Knit in rounds using garter stitch

Gründl Knitting School

Knitting Garter Stitch in the Round – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Knitting Garter Stitch in the Round – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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After we’ve learned how to knit garter stitch together, we're now moving on to the next level: garter stitch in the round. We'll show you the difference between garter stitch knit flat and garter stitch in the round, and which needles you'll need for knitting garter stitch in the round.

What does knitting in the round mean?

Unlike knitting flat, knitting garter stitch in the round means you're always knitting continuously in a circle. There are no right-side and wrong-side rows. One advantage of knitting in the round is that you won't have to seam your work later.

What do you need for knitting in the round?

Whether you use circular needles or double-pointed needles for knitting in the round largely depends on the circumference of your project.
For smaller circumferences, such as a hat or the sleeve of a sweater, we recommend using double-pointed needles.
If you want to knit a project with a larger circumference – for example, a sweater or a pillow – we suggest using circular needles with a long cable.

How do I knit garter stitch in the round?

Unlike knitting garter stitch flat, when knitting garter stitch in the round, you alternately knit one round of purl stitches and one round of knit stitches. For a better overview of the knitted rounds, you can use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. This way, you'll know when you've completed a round.

Identifying purl stitches

If you see a stitch on your needle that looks like a small "V", you know it's a knit stitch. So, a purl stitch will be worked into it.

Identifying knit stitches

If you see a stitch that forms a little bump directly below the needle, then you know you knitted a purl stitch in the last round. Each purl stitch is followed by a knit stitch.

Note when knitting garter stitch in rows

When knitting garter stitch in the round, a step-like transition occurs at the point where individual rows change. This is due to knit stitches meeting purl stitches at this point. So don't be surprised – this appearance is completely normal.

What projects can you knit in garter stitch in the round?

From cozy wool hats and warm scarves to sweaters and shirts for all seasons – there are countless knitting projects that can be worked in garter stitch in the round.

Striped Sweater

Striped Sweater

Made from the voluminous cotton blend yarn with 45% Egyptian cotton Gründl King Cotton

Cozy Hat

Cozy Hat

Made from the voluminous and cozy yarn with 20% wool Gründl Alaska uni

Woolly Striped Hat

Woolly Striped Hat

Made from the durable yarn with anti-pilling finish Gründl Pretty

Airy Summer Sweater

Airy Summer Sweater

Made from the breathable cotton yarn with color effect directly from the ball Gründl Cotton Quick print

Knit your first scarf – with the Gründl Knitting School

In addition to the general Gründl Knitting School, the "Your First Scarf" series features videos that will easily and conveniently guide you through knitting your own scarf from home. From color changes to fringes, we'll show you all the knitting techniques you need.

Free knitting pattern for your scarf

You can download the free pattern here and simultaneously order the suitable yarn in the colors of your choice.