As you knit in the round on circular needles, you may be asked to switch needle sizes. This is often included in knitting patterns that change the stitch size between sections of a project.
To switch needle sizes while knitting in the round, you will pick up a circular needle in a new size with your right hand. Using the new needle, knit the live stitches off the old pair of circular needles and onto the new size. When you’ve finished switching to the new circular needle, don’t forget to put your stitch marker back in place at the end of the row/round.
Below you will find both video and written guides to help you learn how to switch needle sizes on circular needles.
Video Guide: How to Switch Circular Needle Sizes When Knitting in the Round
Written Guide: How to Switch Circular Needle Sizes When Knitting in the Round
Switch Circular Needles, Step 1:
Work up to the point where the pattern instructs you to switch needle sizes, then let go of the needle in your right hand. If you have a stitch marker at the end of your row/round, set it aside.
Switch Circular Needles, Step 2:
Pick up a needle in the new size with your right hand, ensuring the needle tips point toward each other.
Switch Circular Needles, Step 3:
Begin working the live stitches off the old needle size and onto the new needle size.
Switch Circular Needles, Step 4:
When you have finished working the row/round, your left needle (in the old size) will be free of the project.
Switch Circular Needles, Step 5:
Set the old needles aside.
Switch Circular Needles, Step 6:
Slide the stitches on the left toward the tip of the left circular needle. Place your stitch marker back on the needles to mark the beginning/end of your rounds. Prepare to knit the next row. You have now completely switched knitting needle sizes.
Practice With My Knitting Patterns
Ready to try it?
My Basic Ear Warmer Pattern is a good place to practice switching needle sizes.
You’ll knit the larger sizes in the round on circular needles and you will switch sizes mid-project.
To finish your project, you will want to know how to take your knitting off the circular needles. Learn to bind off in the round on circular needles in the next lesson.
Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index