I tried circular needles last night for the first time. It wasn’t a spectacular success. I used a pair of Clover #8 29" needles that I bought in search of instant gratification.
The biggest problem seemed to be the stiffness of the cable. After doing a hat with DPNs I was eager to try out some magic loop for comparison. I found it very hard to keep the cable from spreading out at the “halfway” point (i.e. the part where you pull the cable back through after casting on). In general, it just wasn’t doing what I wanted.
From there I went on to just using the needles for flat knitting. Again, it felt pretty uncomfortable, even given that I have more experience with straight needles. Again the culprit seemed to be the cable… it kept trying to twist the needles off somewhere I didn’t want them to go.
So, what’s the deal? Is this typical of these needles? Can I expect the cable to "break in " and loosen up any? Or is it just my own lack of experience?
The nylon cable on the clovers is stiff and has a strong memory! I have used tip from this site, to dip the cable in very hot/near boiling water breifly, and that cable is much better now.
however, i also bought myself knitpicks options (withthe wooden harmony tips) and that cable is SOOO much nicer to work with!
I can’t imagine trying to magic loop w/clover, but can w/the options.
I am still using a variety of circular needles accquired over many years some are good some not. the biggest problem I see is that your cable is too long for your project. When you knit in the round the cable needs to be shorter that the length or circumference of the item you are knitting. In other words you want the knitted fabric to be gathered rather than tightly stretched. Sleeves and cap top will probably still need to be finished on DPNS. I have never used a magic loop so no input there.
I did here from somebody else about the hot water trick it is supposed to relax the cable. The Addi Turbo ones are supposed to be really soft as well, but I put the NitPicks options set on my Christmas wish list, however since I knit very tight I want the nickle plated ones.
I started knitting just about everything on rounds and find it more comfortable, but I do think its a preference thing.
The point of using Magic Loop is that you can use a longer needle than what you’re trying to knit. I make hats on 29" needles and it works fine. The problem is the stiff cord and heating it (some use hairdryers) and letting it cool straight will probably help a lot.
I love my circular needles and almost have totally given up my long straight needles. Only for variety do I use the straight needles when I have a long project on the circular and need a break from both the project (which might take months) and the circulars.
Please don’t give up on the circular needles they really are wonderful. I’ve been making gloves on them, and I’m a brand new knitter and they make the knitting so easy.
Just to add to the heating tip, that is super idea (btw)… also buying needles with the long cords as you have, there are also circular needles with cords that are very thin… they will form the magic loop in the middle of the project fairly easily and not try and stretch that stitches.
As an aside, when making ‘joins’ like in a sock etc the thinner cord actually assists in avoiding holes at the ‘joins’. Which I like tons for the socks and gloves. Gloves have a lot of joins, considering the fingers, and a tiny cord helps a lot. So that’s just another idea for why it’s good to have the thinner cord needles.
Nancy
There are good circulars and bad circulars. Most are a matter of preferrence. I have not knit with straights since I first learned to knit. In my opinion circulars are a better investment since you can do so many more things with them. Addi Natura is there bamboo version and the Addi Turbo is the metal version. These are the best I have found as the cords don’t have so much memory and the joins are very smooth and will not snag your yarn. Knit Picks Options is a close second for those wanting an interchangeable set.
I have to agree that the Clover cables are difficult to work with under any circumstances. I haven’t tried heating the cord though. I broke down and bought the Options last week and LOVE the quality of the cables. MUCH easier to work with.
Also resist the urge to coil them up when you store them between projects or you’ll have to start the straightening all over again when you pull them out.
I’ve never used circular needles either and I’ve just started using dpn’s. I’ve got a set of Knit Picks 4.5mm needles tips and cable coming from get knitted so I’ll be trying them and if I like them my fiance is going to get the full set for me for my xmas.
I have to agree about the clovers-they have very stiff, uncooperative cables! I tried the heating cables in the boiling water, and while it did make a difference, overall it was still annoying. I bought the Denise (interchangeables) set first, and I love those. Then I tried the Addi Turbos which are incredible (imo!). Those are my favorite for when I want metal. Then (after hemming and hawing, after all I have a bunch of needles already!) I broke down and bought the Options from KnitPicks too. They have the most wonderful cable, with virtually no memory and very thin.
I think I have a needle obsession
Anyway back to the question. Yes this is typical of Clovers and any needles with a similar cord. Maybe try a selection of different brands with varying cables and find what you like? Good luck! But don’t give up on the circulars-they are wonderul once you get the hang of it!
Thanks to all for your replies! All though heating the cable to influence its flexibility has a certain appeal to my mad scientist/“Let’s see what we can make explode” side, I’ve decided to pack the Clovers back up in their sleeve and return them while I still can. I’ll find something else more suitable for magic looping.
OK, I tried again… with KnitPicks Harmony / 32" cable. What a difference! Not only is the cable more flexible, but the sharp points of the needles make things a million times easier. I didn’t have time to do much last night so I just cast on 14 stitches and magic looped it… it worked great!
