Working in the round is a construction method where the maker works in a continuous spiral rather than turning the work at the end of a row. It is typically done using circular needles or a set of double-pointed needles. This approach produces tubular garments like socks, hats, and sweater bodies directly, eliminating the need to sew flat pieces together later.
Once you finish the ribbed collar, switch to the larger needles and continue knitting in the round for the body.
When joining your stitches to begin working in the round, make sure the cast-on edge is not twisted around the needle, or you will accidentally create a figure-eight instead of a tube.
Related terms
Circular needle
A knitting tool made of two rigid tips joined by a flexible cord.
Double-pointed needle
A short, straight knitting implement featuring tapered tips on each side.
Steek
A bridge of extra stitches used to cut open a knitted tube.
Right side
The side of a fabric intended to face outward on a finished project.