Joining on circular needles!

[jinxnit55]

So, I'm still a newbie to knitting, but being possessed of a very compulsive personality, I have now managed to start several WIPs and to give myself symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This started when I began purling with circular needles, as I have been knitting flat on them. I have finished a scarf and a 2 hats (that FIT!!) but frogged multiple things and have stayed up until 2 a.m. several times knitting ("Just one more row!"). Moderation isn't my thing, clearly. I would like to stop purling, so clearly I need to join the circle so I can just knit, knit, knit.

So the big question is, since I like to make hats for the time being, how do I join on circular needles? I mean, I can figure out how to join, but the size thing mystifies me. FI, if I am making a hat for a 22 inch sized head, and the knitting needles are 24 in., then how will that work? I can see that I am going to have to start magic looping, I guess.

Now if I can figure out what to do about my aching thumbs! I love knitting, but it's killing me, LOL. I am used to falling hard skiing, and getting bucked off horses, but that seems like sissy stuff compared to my ravaged hands and wrists!!

Words of wisdom, anybody?

[GrumpyGramma]

I'd guess you're tension is really tight. If so, you need to work on loosening up some, that will be easier on your hands, wrists, arms, in fact your whole body.

I think 16" circs should work well for hats. Or you can go longer and do ML. Here's a good video on how to join your stitches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ajp...e=results_main

[salmonmac]

Well a hat to fit a 22 inch head will be an inch or so smaller so that it fits nicely. You could start on the 24inch needles because knitting is stretchy but eventually you have to decrease sts for the crown. Then the 24 inch needle won't work. You could look at the videos under Advanced Techniques, Small Diameter Knitting. There are videos for Magic loop, dpns or two circulars that you can watch. One or more of those may work for you.

[suzeeq]

You can use a single loop technique with the longer needles. To start, cast on and pull a loop out about 2/3 the way around the stitches so they can meet to join together. Then knit around to the loop and pull out another loop 2/3 of the way around. Or use the techniques as in the video. When you get to the top and it's hard to move the stitches around, add a 2nd circular or do magic loop with 2 loops.

[jinxnit55]

Wow, GG! That's a great video. I will give it a try tonight. I agree that I have a problem w/ tension in my arms, neck and shoulders. I consciously try to keep the stitches loose and they seem to be OK tension-wise. Maybe I should have a glass of wine before I start knitting.

[jinxnit55]

I like this method, too! And I can see that I will have to get some longer needles, no problem because I actually ordered some harmony tips and cables today from KnitPicks. I am REALLY looking forward to NOT purling!

[jinxnit55]

So is that a situation where you would bring in a smaller second circular needle (instead of the bajillion DPNs that make me break out in a cold sweat)?

[Jan in CA]

I always knit in the round with magic loop. I use 32" for socks or small things and I prefer a 40" for hats. I personally do not like single loop. It's personal preference.

[GrumpyGramma]

So is that a situation where you would bring in a smaller second circular needle (instead of the bajillion DPNs that make me break out in a cold sweat)?

Do you mean using 2 circs? Here's a video for that. http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/pl...rcular-needles

I love my KP interchangeables. I bet you'll love them too.

[Marina1109]

If sometime in the near future you want to learn "how to knit the invisible join in the round" here's a like:


http://newstitchaday.com/how-to-knit...-in-the-round/

This has become my favorite way to join in the round.