Needles for Knitting Afghans

itscherij · 10-09-2010, 10:32 PM

Do you generally need to use a circular needle to knit afghans? And if not, what�s the general size needles used? I ask because I really want to do some afghans, but it�s impossible where I live to buy needles. I have literally one set, and I think I may be the only person in the country that knits.

suzeeq · 10-10-2010, 03:46 AM

Yes a circ is much easier to handle and I don't think they make straight needles long enough for all the stitches you need. Plus the weight of that long a needle (should you find one) and that many sts is really tiring to hold up. A circular about 32-36" long will hold about 60-70" worth of sts.

Shandeh · 10-10-2010, 04:27 AM

Your other option would be to knit the afghan in strips or squares. Then, you would seam them together when all the sections are complete. You could use any kind of knitting needle to do that.

joulesb · 10-12-2010, 07:44 AM

if yu wanted long needles how about the interchanglable circulars. the cables usually come in different lengths and i know tht the knitpro ones can be connected to make even longer cables.

cindycactus · 10-12-2010, 02:11 PM

I noticed you are in Costa Rica. Would it be possible to order the circular needles from Knit Picks or on some other online store? Knit Picks are great. Don't know for sure if they mail out of country though.

N0obKnitter · 10-13-2010, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by cindycactus

I noticed you are in Costa Rica. Would it be possible to order the circular needles from Knit Picks or on some other online store? Knit Picks are great. Don't know for sure if they mail out of country though.

I checked KP...they don't ship outside US/Canada. Bummer. Can the OP acquire Addiclicks online and have them sent to Costa Rica? I do know that Addiclicks are ferociously expensive...

ArtLady1981 · 10-14-2010, 12:21 AM

I use circular needles, too. Besides being able to load hundreds of stitches on the needle cable, the weight of the work rests in your lap. Not on a stationary straight needle.

itscherij · 10-16-2010, 07:23 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Yep, the problem is trying to buy anything knitting related here. The yarn is crap, and so far I�ve been able to find only one, count �m one, set of needles. Crochet needles are all small, only for doilies and such. Need to do some exploring to see if I can buy what I need in San Jose.

N0obKnitter · 10-16-2010, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by itscherij

Thanks for all the replies. Yep, the problem is trying to buy anything knitting related here. The yarn is crap, and so far I�ve been able to find only one, count �m one, set of needles. Crochet needles are all small, only for doilies and such. Need to do some exploring to see if I can buy what I need in San Jose.

That has to suck :( hope you have luck in San Jose (the one in the USA?) finding what you need.