Do you need a circular set of needles for your yarn project?
Circular knitting needles have a flexible cord (usually plastic) with needle tips at each end. You can get circular knitting needles in almost any size, but the most commonly available are sizes 3 to 15. The lengths of circular needles vary from 7 to 40 inches.
Knitters use circular needles to knit skirts, sleeves and other seamless, tubular pieces. This process is called “knitting in the round.” You cast onto a circular knitting needle in the same way that you do on straight needles, but when you’ve cast on the last stitch, you have to join the first and last stitches to make a tube. Be sure to join the stitches tightly, so you won’t have a big gap between them, and don’t twist them as you join them, or your knitting will come out twisted. Once you’ve done this, you should put a marker between the first and last stitches, so you can keep track of the number of rows you’ve knitted.
Rather than alternating rows of knitted and purled stitches, you can simply make knit stiches if you are using stockinette stitch. If you’re working on a more complicated stitch pattern, just remember that the right side of the work is facing you at all times, so you can adapt the pattern accordingly.
Though you can knit flat pieces with them, the most common use of circular knitting needs is to knit in the round. You can, for instance, knit both front pieces or both sleeves for a sweater at the same time on a long circular needle, which will make the work move along faster and also will ensure that both pieces have exactly the same number of rows.
If you’re more adventurous, you could also knit a cardigan on a circular needle by casting on all the stitches for the left front, the back, and the right front, and then simply knitting back and forth across the width of the sweater. When you reach the point when you have to shape the armholes, you will have to divide the work and attach a separate ball of yarn to each of the three sections to complete them, but the benefits of working this way are well worth that inconvenience.
For one thing, though you will need to count the rows to keep track of the stitch pattern or the color work you’re doing, you can rest assured that each section of the sweater will have the same number of rows in it. For another, once you’ve finished knitting, you have only to sew the shoulder seams together—there are no side seams to sew.
You may also find it easier to knit very large, heavy flat projects like afghans on circular needles, because you can find them in longer lengths than straight needles, and you can distribute the stitches, and thus the weight, evenly over the longer length.
5 Free Knitting Patterns for Handspun Yarn
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Knit Tea Cozy Cosy Handmade Washable Red, White, Beige $17.95 Lovingly hand knit in a soft washable yarn, this cozy will keep your tea hot and ready. It will fit either a five or six cup teapot. The flattering pattern keeps its shape well and washes up like a dream… toss it in the washer and the dryer and it will look like the day you got it! Whether you are relaxing by the fire, enjoying breakfast in bed or hosting a tea on your patio, this soft, warm coz… |
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Classic Elite Patterns Heron Island $8.95 This Classic Elite pattern booklet contains nine warm weather designs all with intriguing stitch details. Patterns call for Classic Elite Sundance, Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace, Classic Elite Provence, Classic Elite Interlude, Classic Elite Cotton Bam Boo, Classic Elite Marly and Classic Elite Bam Boo yarns…. |
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Kim Hargreaves Patterns Breeze Kim Hargreaves Breeze Summer Collection by Rowan is an exquisite collection of 21 designs covering a variety of chic, elegant and wearable garments. Featured yarns include Rowan Handknit Cotton DK, Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Rowan Summer Tweed, Rowan Classic Pima Cotton DK, Rowan Milk Cotton Fine, Rowan Wool Cotton, Rowan Denim, Rowan Classic Bamboo Soft and Rowan Organic Cotton 4 Ply…. |
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The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Knitting $15.96 This step-by-step, hand-holding guide to knitting is EASY to watch and makes learning fast and simple. Although this DVD is packed with everything a beginner needs to know, the chapters are bite-sized. Beautiful and clear demonstrations can get you started knitting scarf in only 30 MINUTES._____ There is a companion WEBSITE for the DVD where you can download lots of FREE beginner patterns! Scarv… |
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American Knitter’s Round Knitting Loom Instructional How To Knit DVD $14.99 This instructional DVD contains beginner to advanced projects. The essential loom knitting techniques taught will instill confidence and creativity. Knitting instructor Beth Hill clearly demonstrates each step of the process. Using first person views, you will learn to knit from the perspective of the instructor. This video truly is an essential for any beginning round loom knitter…. |
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I Can’t Believe I’m Crocheting Cables, Bobbles & Lace (Leisure Arts #4317) $11.45 Take your crochet skills up a notch as you learn 9 versatile pattern stitches that will bring pizzazz to your afghans, fashions, and other projects. Melissa Leapman takes you step-by-step through each pattern stitch. Up-close, in motion demonstrations, use auto-pause to set your own pace for finishing each step. Learning with this DVD is like having an expert at your side. Learn 9 beyond-the-basic… |
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Classic Elite Knitting Patterns Essentials $19.99 Classic Elite Knitting Patterns Essentials…. |
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Lace & Cable Aurora Bulky Sweater (# KK408) – Knitting Pattern from Karabella Pattern from Karabella Yarns… |
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Classic Elite Knitting Patterns Simple Pleasures $14.99 Classic Elite Knitting Patterns Simple Pleasures…. |
