Still none the wiser

[Purlesque]

I have watched video after video, read every instruction I can find whilst holding my DPNs and yarn, can I join in the round? Can I ##!

[Purlesque]

I just want to make my own socks :(

[goodjambadjar]

Have you seen the "getting started with dpns" video on YouTube, by very pink knits? I find her tutorials very clear.

I hope you can figure it out. If not, maybe circular needles? and use the "magic loop" for small projects?

[Purlesque]

Can you knit socks on circular needles?

[goodjambadjar]

I think so, if you Google magic loop, I think it explains how.

[roguepixie]

One trick that may work for you is to cast on one extra stitch. Then, after you have divided them across the three or four DPNs (whichever number you are using) you can knit the last stitch on the RH DPN and the first stitch on the LH DPN together - thus making the correct number of stitches and joining the round.

[Purlesque]

Pixie I did see a tutorial that did that, it confused me, but then they all confused me :)
I'll look at the link when my ds naps this afternoon. Thanks.

[goodjambadjar]

Good luck purlesque, let us know how you get on. Love the NN, by the way!

[roguepixie]

Purl, make sure you place the 'extra' stitch on the RH DPN - then knit that and the first stitch on the LH DPN together. Keep trying - it will work in the end. .

[Purlesque]

Right, ok thanks. Haven't had time to try it yet but when I've done my socks I will post pictures.

[Dutchoma]

See how you go with that; if no luck I'll see if I can talk you through my unique Oma cast on.

[tribpot]

Yes, knitting socks on circulars is quite easy once you've got the hang of it - I do them two at a time on one long circular.

I did a class on knitting in the round at my local yarn shop and there was a marked preference among the group for either DPNs or circular needles, so it may be that DPNs are just not for you.

KnitFreeom has a whole section on magic loop, and another on socks, so have a gander at those and take it slowly. I will say socks are not the easiest first project to knit in the round, I'd be tempted to do a hat just for practice.

Failing that, whereabouts in the country are you? I'm pretty sure we can put you in contact with an MNer who could show you in person - I reckon circular knitting is one of those things that is infinitely easier to understand in person than on YouTube, although I had pretty much taught myself before I did the class. Or pop into your local yarn shop and ask there - Hobbycraft even will have a crafter who specialises in knitting.

[Dutchoma]

Now, you see Trib, i wish I could do that. Must try once I have time again todo something new.

[Purlesque]

Yes a hat to start with will be better. Thanks tribot.
I'm in notts btw!

[Dutchoma]

A hat is easy enough to do on two needles with a little seam.

[Purlesque]

Dutch you haven't seen my seaming lol :)

[Dutchoma]

Hat is easy. Those little bootees are much more difficult.

[Purlesque]

The bootees were easy and the wool I used made the seaming appear seamless.
I've decided to give circulars another go, I just have to know how to place a marker.

[Dutchoma]

Marker is easy: just a bit of thread in a contrasting colour about 2" long, lay it in between the stitches where you want to mark; when you want to mark the next row, just bring it up.