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A Few Rounds Of Circular Knitting

© Esmerelda Jones

For those wanting to try some circular knitting, this is an easy project that lets you see clearly what is happening as you knit your way round and round. The simple pattern has swirls which are divided into sections by an eyelet (O = yarn forward and over the needle). I needed an aged shawl for one of my dolls, and I didn't want a seam to spoil the circle, so I worked the design on double point needles which is the method I prefer for most things. For this shawl I used 2.00mm needles and 3ply baby soft pure wool in cream.

THE CIRCLE

Using set of double point needles cast on 8 stitches. Divide them between three needles and knit one round with the fourth needle. Holding the needles will be awkward at first but you will soon find your way and then it's just a matter of whipping around endlessly. Slip on a ring marker at the beginning of the round and move it across to the right needle when you pass it on your way around each time. Repeat the pattern rounds between the *'s. The alternate rounds are knitted plain. In circular knitting, this produces stocking stitch rather than garter as in flat row knitting.

Round 1: *O, K1*

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: *O, K2*

Round 4: Knit

Round 5: *O, K3*

Round 6: Knit

Round 7: *O, K4*

Round 8: Knit

Round 9: *O, K5*

Round 10: Knit

Repeat the pattern for as many times as you require. For example, the aged doll shawl in the photo was knitted until there were 26 stitches between the repeats. I then doubled the number of stitches on the next round and worked a frilly edge in Old Shale pattern. To age the shawl I dipped it in strong tea, deliberately making the effect blotchy. Then the shawl was squeezed in a towel and pinned out on the ironing board to dry in a perfect circle. I then dabbed it lightly here and then with the well wrung teabag, to produce a few darker spots. When dry, it was left to sit in front of a window where the sun bleached it unevenly. I did this for a few days, making sure the shawl was scrunched and folded so the desired effected was obtained. You can continue the size of the basic pattern and make a baby shawl, without of course the aging process, and knit a separate lace trim or sew on by hand a dainty cotton lace edging. For fun you can knit the circle in thick wool which is a bit easier for beginners to manage. Once the first few rounds are completed you will find that circular knitting is addictive!