How to Knit with Circular and Double-Pointed Needles: Simple Techniques and Step-by-Step Projects

Description

Circular knitting is easier than you think! There's a huge variety of quick-to-knit bulky yarns available today, both plain and novelty, but seams can be awkward and lumpy. Learn how to avoid seams by knitting tubes instead of flat pieces. Circular knitting is a fascinating twist on conventional "knitting in rows", great for accessories, casual sweaters, and baby garments too. Step-by-step colour photographs and clear diagrams show you what to do at every stage. Start by learning how to knit tubular shapes of all sizes, using both circular and double-pointed needles. Then progress to circles, shaping, textured and coloured stitch patterns and joining by grafting. As you learn each technique, you can knit the accompanying project, starting with a simple purse or scarf. Use your new skills to make a cuddly shoulder bag, cushions, mitts, socks, gloves, toys, and finally a seamless sweater from the multi-size pattern. Coming from a rich folk-craft tradition, knitting in the round has long been recognized as the ideal way to make shaped garments such as socks, sweaters, hats, and bags. Master a few key skills and you'll have no more worries about complicated shaping and piecing - simply watch your knitting grow.

Betty Barnden is a freelance needlecraft designer who studied furniture design at the Royal College of Art (where she made her first tubular knitted chairs). Betty has designed knitting patterns for companies such as Sirdar, Patons, Jaeger and King Cole. Her knitwear, embroidery and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines over the years, and she has also designed embroidery projects and kits. Betty regularly contributes to Sewing World magazine.