Can I use circular needles instead of double pointed needles?

How-to Questions
1

I’m trying to use double pointed needles and I’m getting very frustrated. Can I use the circular needles instead and will it turn out exactly the same? Looking forward to your answers Nadia

2

Sort of but it depends what you’re making. If the circulars are too long for the circumference you’re going to have to use the Magic Loop method, or 2 circulars.

3

I’m trying to make the “simplest cap of all” its in the hat pattern section on this site. Would the circular needles work for this?

4

You can use circs for any project that calls for DPNs. Sometimes you have to employ the Magic Loop technique or use two circs, but the result is the same or even better as there aren’t any ladders.

5

Certainly you can use circulars for the hat pattern. You may need to look up Magic Loop or knitting with 2 circulars in the Advanced Techniques section.

6

ok, I’ll be picking up those circular needles and trying this out, thanks for your help! Nadia

7

I’ve been watching those videos and please clarify, magic loop knitting, knitting on circular needles and knitting on double pointed needles is all the same and will give the same results? Thanks for your help. a new nitter :slight_smile:

8

They are different methods for knitting in the round. They produce the same result, but the way they are done is different. Look at Small Diameter Knitting here http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/advanced_techniques/index.php

9

Thanks a lot for your help and yes, I’ve really been watching those videos, they’ve been a great help! Nadia

10

Hi Nadia! Just thought I’d put my 2 cents in…

yes you can use circulars if the project is small enough but Ihope you’ll learn the delights of double points some time because they are just as easy if not easier. I’m knitting a headband for the first time and using a small circular but it’s kind of a drag because you have to keep stopping to push the stitches around… it’s more labor intensive than dpns actually. Dpns are clumsy at first but then, well for me, I find them so much fun and they are easier for me too.

Half the time I just transfer my work over to dpns coz I’m tired of the circular. I’m talking smalllll projects though, I’m doing my Einstein coat on my wonderful Addi Turbo circular. good luck!