How do you know what size circular needle to use?
Circular needles hold up to 3 times the length of the cable only i.e. needle length minus the length of both the tips. For big knits such as a blanket the bulk of the knitted fabric you’re making is a factor, so need to allow more length for this.
Does length of circular needle matter?
You may have thought all along that bigger circular needles produce better stitches but you are wrong! Every circular needle size and cord length has its own purpose. Each needle size is numbered and the smaller this number is, the smaller the circular needle will be and you will also have to use a thinner yarn.
Can I knit a blanket with circular 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 you use straight needles instead of circular?
Simply use straight needles instead of circulars: knit when it says to knit; purl when it tells you to purl. On all even rounds, the stitches need to be reversed: wherever the circular knitting pattern says to knit, purl instead. And when the original pattern says to purl, knit the stitch.
What if my circular needles are too short?
If your circular needle length is too short, your stitches will be crowded. Crowded stitches are more difficult to manuever – and it’s a bit harder to catch mistakes.
What is a good size knitting needle for beginners?
Medium sizes are generally the best for beginners. This means you should look for a width size of six (4mm), seven (4.5mm), or eight (5mm). For length, a 10-inch needle is usually a good starter size because they’ll be small enough to handle easily.
What size needles for a blanket?
The most common lengths used are 16”, 24”, 32”, and 40”. These needles work well for knitting blankets. However, unless you always knit the same blanket with the same yarn, you’ll need to buy a different needle for each blanket you make. This can get expensive and create storage issues for all the needles you buy.
How much should I cast on for a blanket?
If you want a medium sized blanket, then try casting on 120 stitches. For a large lap blanket, cast on 160 stitches. For an extra-large lap blanket, cast on 200 stitches.
When should I use circular knitting needles?
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.