shorten circular needle?

[melinda9723]

I am trying to knit a hat and all I have is 29" needles so I ran out to hobby lobby and bought a acrylic circular needle.The package only has 5mm/8 on it so I told the lady what I was looking for.
She took it out the pack and assured me( so I thought) it was a 16" needle. Trusting her word I thanked her and proceeded to check out.
Here comes the problem:
When I got home,I started casting on 84 sts needed for hat to find out this is not a 16" needle but another 29" needle!

So my question is, Is there a way to shorten this needle without buying another one?
Thanks for your help!

[MerigoldinWA]

Maybe, but... I've had my husband shorten straight needles, but never a circular. It would be hard to get the join nice and smooth.

But if you have 2 29" needles of the same size (8, or whatever) you could do the two circular needle method. I'm sure you could find a video somewhere, maybe even here on KnittingHelp. Check "Advanced Techniques for one. 2 circulars is not my first choice, but I've done it and it works fine.

[melinda9723]

Ok, I will check that method out. I was using double pointed needles but I kept loosing my sts! Lol Thanks again.

[Sheri]

I do hats and socks on two circulars. Once you learn it you'll love it! I might be able to talk you through it. I'm not sure if there is a video out there or not.

[Jan in CA]

I don't recommend it. It could ruin it. I'd go with learning magic loop. And then consider getting an interchangeable set like KP Options. Link at top of forum.

[suzeeq]

You can use both needles, Magic loop or the single loop version of ML.

[melinda9723]

I do hats and socks on two circulars. Once you learn it you'll love it! I might be able to talk you through it. I'm not sure if there is a video out there or not.

the video is right here on this site under advanced techniques! gonna try to learn this method now!

[hyperactive]

do not shorten the needles.
The 2 circs method is good, all fine.