Different needles as in the pattern

Hi,

I’m having a go at my first sweater (bottom-up) knitted using circular needles, and the pattern states 10mm and 12mm needles. I don’t have the 10mm circular, and was wondering if I could use straight 8mm needles for the ribbing with a looser tension? When it’s time to switch to the 12mm circ, could I just make 1 increase to join in the round, then proceed with stockinette?

Also, the pattern calls for switching back to the 10mm to work the neck. Would it be alright to go back to the straight needles?

The pattern is free and called Carla Sweater by Mayflower

Thanks!

The best thing to do is to look at the pattern gauge and use the needles that give you that gauge or very close to it. Trying to knit the ribbing on a smaller needle with looser tension doesn’t work because you inevitably relax into knitting with your usual tension. At best the tension will vary and that won’t produce the nice even ribbing that you want.
You can certainly work ribbing on a straight needle then join in the round for the body as long as the stitches will fit on the straight needle. And you can probably work the neck on a straight needle with one shoulder seam left open. Add an extra stitch for the seam at the neck.
It’s a good looking sweater in a nice chunky yarn.

2 Likes

Thank you as always, @salmonmac!

1 Like