Double Point Knitting Needles

Double Pointed (DPNs) 

Double Pointed Knitting Needles are most commonly used to knit circularly, or in the round, when the circumference is too small for circular knitting needles.  Double point needles are usually 4 - 8" long and today come in sets of 5.  Put a point protector on one end, and you have a short single point knitting needle.  Single pointed needles are commonly available in 10 and 14" lengths.