Circular needle help

10 replies

Sodie · 30/12/2022 22:27

I'm very good at crochet but new to knitting, can manage socks, handwarmers and just made some slippers. I'm wanting to make this dog jumper, it says 6.5mm but has no length for the cable. What size should I be getting?

OP posts:

Yarnosaura · 30/12/2022 22:32

For 40 stitches you'll need a 9-12 inch circular (that length is tip to tip). But I'd use dpns.

80sMum · 30/12/2022 22:38

It's much better to get a small length if you're intending using a circular needle for knitting in the round. You will need it to be no longer than the smallest number of stitches in the pattern that are knitted in round, so if there's any decreasing for shaping, but the knitting is not at that stage divided into separate sections, bear that in mind when choosing the length of the needle.

I hope that made sense! As a pp said it's "safer" to use a set of double-pointed needles.

Original poster

Sodie · 30/12/2022 22:50

Could someone please if possible link me to 9-12in circulars. I did knit socks toe up on circulars but it wasn't quite the same as this. I've never used dp needles so unsure. Thanks everyone

OP posts:

Yarnosaura · 30/12/2022 22:56

I've only seen shorty circulars for sock knitting. Chiaogoo, HiyaHiya or Addi might be worth a look.

Dpns aren't as hard as they seem, another option is magic loop (which I've never done so can't advise on).

ShaunaTheSheep · 30/12/2022 22:59

I was going to suggest magic loop method. It's hard to explain so google it - basically it allows you to use a longer cable.

AdelaideRo · 03/01/2023 15:36

I could not disagree with @80sMum more. The smart way to use a circular needle is magic loop!!

i would say 80cm is a good length to buy for versatility.

80sMum · 03/01/2023 20:43

AdelaideRo · 03/01/2023 15:36

I could not disagree with @80sMum more. The smart way to use a circular needle is magic loop!!

i would say 80cm is a good length to buy for versatility.

That's interesting. I've never heard of that method before.
I'm a bit rusty these days (haven't knitted very much for the past 35 years or so)! I used to do a lot of knitting (but rarely on circular needles) when my children were young.

El4nor · 20/01/2023 17:26

Id agree magic loop, feels much less strain on my hands than small circular and easier to put down, chuck in a bag and pick up again than dpns. See what gives the least strain on YOUR hands.

MavisFlump · 21/01/2023 15:02

AdelaideRo · 03/01/2023 15:36

I could not disagree with @80sMum more. The smart way to use a circular needle is magic loop!!

i would say 80cm is a good length to buy for versatility.

I completely agree! I’ve now knitted 54 pairs of socks on magic loop and it’s so easy.

MavisFlump · 21/01/2023 15:03

blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/magic-loop/

Flip