit my first pair over the course of a weekend and i was thrilled! I felt like a real knitter!

Shobhana's Socktoberfest sock-in-progress!

I like Trekking and Opal. I've amassed quite a stash of sock yarn which includes Cherry Tree Hill, Lorna's Laces, Scout's Knitted Swag, and bunch of other skeins that I can't quite recall. I knit about 1.5 pairs per year, so i think i have enough yarn to get me well through the next couple of decades! (See her completed socks!)

Thank you, Shobhana, for stopping by and sharing your expertise and stories!

In the meantime, check out her lovely new book, YARNPLAY, just out on bookshelves. The book has some lovely accessories, knits for the home, a whole chapter on finding color inspirtation, and my personal favorites: the sweater patterns! Feast your eyes!

1. Edie Assymetrical Cardigan, 2. Poppy Pullover,
3. K.I.S.S. sweater, 4. Lorelei Tank

*****

Check out the other blog tour stops for Yarnplay:

Sunday 10/22 – Knitting Aloud Monday 10/23 -Lolly Knitting Around Tuesday 10/24 – Knit And The City Wednesday 10/25 -Purl Jam Thursday 10/26 – My Life In Stitches Friday 10/27 – Serendipity Saturday 10/28 – Scout's Knitted Swag

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