Needle length question

02-13-2008, 05:29 PM

So sometime in my future I'm going to knit this shawl that starts out with 280 sts with sport weight yarn...I've never done something that big so I was wondering if 14" needles will be long enough to cast on 280 sts.
*thanks!*

Cougar1 · 02-13-2008, 10:39 PM

For that many stitches I would get a long circular needle...it will keep the heaviness of that many stitches once it gets going good from weighing down on your hands and arms.

02-13-2008, 10:57 PM

thanks! Can you recommend a certain length of circulars?

The.Knitter · 02-13-2008, 11:05 PM

I'd go with at least a 24" circ for that many stitches, maybe even a 36".

02-13-2008, 11:14 PM

Thanks yall

knitmama · 02-14-2008, 12:39 AM

I just started a project that required casting on 260 stitches. The 24in cable wasn't quite long enough and got really crowded really fast. I had to switch to a longer cable. If you're going to buy a circ for the project I would go longer rather than shorter or you'll get frustrated with all the crowding. HTH! Good luck with your shawl!

suzeeq · 02-14-2008, 03:28 AM

30-32" would probably be a good size.

Doublereeder2 · 02-14-2008, 04:00 PM

My mom knits afghans with 200+ CO. She uses 36" circs.