Is this true?

XxavoOo · 12-26-2009, 12:32 AM

First off, merry christmas everybody!

Ok, so I went to the yarn shop here at my city and asked for double pointed needles. Every time I go in there I do the same thing: ask for DPNs, look at the yarn, buy something. And every time they tell me they don't have any DPNs (they do have circs, however). So, I decided to ask the shop owner herself to bring DPNs, since they are easier to use than circular needles (I find this to be true for me). What she responded was: "We don't bring them because no one uses them; everyone prefers circular needles".

Is this true? For me, DPNs are better. I find it to be harder to transfer stitches on a circular needle than on a double pointed one. Is DPN usage really disappearing?

trvvn5 · 12-26-2009, 05:37 AM

I use circular for everything. I can't even remember the last time I used DPNs

etoilechaude · 12-26-2009, 05:47 AM

I think it really depends on your personal preference. I honestly just despise all small circular knitting... I've tried everything except the square dpns and nothing 'feels' good to me. That being said... time to go cast on a second gloves for my partner... *sigh*

(BTW all of the yarn shops in my area carry both circs and dpns... and there are a LOT of shops here, so I'm assuming people must still be using them ;o)

rwd1105 · 12-26-2009, 05:51 AM

I like DPN's much better then circular.

bambi · 12-26-2009, 06:01 AM

I prefer DPNs for smaller things like socks! Like my circs, too but for larger project like sweater bodies.

meowmeowmeow · 12-26-2009, 06:03 AM

D: No DPNs? How does the world make sense to them???

I got myself a set online at eknittingneedles.com

I have a set of circular needles(boye needlemaster) but I only use those as straight needles(for large projects done flat and such) and as needle holders.

I also got myself that little nickel sock DPN set yesterday off of the knitpicks website(links aaaall over this site).That was my gift of preference from a gift card...along with about 13 balls of yarn >_> I don't even remember how many.I kind of went on a spree. *checks self into rehab*

trvvn5 · 12-26-2009, 08:28 AM

I always get pissed off at DPNs because there is always that extra needle in the way. So I'm knitting, and I'm knitting, and then a stitch falls off one of the needles and I'm pissed.

etoilechaude · 12-26-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by trvvn5

I always get pissed off at DPNs because there is always that extra needle in the way. So I'm knitting, and I'm knitting, and then a stitch falls off one of the needles and I'm pissed.

LOL totally understand!!!!!!!!

AngelaR · 12-26-2009, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by bambi

I prefer DPNs for smaller things like socks! Like my circs, too but for larger project like sweater bodies.

I am in this boat. I just started using DPNs a few months ago when I decided to tackle socks and stockings. I love them. However, I love my circular needles just as much when I am doing larger pieces like sweaters, etc.

I have to order most of my DPNs online, though. The local shops tend to carry the most popular sizes and anything smaller than a 5 or larger than an 8 is never in stock.

globaltraveler · 12-26-2009, 02:01 PM

I have a full set of wood DPNs but hardly ever use them, usually preferring circular needles...because two tips and a cable are easier to keep track of than five pins, they're much harder to lose one of, because I probably won't sit on one and break them, etc.

However, I'm glad to have them. For instance, I can make do for i-cord with things like a pair of tips if I have to, but much easier with DPNs.

I suppose I can understand a small LYS owner not wanting to bring in more stock, though -- it gets very expensive, trying to have all the sizes in all the materials in all the companies, etc.

I do have to say, though: they're tools, not a religion. Sometimes I wonder if people have forgotten!