Knitting with Double Pointed Needles

Cynthia wrote

on Jun 11, 2009 7:19 PM

I need some help with knitting with double pointed knitting needles.  I can cast on, join and knit away no problem ... however, I find that the stitch in between my needles (ie in between needles 1 and 2; 2 and 3; 3 and 4) is a little wider than the others and I get a very distinct looking ladder up my stockingette stitch.  I thought I was very careful about keeping the yarn tight when I go between needles, but I can't explain the "ladder".

Can anyone help me?

Tephra wrote

on Jun 12, 2009 1:47 PM

It takes some practice, but I find that if knit the first two or three stitches tightly and then force myself to loosen up in the middle of the needle it helps. But I'm a tight knitter by nature so the loosening up in the middle might be the key more than gettnig the first few stitches tight.

ShelleyR wrote

on Jun 12, 2009 2:03 PM

It's a really common problem, so common that many previous DPN knitters have taken up two circs instead.

I still prefer DPNs, however, and this is my way of solving the problem. Knit the first stitch on the new needle as per pattern direction. Then insert the needle into the second stitch, but before doing anything else, give the working yarn a little tug to tighten up, and that will reduce your ladder effect. It doesn't work if you try to tighten up the first stitch, though.

I also usually find that the ladder blocks out after I've finished working, but I almost exclusively work with hair fibers, so if you're working with cotton or man made fibers I don't think blocking will work as well.

good luck

SusieQ10024 wrote

on Jun 17, 2009 11:29 PM

I had the same problem, until I saw a tip on Ravelry; first, try to use always five needles (four to hold the work and one to work it), and secondly, always tighten the second stitch. Works for me!!

LailaU wrote

on Jun 18, 2009 12:06 AM

Maybe you would like to try it my way? When you have knitted the last stitch on the left neddle, put youre empty needle down, and continue to knit one more stitch with your right needle - this stitch being the first stitch on the next left needle. Repeat all the way, and there will be no ladder! As a norwegian knitter I allways use five needles, I believe that makes less strain between the needles..? Good luck to you!

KathleenA wrote

on Jun 18, 2009 5:03 AM

I find that knitting with bamboo double pointed needles works very well.  The bamboo "grabs" the yarn better than metal or plastic, and I've never had  a ladder since switching to bamboo.  I have arthritis in my hands, and the bamboo needles also are more forgiving to swollen joints.

DebbieR wrote

on Jun 18, 2009 6:52 AM

Well, the only other thing i can think of besides what the others have mentioned is:

When you are changing needles (say from needle 3 to needle 4) be sure needle 4 is ABOVE

needle 3.  Keep the 'working' needle above the 'one just completed'---I was VERY paranoid

about ladders and using this technique (as well as keeping my yarn taunt on that first stitch),

I have never had any problems. 

Hope I've helped a bit!    :)

SarahA wrote

on Jun 18, 2009 1:38 PM

And here is yet one more thought:

Knit something and DON'T WORRY about the loose stitches.  When you're all finished, wash and block your knitting, and the loose ladder of stitches will disappear.

This means you can go ahead and knit with circulars or any number of DPN's you wish.  Just do what's most comfortable.  For some of us, knitting a few stitches extra-tightly isn't comfortable....or I forget to do it every time!  Good luck and have fun.