What length needles?

[sjr]

I am going to try to make a wrap sweater ( Cherry by Kim Hargreaves) that calls for 100 stitches and 50 rows for the first part on #6 needles, but it doesn't say what length needles I should use. I can't imagine that my 10 inch long ones will work. What should I use? Also, I am assuming that I am a medium, as I hate my sleeves to be short. Anyone have experience with this particular pattern? I am generally either a medium or a small. Thanks in advance for the help! Sally

[Ingrid]

I don't have experience with the pattern, but you can use long circular needles and knit flat, and you don't have to worry about the stitches fitting.

[sjr]

Do you mean use two sets of circular needles as if they were regular needles and don't knit in the round? Yikes. I don't know if I could handle that! What length needle do you think I should use if I was just doing it the regular way?

[Ingrid]

You only need one circular needle. You use the ends as if they are two separate needles. When you finish a row, you switch hands and turn your work around like you would straights. All your stitches fit, and the weight of the knitting is easier to handle than having it all hang from a straight.

You could use a 24 or 32 inch needle--and later on, use it for a sweater in the round.

I never use my straights anymore.

You can get longer straights--14" in think? But as I said, the sweater hanging off the end of one needle is murder on your wrists.

[sjr]

Hmm. So here's a silly question. If I use the circular, will I put my knitting down and get confused about what direction I am going in or go to start a row and not know if I am on a knit or a purl row? ( I obviously could get confused about either of those things in any case!!!!) I guess my question is, is this safe for beginners?? Thanks! Sally

[psammeadred]

Perfectly safe! Just look to see which needle your working yarn is coming from, and that's all there is to it! Just imagine your straights have floppy ends and are connected. (Ingrid, I agree - 14 inch straights kill the hands, arms, wrists, elbows...)

[Ingrid]

As long as your working yarn is in your right hand, you're good to go--just like with straights.