Okay, someone reassure me here...

IrishKnitter · 02-19-2007, 02:14 AM

I'm currently working on a hat. This is only the second hat I've ever made, so I'm still not 100% sure of myself. The first hat I knit on 24" circs because my head measured 23.5 inches, so I figured it was close enough.

When I went to the yarn store this weekend to pick something up, I was talking to one of the owners, and she told me never to use anything bigger than a 16" circ. She said even if the circumference of your head is close to 24 inches, you're still stretching the yarn. I have asked her for tips/advice before, and I do trust her.

However, I'm knitting this hat (and I *did* take the time to swatch and measure my gauge, etc.) on 16", and compared to my first one, it just looks tiny. But I measured, figured out how many stitches to CO, etc. I should just trust the math, right?!? 16" is the correct size needle?

Thanks!

Jan in CA · 02-19-2007, 07:17 AM

Yes, 16 in circs are what you use for a hat. It always looks small, but they stretch on your head.

Jenelle · 02-19-2007, 07:17 AM

Yes, 16 inches is the correct needle size.

IrishKnitter · 02-19-2007, 07:19 AM

Phew! Thank you ladies...I just wanted to make sure!!

five_six · 02-19-2007, 07:20 AM

*pats on back in reassuring way*

... there, you have been reassured!!

IrishKnitter · 02-19-2007, 07:27 AM

There now, that's better.

This place is the best!!

niffer · 02-19-2007, 09:30 AM

Sorry to jump in on this one - and more apologies for being a bit dumb - but is that 16" needles for all adult hats???
Or just ones that need to fit a 23.5" head?

I never trust the math, usually I've done it wrong

Jan in CA · 02-19-2007, 09:49 AM

16 in circular needles is the standard size for all adult hats. You don't want the stitches all stretched out. If they can't fit on a 16 in needle most people use DPNs.

SandraEllen · 02-19-2007, 03:15 PM

Even though she's using a 16" needle size, you don't want the hat to be 16 inches for a 24 inch head, do yo?

I would assume that you need to be making about a 20 inch hat for you head...

anyone else?

I realize that you use a 16 inch needle because you can always fit something bigger on a smaller needle, but not the reverse...

Ingrid · 02-19-2007, 03:18 PM

I always use 16" needles, too. You fit way more stitches on it than 16" worth. It's fine if the stitches are bunched, but you don't want them stretched out--not only will it stretch out the knitting, it's a pain to work.

I'd only use 24" needles for something several inches more than 24".