Help required for knitting in the round please.

[SaggyoldCHRISTMASHUMBUGcatpuss]

Helloo, Im having a problem, and Im hoping there is a knitter or two here who can help me out.
Id like to get into knitting hats in the round, and its all going quite well, until it comes to the decrease. I have a short circular needle, but as I decrease down, obviously, the needle becomes longer than the actual work, and thats where I have a problem. The knitting becomes stretched, and the stitches end up large and distorted. When there are very few stitches, they all end up on one pin, and Ive tried making a loop out of the spare needle, but I still end up with distorted and stretched stitching. Im really puzzled now, and just cant work out what im doing wrong.

For things like hats/ socks, I always use four double ended needles instead of a circular. That was you can get down to as few stitches as you like and it won't pull - you just have less on each needle.
Don't know if this helps at all!

On phone so can't link, but Magic Loop is your friend here. Search You Tube, knittinghelp.com, knitty.com

Or you can switch to double pointed needles.

Thanks. I spotted magic loop, it looks quite useful. I've tried dpns and I dont get on much better with them! I'll have a go with the loop. I've got a gorgeous pattern for a baby hat which looks like a bluebell flower, that I want to try.

I've got a bluebell hat knitted flat - it's a King Cole pattern, this one Is very easy, I have knitted it up and it comes out lovely.

this is mine. It's sooooo cute!

Thats gorgeous, going to have a peep at the pattern to see if I have the right needles for it!

I use magic loop for small items and half magic loop for larger items, It took me ages to fathom it out and couldn't believe how simple the solution is, here in the UK I can only find 80cm circs. You tube will have some vids. However you basically just pull out the wire.

Magic loop is great - also for if you're doing stuff likes socks or gloves you can knit both at the same time next to each other on the needles - means that they're always identical :)