Knitting with four double-point needles forms a seamless piece in areas that are too small for circular needles, such as socks and mittens. Double-point needles have points on both ends, allowing the stitches to slide off either end so that you can knit in the round. Some sets of double-pointed needles, or dpns, come with 5 needles instead of 4 needles. The basic principles are the same. Step 1 Cast on the required number of stitches onto one of the four needles and then evenly divide the stitches onto three needles (or the number of needles specified in the pattern instructions). Step 2 Arrange the three needles into a triangle, being careful to not twist the stitches. The cast on edge should lie on the inside of the triangle. Step 3 With the empty needle, knit the first stitch of needle 1 (the first cast on stitch), pulling yarn tight to avoid a hole between the needles. Continue across the row until needle 1 is empty. Step 4 With the now empty needle 1, knit the first stitch of needle 2 and work same as above. Continue in this manner across each needle and for each round, being sure to mark the beginning of each round with a stitch marker. Tips To prevent "ladders" between the needles, give the yarn a firm tug when working the second stitch on each needle. This will tighten the first stitch of the working needle and the last stitch of the last needle and will help prevent holes.
