Double pointed needles

[AprilBxoxo]

I have a pattern to knit a hat that I really like. My question is this....If the pattern calls for you dpn's at the crown of the hat, do you have to use dpn's? Is there a reason for this or can you continue to knit on two needles to the tip of the hat?

I have not mastered dpn's yet lol and mine are the metal ones so they slip all the time and drive me batty lol!

Thanks!

The problem with using two needles at the crown is that you need to be able to work the circle; it's impossible if you only have the stitches on two needles AND you're trying to knit with one of them. You'll stretch the stiches like crazy. (I know because I've tried 2 dpns to prevent the needles' slipping.)

If you knit a lot of hats in the same weight yarn (or close), get some bamboo needles. They don't slip like the metal ones. (They also serve as fantastic cable needles!)