Hi, I am a knitting ‘returner’, I can knit but haven’t attempted to create anything for years and even then I didn’t get past the beginner stage.
I have just knitted a hat quite successfully but wasn’t happy with my attempt at intarsia - maybe running before I can walk!
I would really like to knit some afghans and throws but most of the patterns I have seen use circular needles. Why would this be when obviously a throw is flat? Also, does anyone have any helpful tips when starting to knit with circular needles - should I get some more general knitting experience first or is it quite easy?
I’ve used circular (cable) needles before on blankets and such. There is a lot more room for a bigger, wider project, since cable needles are much longer. This way, it makes it easier to see your work, and the stitches have more room to “move around”. It’s not usually fun to have a whole bunch of stitches crammed onto short little needles.
Afghans on straight needles would have to be worked in strips and seamed together. On circular needles you can work them in one piece. Circular needles are just about all I ever use. They can be used to work in the round as for hats or flat as for afghans. I don’t see why you would need to wait before using them. I wish I had started with them. One thing I love about circs is that they’re on a leash and one of them can’t run away and hide. With straight needles I was always dropping one and having to find it. My chair loves to eat them.
