Circular or Straight Needles?

Jackie M. · 07-17-2005, 05:48 PM

How many prefer circular needles to straight needles? Are circular best for knitting a hat and is it too hard for a beginner? I just bought circular needles but I'm afraid to try them right now. Should I try knitting a hat with straight needles first?

brendajos · 07-17-2005, 10:51 PM

well i haven't tried knitting a hat but knitting on circs in the round has been very easy for me. i started using circs as straight needles from the first stitch...i think they are great...no having to find a needle that fell on the floor!

watch amy's video for knitting in the round. it really is very easy....ya just keeeep goin...

BinkyKat · 07-17-2005, 11:00 PM

I like circs for larger items... so far I have only used them for flat projects, not in the round yet. But I like straights in shorter lengths for quick scarves, etc.

Nuno930 · 07-17-2005, 11:13 PM

I knit in the round when I can because I am lazy. I don't want to seam stuff up. I like them for knitting flat too because there is much less motion involved.

KellyK · 07-17-2005, 11:38 PM

I use my interchangeables for pretty much EVERYTHING...even flat stuff. Having one longer needle is alot less cumbersome than 2 straights.

Nuno930 · 07-18-2005, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by KellyK

I use my interchangeables for pretty much EVERYTHING...even flat stuff. Having one longer needle is alot less cumbersome than 2 straights.

Oooh plus you don't lose the needle. I am really bad at losing the one with no stitches on it

Mer · 07-18-2005, 12:20 AM

A basic hat isn't too hard for a beginner, I think! Try a simple roll brim hat-it's a great project for your first circular experience.

rebecca · 07-18-2005, 12:55 AM

How long are the circs that you bought? You are golden if you bought 16" circs; but if you got 24" or anything that will be larger than the circumference of whatever u r knitting (head) then they won't work. I say go for it if you got the right size; it's really very easy & nothing to be afraid of & there's always somebody around here that can answer a question if u get stumped.

cmk · 07-18-2005, 01:57 AM

I use the magic loop method with circular needles for knitting hats. I just checked and there's a video on this site - click on "Advanced Techniques".

Good luck.

Carolyn

Jackie M. · 07-18-2005, 02:18 PM

Well poo.....I did get the 24" circular. I didn't even know they came in sizes like that. Tells you how new I am at this. I only bought the size of needles the same way I would buy straight needles. Oh well, on the next trip to the store, I'll pick up the right ones. In the mean time I will practice with these.