Question about needle size

chixdilla · 12-06-2011, 10:11 AM

I found this pattern for a ribbed hat that I'd like to make for my boyfriend. The pattern calls for size 8 needles (circulars and DPNs), but I'm very budget-conscious so I don't want to run out and buy two sets of new needles. I already have size 7 DPNs, so I'm wondering if it will affect the pattern too much if I use those instead of 8s. I'm thinking I should buy circulars anyway because 100 stitches will be difficult, if not impossible, for me to work with on my small DPNs. I would hate to buy size 7 circulars though because I already have a set of size 7 straight needles so I figured I should get a size I don't already own. So if I buy size 8 circulars, would it mess up the hat if I finish it off on size 7s? Or should I just suck it up and buy the size 7 circulars?

P.S. If you couldn't already tell, I'm kind of a spaz about these insignificant details... and it drives me crazy!

suzeeq · 12-06-2011, 11:01 AM

Go ahead and buy the circs, I suggest you get longer than 16" though and use them to magic loop with. That way you can use them for something besides hats, and you can also finish up the top of this hat without switching back to the dpns. You can also just finish the hat with the smaller dpns, it won't matter too much for just a few rows.

fatoldladyinpjs · 12-06-2011, 12:45 PM

I've made hats with sizes 6,7, and 8 using about that number of cast on stitches for each one. There's not a lot of difference between a 7 and an 8. This is a hat that stretches, so it's more forgiving than a fitted sweater.

I used to live on the Mason-Dixon Line near York/Baltimore. It gets a bit nippy out your way. I'd suggest you knit this in 100% wool. I wore acrylics last year while waiting for a bus and froze. Wool is warmer and stays warm even when wet from snow. Merino wool that the pattern calls for can get a bit pricey. One alternative I could suggest is either Cascade 220 100% Peruvian Highland wool or it's close cousin, Knitpicks Wool of the Andes. My LYS charges around $8 a skein for Cascade while I got Wool of the Andes for about $2 a piece in a sampler pack, even including shipping. Wool of the Andes was a new one for me, but I like it. Read labels carefully. Some yarns claim to be wool but are really blended with acrylics. Not as warm or durable.

fatoldladyinpjs · 12-06-2011, 12:47 PM

BTW, thanks for the pattern link. This is a nice hat that I think even my picky adult sons would wear.

chixdilla · 12-06-2011, 01:03 PM

Thanks! I already have a skein of Patons classic wool that my boyfriend bought me-- to make stuff for him of course.

Yeah, that pattern's gotten some great comments on Ravelry. My boyfriend's a very basic type of guy who wouldn't normally wear knitted items, so this is perfect for him. Hope your sons like them if you end up making these hats for them!

DogCatMom · 12-06-2011, 01:32 PM

I learned to knit in May 2011 (yes, this year). I learned Magic Loop last month. I only wish I had learned Magic Loop sooner!

Now I'm irritated at myself for having purchased so *many* extra circulars that I won't be using...because all I'll really need are each size (prob. #1 through #10.5) in a 47" or 60" length. Period. I have tons of DPNs due to yard-sale acquisitions, and I will use them for gloves and other small apertures simply because of the hassle factor involved with so much extra cable for a tiny tube but, strictly speaking, they're not necessary, either.

Just get the #7 in a 47" or 60" length and the Magic Loop booklet by Hauschkas (I'll come back later and edit the spelling of her last name if it's incorrect). There are also videos, no doubt, but I figured it out just from the booklet.

DCM

suzeeq · 12-06-2011, 01:44 PM

The extra circs aren't really a waste though. You might want to try knitting with 2 of them some time, or want to start a new project with the same size that's already being used for something else. I find that with needles 36" or longer knitting narrow things flat are too cumbersome, the cord gets in the way - 24 or 29" are great ones for that. Or use can use them for stitch holders. I have about 3 or 4 needles in some of my sizes and sometimes can't find an empty one when I want to try out a new pattern...