Beginner circular needles patterns

#1

I’m looking for a couple simple circular needle patterns. My Mom is thinking about getting me a set of interchangable ones for my b’day and I want to make sure I’d use them before she spends the money. Do y’all prefer DPNs or Circular?

Thanks
Mienna :smiley:

#2

I haven’t mastered DPNs and have used 2 circs instead. Someday I’d like to learn DPNs though just so I can say I know how. :wink:

Here’s a popular hat pattern that a lot of use. You can use either circs or DPNs.

#3

circular always! :thumbsup: remember too that you can use circulars for flat knitting as well as knitting in the round. i have never used straight needles…never even bought a pair. i think the interchangables are a great investment because you are less likely to need to buy extra needles along the way. though there is always the issue of having two projects with the same needles going at the same time! :wink:

do you have any circs now? a good project will depend on what size circs you have. 16 inch would be good for hats. 32 inch would be good for afghans.

#4

I do have some circular needles, they’re size 10, 29". I was curious how you knit flat pieces on circular needles instead of straight needles. Do you use a pair of circular needles and knit from one needle to the other?

Thanks for the help. :slight_smile:
Mienna

#5

You use the one circular needle as if the two ends were separate. Knit across your work, turn and knit the other way. I prefer this for just about all my straight knitting anymore. No ends to hit anything, and I never drop or lose the second needle.

#6

Also when knitting flat with circs I noticed that the working yarn will be on the left needle for flat when you start a new row and on the right when you are going to join a first row. At least that helps me to not join when I’m knitting flat.

#7

What are DPN’s??? :oops:

#8

:slight_smile: Double Pointed Needles

#9

Make a curly whirly scarf!! :heart:

#10

I have at least 15 pair of straights and got the Denise set for Christmas and now rarely acknowledge my straights! I love the circs because I don’t to worry about having clearance or losing one. If I had gotten them 1st I probally would have never bought any straights.

knitbebe

#11

I love circulars because if the dog jumps on me or the cat decides to play with the yarn, I never lose a stitch. I often use them instead of straights, and am about to tackle the magic loop! Two circulars was interesting too. Good luck! samm :XX:

#12

I love the dpns for small projects like mitts & socks…but the circs sure are handy for those larger items!

Happy Knitting,
Rhy :XX:

#13

Yes circs are well worth it! As stated you can knit flat on them.
It amazing how much stess is taken off your arms when you dont have 14 inches of metal flopping out beyond your elbows.

You can use them for circular projects as well. Just knit around and around and around. I have a bunch of straights and every time I start a project on them I inevitably switch to my circs (even if I have to buy a new set)

#14

Here is an easy pattern for using circular needles for the first time. I made a hat like this for my sister, and she loved it!
http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/quakerhat.htm