Circular needles are the perfect choice for knitting in the round and also knitting flat pieces. They consist of a needle tip on each end with a cord joining them. These are used for projects like hats, sweaters, socks, sleeves, mittens and more.

Why would you use circular knitting needles?

The benefit of using circular needles for flat knitting is that it distributes the weight of your knit piece, especially when you're working with a high number of stitches. Circular needles come with sharp pointed tips (for detail-oriented lace knitting) up to rounded tips (for bulky-style projects).

Are circular knitting needles good for beginners?

While far more versatile than standard knitting needles, circular needles may not be the best choice for new knitters, who frequently have trouble remembering which hand does what, or how to turn the work and begin on the 'purl' side.

Can you knit anything on circular needles?

Can you knit straight on circular needles? Yes! Circular knitting needles are great for knitting flat (back and forth) as well. The long cable is great for holding a large number of stitches on the needle as they can move freely along the cable and take the weight of your project.

Are circular or straight needles easier to knit?

Working with straight or circular needles doesn't affect the difficulty or ease of knitting, which depends on the level of the specific pattern or project you are working on and not on the needles used for it.

Circular Needles Knitting in 5 Easy Steps

29 related questions found

Do I need circular needles to knit a blanket?

NEEDLES: I recommend ALWAYS using circular needles when knitting a blanket. You will still knit back-and-forth in rows, but the weight of the numerous stitches and growing fabric will rest on your lap as you work, rather than your wrists having to bear the strain.

Can I use straight knitting needles instead of circular?

The short answer is “Yes, absolutely.” Use whichever style of needle is most comfortable for you. A slightly longer version goes like this: Both circular needles and straight needles have their uses.

Are circular knitting needles better?

A circular needle will hold the stitches a little better and make it easier on your body because the needle holds more of the weight of the project. Knitting flat on circular needles is the same as working on straight needles.

What can I knit as a beginner?

When you are starting out: 8 fun beginner knitting projects

• 1 – The obligatory scarf. This is what most knitters have started with in the past. ...
• 2 – Shawl. A shawl is actually more like a very large scarf. ...
• 3 – Ponchos. ...
• 4 – Baby blanket. ...
• 5 – Bags. ...
• 6 – Cowls. ...
• 7 – Cuffs. ...
• 8 – Hats.

Is it easy to knit on round needles?

Circular knitting needles are great for more than just knitting in the round, they can also easily be used to knit flat as well. The long cable is well suited to having a large number of stitches on the needle as they can move freely along the cable.

What needle is ideal for beginners?

For beginners, experts recommend bamboo or wooden needles because the stitches don't slide off of the needles as easily as they do with other materials. In addition, they're also comfortable in your hands and won't slip away like other materials such as plastic or aluminum needles.

Are wooden knitting needles better than metal?

Metal. ... Metal needles are more durable than their wood or plastic counterpart and offer knitters faster speeds while knitting and the smoothest surfaces. Metal needles are particularly useful with yarns that tend to catch and can make knitting with them a smoother, less frustrating experience.

What can you make with circular needles?

While flat needles are great at knitting two-dimensional objects like squares and rectangles (think: scarves), circular needles are designed to knit three-dimensional tube-like things. Think about hats, sweaters, socks, and mittens. These are all things that have some element of a tube.

Can you knit sweaters without circular needles?

There are two construction methods you can use for knitting a sweater. You can knit it in pieces and sew it together (front, back, sleeves) on straight needles, or you can knit it 'in the round' on a circular needle.

What needles to use for knitting a blanket?

The best needles for a blanket: ChiaoGoo Circular Needles (US8). Circular needles are great for any blanket project. They're long enough to hold a whole blanket and the size 8 is perfect for any worsted weight yarn.

Which is easier crochet or knit?

Once you've learned the basics, many people find crocheting easier than knitting because you don't have to move the stitches back and forth between needles. Crocheting is less likely to unravel by mistake than knitting is. This is a major benefit of crocheting when first learning how to crochet vs knit.

Does knitting tone your arms?

Knitting is not a speed competition, therefore, you can work at your own pace. Its rhythmic actions can actually aid in the prevention of arthritis and tendinitis. Small knitting intervals enable you to exercise the arms and hands without exerting excessive force that can lead to musculoskeletal damages.

What can I use instead of circular knitting needles?

Double pointed needles are still the best option in certain cases. It's easier to use DPNs instead of a circular needle when knitting very small circumferences in the round. For example, while you can easily knit the main part of a glove on a circular, it's best to knit each glove finger on double pointed needles.

What size needles do I need for chunky wool?

A pattern using chunky wool will generally need large needles. Around 7 - 8 mm is average, while 5.5 - 6 mm will give you a tighter fabric. Super chunky wool, which is ideal for making a very thick blanket, will need even bigger needles.