Circular vs straight

[ThelmasGirl]

If a pattern calls for circular needles but says the 'cardigan is worked back and forth on a circular needle in one piece from the neck down", could this also be done working with straight needles?

(Seems like everything I want to try calls for new needle purchases and I'm trying to be more frugal...a related question: Has anyone used that set of circular needles sold at Michael's for abour $70...where the needles are interchangeable...would that be a more economical purchase using one of their 40% off coupons instead of investing in all those different sets of circular needles separately?)

[MerigoldinWA]

If the cardigan is worked with the fronts and back all worked at the same time, putting all those stitches on a straight needle might be a squeeze, but if you can get all the stitches on your straight and you feel comfortable still, it will work.