I use DPN's for most of my hat "recipes". I also use those cone shaped rubber "stop thingies" that keep my stitches from leaving the needle when I'm not looking :) Sorry, I can't remember the name of what these are called. I bought them at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I did use some clothes pins at first to keep my stitches on the DPN's. It is important after casting on to move your first and last stitch onto the same needle to help not have a "gap". I also leave a noticeable tail so I can tell when i have finished a round.