EEEEKKKK!!! I can't join the round!

mrspotter-tru · 11-07-2006, 12:42 PM

I am trying to knit a hat, and I casted on the prescribed amount of stitches, and now the stitches are too far apart. Should I transfer it to a smaller circular needle, or can I do the magic loop method? Heeeeellllllppp!!!

Stiney · 11-07-2006, 05:45 PM

What size circ are you using? 16 inches are the largest you should use for a hat, without using Magic Loop.

mrspotter-tru · 11-07-2006, 05:50 PM

Apparently, I am using a 29.5 inch circular. Ugh. Can I use magic loop? I don't want to have to go and buy a shorter needle. Would it still be the same as knitting in the round (not turning the work)?

knitqueen · 11-07-2006, 05:54 PM

Magic loop is knitting in the round. You will always be working on the right side of your work, it's just a different method. I'm not sure if it will work with a 29" circ though, you can try. It also depends how flexible your cable is.

trollgirl · 11-07-2006, 06:13 PM

If you have double pointed needles, you could use those instead of buying a 16" circular? You'll need them when you get to the decreases anyway. I've made all my hats on DPNs, with no circular needles involved.

- tam

suzeeq · 11-07-2006, 06:42 PM

You can pinch the cord on the right about 1/3 of the way along the stiches and pull it out, then slide the stitches up to both ends of the needle and join. When you get to where the cord was pulled out, do it again. This works like the magic loop only you pull out on just the one side so you can use a shorter circ than is required for the ML. I do this with sleeves and a 29" needle. I can do it with a 24" but it gets a little tight at the wrist.

sue