How to knit a round NOT knitting in the round

[Kulli]

I'm looking for a basic pattern to knit a flat circle. Nothing fancy, just plain knitting but round and flat, not to be confused with knitting in the round. I want to use this as the top of a hat (imagine a top hat).

[OffJumpsJack]

If this were crochet, I could tell you the magic number of increases per round is between 5 to 10 depending on the yarn or thread, hook, and stitch sizes.

I don't know the magic numbers for knitting in the round for flat circles.

It is still knitting in the round, you just increase at a rate that keeps the piece flat.

I'll give it a try with a CO of 4,
Round 1: kfb in each stitch. (8 sts)
Round 2: (k1, kfb) repeat around (12 sts)
Round 2: (kfb, k1) repeat around (18 sts)
Round 3: (k2, kfb) repeat around (24 sts)
round 4-?: Work 6 increase evenly around until piece is size desired.

I'm at round 3 and I can't tell yet if it will lie flat or ripple into waves.

If it tries to doom up, I would work 8 increases each round beginning with round 2.

If it begins to form ripply waves around the edge, then you may want to k around without increases.



I'll share my results after several more rounds.

[MerigoldinWA]

Is this actually the top of a hat so that you want to knit the circle from the outside in or could it be from the middle out?

[Mirl56]

Use a circle/round dishcloth pattern:
http://nettieknits1.wordpress.com/20...-pi-dishcloth/
http://www.groupepp.com/dishbout/kpatterns/round.html
http://www.groupepp.com/dishbout/kpa...oilycloth.html

or the beginnings of a round baby blanket pattern:
http://www.knitlist.com/00gift/round-baby-blanket.htm
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/40222AD.html?r=1

If you don't want the YO lacy holes, just use a different increase method.

[Kulli]

Probably middle out, since it will be its own separate piece, later to be joined with the 'tube' to form the hat. A round dishcloth pattern,like the other poster suggested, would do but no fancy holes or patterns. I'm just looking for a complete, flat, round knitting pattern.

[Kulli]

Good luck and if you can post a pic of what you ended up, that would help too.

[Mirl56]

If you don't want the YO lacy holes, just use a different increase method.

I edited my post about the same time you were posting so I wasn't sure if you noticed this addition. You'll have to use some sort of increase, probably a M1 would be best to keep the top smooth/flat and hole-less. A kfb would leave a little purl bump.

[MerigoldinWA]

Use 1 dpn to begin.
Cast on 1 stitch.
Row 1: (k,p,k) all in that one stitch (3 sts result)
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: (kfb) in each stitch (6 sts result)
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: (kfb) in each stitch (12 sts)
Divide the 12 stitches on to 3 dpns (4 stitches each needle) Join for working in the round.
Rnd 1: and all odd numbered rows purl if you want st st and knit if you'd like garter.
Rnd 2: *K1fb, k1; repeat from * (18 sts)
Rnd 4: *K1fb, k1; repeat from * (27 sts)
Row 6: *K1fb, k2; repeat from * (36 sts)
Row 8: *K1fb, k3; repeat from * (45 sts)
Keep following this pattern of adding one more knit between the K1fb on every other row and working the odd numbered rounds even.

This should work. I have used a pattern like this but only worked until I had 54 stitches but I think you could keep going as far as you wanted and it would still work.

[mwhite]

From what I've read....the magic increase number is 4 every other pattern round, although the center needs to increase quicker than that.....

[suzeeq]

I agree, the cast on should probably be 4 or 8 sts, then joined and increased on the first round to double the st number. Then a plain round, and inc 8 sts every other round.