Trick to keeping DPN's straight at start of project

[Leighd]

I'm trying to start a cap from the top down. It begins with CO of 8 stitches that are distributed between 4 DPN's. I've started a dozen times, but the needles get all mixed up and twisted (as do I)! Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

[rachael72knitter]

Well, your st marker should help you figure out which is the last st and first st. PM after you cast-on.

When I knit with DPNs, it helps me to use a throw pillow from the couch. I sit it in my lap and knit on top of that. It helps me to keep my DPNs flat so that I can knit them easier.

Also, once you get past those first few rows, it gets easier.

[Leighd]

Well, your st marker should help you figure out which is the last st and first st. PM after you cast-on.

When I knit with DPNs, it helps me to use a throw pillow from the couch. I sit it in my lap and knit on top of that. It helps me to keep my DPNs flat so that I can knit them easier.

Also, once you get past those first few rows, it gets easier.

Thanks so much. I'll try the "pillow method". Sounds like a good idea and I'm anxious to get it to the point where I can switch to circulars! Leigh D, Spanish Fort, AL

[suzeeq]

Put your sts on only 2 needles to start with, and knit with a 3rd. Then after you've increased more stitches and it's longer, you can add another needle to knit with, then rearrange the sts so they're on all 4 needles. By then they shouldn't be flopping around so much.

[Leighd]

Put your sts on only 2 needles to start with, and knit with a 3rd. Then after you've increased more stitches and it's longer, you can add another needle to knit with, then rearrange the sts so they're on all 4 needles. By then they shouldn't be flopping around so much.

Brilliant! I'll try it. Thanks so much for the suggestion.