Circular needle size

How-to Questions
1

Hi everyone

My pattern calls for a size 8 24 inch circular.

Can I use a 29 inch?

I am knitting a hat

Debbie

2

I don,'t know if I made myself clear or not. I have never knit a hat on a circular needle before so I am not sure if the length of the cable makes a difference. The pattern is for a toddler hat using a 5 mm needle which is 24 inches. I have a size 5 mm which is 29 inches. I would like to know if this would do or should I go out andbuy one which is 24 inches long.
Thanks
Debbie

3

A 24" needle for a toddler hat will require some sort of looping with the cable I’m sure. Does the pattern have instructions for how to deal with this? Can you link to your pattern?

Will your circ cable allow you to pull a loop of it between stitches so you can knit a smaller diameter on it? It depends in part on the length of the cable and in part on how flexible the cable is. There are videos in the Free Videos section for Magic Loop knitting.

HTH and just doesn’t add to your confusion.

ETA When using a loop or 2 loops on a circ to allow for smaller diameter knitting, generally speaking more cable is better than less cable.

4

Is it knit in the round? If so your really need a 16" circular and some DPN for the decrease section or at least a 32" (I prefer 40") for magic loop. 24" is too large for the stitches to fit and too short for magic loop.

5

I’m glad you thought to ask about in the round. :whoosh:

6

Thanks everyone, yes it is knit in the round so I guess i am off to buy new needles
Debbie

7

I have been able to do magic loop with small cables(circular needles not knitted). It is not impossible.

8

Yes, you can do single loop rather than regular magic loop. However, it can be hard on the cables IMO and I find the join is not as nice. YMMV

9

I broke a cable like that. I could have gotten it replaced I guess but it was my own darned fault and I wouldn’t do it. That’s abusing the warranty IMO.