Knitting flat on circulars?

#1

I feel silly!

I am very new to knitting and am going to make this blanket:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/PATTwildstripes.html just as soon as I get my needle situation figured out (see another post of mine titled Errrr, I’m frustrated (not necessary to read this to help guide me, but feel free if you want) http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88897

Anyway, I don’t know if I’m over thinking things because I’ve never done anything like this, but what do I do? Here are the basic (and I’m sure simple) directions that are giving me fits (in my brain):

Use 1 32" US #5 circular needle
CO 158 sts.
Work in stockinette st, following stripe pattern from chart.

I did some looking and figured out stockinette was knit one row, purl one row but do I still do that when using the circular needle? I just can’t picture this in my head - has anyone seen a good video that would help me to understand? I thought I knew what I’d do, but now I think if I tried what I was thinking of I’d end up with a tube! I’m a visual person and could use some video or picture guidance here, thanks!!

#2

Hey Bailey, I’m in Boise. :waving:

The only reason you need a circular needle here is because 158 stitches is quite a few to cram onto straight needles. You will use your circular needle just like you would straights though, turning it when you get to the end of a row instead of joining to knit in the round. So yes, stockinette will be knit one row, then purl one row.

If you [I]were[/I] going to knit in the round, then you would knit every row (or round, that is) for stockinette.

#3

No, sweetie, you knit to the end of the row and then turn and purl back just as if you were working on straight needles. The only reason to use the circular needles is to have the length you need to hold all the stitches. The only way you would get a tube is if you joined the stitches end to end and just kept on knitting. Cast 20 stitches on to your circular needles and work 4 rows turning at the end each time. It’ll soon be clear.

#4

Good advice so far… Here’s a hint -

Your work will still be on the left needle… the right needle is just attached at the other end. The working yarn must be coming from the ‘left’ needle where all the stitches are. If you have the working yarn coming from the right needle and you knit into the stitch on the left needle you will be joining your work.