double pointed needles vs. short circular.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MartyAZ on December 13, 2009 at 3:17pm

In my opinion it will be difficult to use such a short circular. Your fingers will be all cramped up inside that loop. Consider 2 circulars or a magic loop.

Kelly has a terrific tutorial video on magic loop method. That uses a longer (24" or more) circular.

Or stick with the dpns, now that you have caught on!

Good luck and keep asking when you need help.

Permalink Reply by Renee on December 13, 2009 at 5:45pm

I prefer dpns. That is the way I learned to knit, so I am used to it. The biggest change was going from 4 to 5 needles. Now that I have the hang of it, I really love it. I have pulled out the wrong needle more than once, so I am rather good at picking up stitches. It just happens. Good luck with your socks and enjoy them.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on December 13, 2009 at 9:21pm

When I use DPNs I often use point protectors. Yes, it can be a pain having to switch them around but it's better than losing those stitches.

Permalink Reply by Janice Luinstra on December 14, 2009 at 8:52am

I am what I call an English drawing room style knitter. I use the first finger of my right hand to "throw" the yarn around the needle. I find knitting on four or five needles to be much easier than the circular. I find with the circular I can't "throw" efficiently. I think it depends on your knitting style. If you make a circular arm motion with each stitch then I can see where the circular needle might be easier for you.

Knitting on four or five needles has become second nature to me and works very efficiently. It can be intimidating though and I can understand your worries. I find that knitting on four or five needles makes the knitting of the heel and the gusset simpler. Good luck and remember that it's whatever works best for you.

Permalink Reply by Paula Marshall on December 14, 2009 at 2:31pm

I mastered the magic loop and would never think of using anything else. I watched Kelly's video and it helped me more than the written instructions. I ordered my magic loops from KnitPicks and got the longest ones they had. I have the four smallest sizes available. Smallest two in metal and next two in harmony. I absolutely love them. I find that the first few rows are a pain, but also the same with dpns. I have also used them for hats. But whatever method works for you is great. The end result is the same....

Permalink Reply by Fiberpainter on February 10, 2010 at 8:22pm

I am a 9 inch circular fan. I work in a yarn shop and sell tons of them after people watch me whizzing around and around. I just gave a workshop on the technique at my spinning guild which was a hit. Even the lady with the arthritis who didn't think she could possibly do it was surprised that she could. I do have to start the toe and heel with magic loop, working toe up. I look so forward to getting on those little needles.