Needle question

#1

I’m just full of questions aren’t I?

Okay, so this baby hat I want to knit calls for 5 dpns in size 3 and size 4. I originally contemplated buying 2 sets of dpns so I could have 5 and then have extra for when I lose one. However, I just really can’t afford 4 sets of needles right now. It would be a different story if the pattern only called for one size.

So, would it be feasible to use circs and do ML instead of using dpns? If so, how does one switch to a different needle size when doing magic loop? Or should I just use the dpns I can find in the store and instead of seperating the stitches into groups of 4, just do it in groups of 3.

I really really want to make this hat, and I’m trying to find any way possible to do it without having to buy 4 sets of dpns.

#2

I realize that some DPN are sold in sets of four, but I’ve only ever purchased DPN in sets of five needles in the pack. Try looking for DPN that come in a set of five instead of a set of four, and then you won’t have to worry about buying four packs of needles.

Since you’re doing a hat, you may well be able to get away with going circular needles, but at some point (depending on which end the hat starts on) you’ll have to switch to DPN because the diameter will be too small for the circular needles.

I’ve never switched needle size with circular knitting before, but I [I][B]think[/B][/I] you should just be able to knit right on to the next size needle (I think it’s kind of like a train switching tracks).

#3

This would work, except in every store I’ve looked in, they only come in packs of 4. Oh and Michaels apparently thinks that the ONLY sizes of dpns you’ll ever need are 3 and 6 because that’s all they carry.

Since you’re doing a hat, you may well be able to get away with going circular needles, but at some point (depending on which end the hat starts on) you’ll have to switch to DPN because the diameter will be too small for the circular needles.

I hadn’t thought of this…I’ll have to check the pattern again.

I’ve never switched needle size with circular knitting before, but I [I][B]think[/B][/I] you should just be able to knit right on to the next size needle (I think it’s kind of like a train switching tracks).

That’s what I thought as well, but wasn’t sure because I’d be doing it through magic loop, rather than on more than one set of circs.

Seriously, I don’t want to hunt all over town for 5 set dpns, but if that’s what it takes to get the hat done…

#4

Yes you could do it on circulars all the way. You can use magic loop at the top instead of dpns. And when you change needle sizes, just start knitting with the other size.

#5

[FONT=“Century Gothic”][SIZE=“4”]I’m really liking your idea of using four DPNs instead of five. I think the result might be dependent on the types of stitches used in the pattern and how the pattern is written.

For example, if directions are given to do X on “Needle 2, 3, etc.” then you’ll just have to be extra careful that you’re paying attention to which needle those stitches are on now that you have less needles than the pattern asks for.

I hear you on the large chain craft store. I don’t know where you live… we have a large chain as well, but I’ve been trying to go to our local craft store here in town (old fashioned mom & pop going out of business), and they have a ton of stuff that JoAnn’s doesn’t have (funny, they don’t have yarn, but they’ve got needles!). You might not be so lucky.

If you have a Michael’s you’re bound to have a WalMart… our WalMart carries aluminum DPN (I personally like wood, but…) in smaller sizes.[/SIZE][/FONT]

#6

if you decide to use 4 instead of 5 needle thenput stitch markers where the stitches would be divided by the needles instead.
what i meen is (sorry terrible at explaining) if the pattern using 5 needles says (picking numbers at random here), [I]cast on 80 stitches and divide over 4 needles, 20 stitches on each needle[/I] instead you would [B]cast on 80 stitches, divide over 3 needles and place a stitch marker every 20 stitches[/B]
That way if the pattern calls for doing somthing for each needle, then you know where the needles are in theory.

does that make any sense or am i babbling in sophie language again?

alternativly i have seen shops online sell packs of 5 DPNs, like angelyarns here in the uk and knitpicks internationally.

#7

See, when I lived in San Diego, I knew where I could get them in sets of 5, and the price wasn’t too bad. But for some reason, not only does this part of Canada not believe in quality craft stores, they also don’t believe in 5 set DPN’s.

The pattern is a simple baby beret, done in stockinette, so no fancy stitches. I think it would be safe to do it on the 4 dpns or one circ with magic loop. I’m going to try the ML method first, and if it fails, I still have until April to buy dpns :stuck_out_tongue:

Thanks everyone!

#8

DITTO! I haven’t used a set of dpn’s at all since I started using ML.