Hi I am kinda of new to knitting and was wondering about circular knitting needles. Why use them
Some info in this existing thread: 'Question about “circular needles”
cam
Less seaming involved is my favourite reason!
I use them instead of straight needles b/c I never have to worry about loosing the needle my work is on, and the weight of a larger project rests in my lap instead of my wrists doing all the work.
I have really bad carpal tunnel… with straight neeldes i can only knit for a short amount of time before my wrists hurt so bad i have to pull out the aleve and alternate heat and ice. With the circulars, i can knit for hours on end (no kidding, i knitted through our lord of the rings movie marathon) and have no problem with my wrists.
I like them because they are shorter than my straights, so they take less space and less cumbersome while in public, especially in the train. (When there are a lot of people around you)
All of the above reasons, plus the “oohh factor”. “Oohh, what are you doing with that yarn?” It’s magnified when you’re using the magic loop method in public. I knit at our public library while reading magazines sometimes, just 'cause my hands get bored.
All of the above. I would not go back to straight needles - too cumbersome after using the circulars. Give it a try.
It’s magnified when you’re using the magic loop method in public.
Even more magnified, when using magic loop and double knitting.
Whether knitting flat or circular, I find it MUCH easier on my hands, arms, wrists, elbows.
Bambi
Yep, me too. I at first was intimidated, but love knitting with them now.
And of course, if you’re knitting something round like a bag or a hat, it’s much easier and doesn’t require seaming!
Hi Bambi
if you use circular needles and the pattern says to use the garter stitch in the entire pattern…do you just knit all rows or knit 1 purl 1
It depends on the pattern. If you’re making a flat piece you would knit all rows. If you’re making a tube you knit 1 row, purl 1 row.