Trying a hat - question about dpns

#1

Hey everyone, I’m Billy. I’m probably the only 17 yr old male on these boards, but hey, it’s alright =D

Anyway, I’ve made a couple scarves and I decided to try my luck at a hat. I’ve been using this pattern, using size 11 circulars (16") instead of 10.5’s, since that’s what I had. I just reached the point (the k6, k2tog) where the stitches are getting too tight to keep going on the circulars, and I need to switch over to DPNs. Being unprepared as usual, the only DPN’s I have are size 8, and after a quick run to a couple of different stores, the only DPN’s I could find were a rather expensive set of 10.5.

My question is this: Is there any practical method to finish up the hat without purchasing anything new, or do I need to find a pair of size 11 dpn’s online? Or, if need be, should I suck it up and buy the 10.5’s at the store, if that’s a possibility?

Thanks in advance,
Billy

#2

we have several young guys on here…you are not alone! :thumbsup:

my little secret when knitting hats and i get to that point…i grab whichever DPNs are closest to size and handiest. that’s just the tippy top of the hat so i figure it isn’t THAT important…i am bad i know but that’s what i do! :blush:

#3

I use one long circular needle and use the magic loop method for the top of hats. If you like circular needles you might consider saving up for a set of interchangeables. It won’t cover ALL your needs, but it’ll do pretty well. :wink:

BTW…you can find info about magic loop and the use of two circs for small diameter circular knitting in the videos above.

#4

If you’re desperate…

What’s important is the size of the needle you knit with, not the needles holding stitches. So… you could transfer on to the small DPNs and knit with your circular pretending it’s a floppy DPN. After you knit a DPN to empty, slip all the stitches off the back end of your circular back on to the DPN and go on to the next one using your now-empty-circular-that’s-pretending-to-be-a-dpn.

Lots of hassel, but it will work with what you’ve got.

#5

:thinking: I wonder if you could use pencils sharpened on both ends…I just stuck one in my needle gauge and it’s a very tight 10.5 but a loose 11. Of course you wouldn’t want the lead part in there, maybe pull that out and just sand the point a bit.

When you’re not in a pinch for time, try making your own DPNs, its easy and pretty inexpensive! There’s even a video on it!

#6

Wow, thanks for the quick responses guys! I think I’m going to enjoy this forum :smiley:

I’ll try one of these methods out tomorrow, when I’m more awake…I’m not very good yet at fixing mistakes when knitting in the round, and since there’s no handy “undo” button in knitting, I’m going to be attempting this

v e r y s l o w l y . . .

haha

thanks again!

-Billy

#7

OMG! I’m male AND 17~!

#8

seeeeeeeeeeeeee i tolja! :thumbsup: