When do you need a cable longer than 24 inches?

#1

I think I read that Magic Loop uses a long cable (32?) but just in general, when do you know, if the pattern doesn’t specify, if 24 inches is long enough? When is it too long?

Thanks in advance!!!

#2

It just depends on how many stitches you need to work with. You couldn’t do a sweater in the round on a 24" cable.

Magic Loop is easier on a longer cable as it doesn’t put as much pressure on the cable/needle joints.

#3

I’ve done sweaters on 24", but 29" is usually better. You need 16" for hats and collars. I like 24" for knitting flat or doing two circs, as well.

#4

Wow, that was either a small sweater or some seriously bunched stitches :rofl:

#5

I have a question that’s probably sort of dumb, but I always thought that when you said 16" circulars, you meant that the cable itself was 16". Do you measure the needles also when determining the length? I have a few circulars of indeterminate origin lying around, and though I can use a needle gauge to find out their mm, I was wondering how I find out what cable length they’re considered.

#6

You measure circulars from needle tip to needle tip. :wink:

I use 24’s for two circ projects like socks and some sweaters, 16’s for hats, , but I prefer 32 or 40 for magic loop.

#7

I don’t need anything longer than 24. And 16 for hats. Got it.

:slight_smile:

#8

Probably not. Although now we are all going to challenge you to learn Magic Loop and knit a sweater! :wink:

#9

:teehee: You know you want to!! All the cool kids are doing it :teehee:

#10

You can fit a lot of stitches when you’re using Shetland wool–it’s fingering weight.:thumbsup:

Plus, when you’re as sleek as I am. . . . .

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

#11

:notworthy:

:rofl:

#12

If you are talking about Shetland wool, I think you must mean …when you’re as steek as I am…

#13

:roflhard::roflhard::roflhard::roflhard::roflhard::roflhard::thumbsup:

#14

:roflhard::roflhard:

#15

Proud to be a geek… :mrgreen:

#16

I used a longer cable when I was making an afghan for my daughters king size bed. I had 2 30" cables joined for that one!

#17

I have to know…how long did it take to knit a king afghan?

#18

You must be one strong lady! Years ago my grandmother crocheted a double bedspread out of crochet cotton and no one could lift. (not to mention wash it!)

#19

It fits a king size bed. I made it all in squares, then sewed them all together, and knitted the edging. Believe me, it is warm, I used 2 strands of DK throughout. It has survived 2 grandchildren, my daughter, & her Marine husband. It is beautiful, but, only adults can move it, lol.

I made the squares at work, approx 9" square. 3 different types of squares, then, I usually did one square a day, sometimes more on weekends, The sewing up took longer than anything, all those freaking ends… and remember I used 2 strands… lol I was afraid it wouldn’t be warm enough.

All together about 3 weeks start to finish. Believe me, I was tired of afghans for ahile.

#20

I must be a whimp, i cannot get a 16" to make enough slack to do a finished hat
and I do the 2 @ once ML for my sleeves on my sweaters, then the decreases are equal, NEVER gonna hapen otherwise
I dont really use any shorter than 24" except to start a hat, and I use my 40" or bigger for sleeves
ecb