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 Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:57 pm
I got three gift cards to craft stores for Christmas and my yarn stash runneth over already so I was thinking about picking up some needles and learning how to knit. What sizes/kinds would you suggest I get and how many? Should I get some circulars and some straight or can I use circulars for everything? I don't want to spend a ton of money on it yet. I will mainly be knitting wearables like hats, socks, and gloves.
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Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:41 pm
Ooo! Huzzah and excitement for you!
Firstly: get circular needles. They do both straight and circular knitting. I dont even use straight needles anymore, I only own circs smile
Circs are cool because:
You can hold many many more stitches. The weight of the work is resting on your lap etc, and NOT on your wrists like with straight needles (pendulum effect), so less sore wrists. You never have to worry about loosing one of your needles .. they are attached to each other :p And much more.
You should get a few pairs in the most 'common' sizes to start with, and then just buy more when you need more lol.
These are just the sizes 'I' use most often, im sure other people will be able to add to this smile
Cable length
1) 40cm (16") for hats and general knitting back and forth.
2) 100+cm (40+") for when you learn to do Magic Loop (gloves and socks can be knit with this method, its very easy to learn, check out the videos on knittinghelp.com!).
In the two above mentioned Cable Lengths, I have the following needle sizes, 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm. I personaly dont use any bigger needles, but most people have a 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm etc.
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Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:28 pm
Circular needles are great IF you can use them. I find I can't they only frustrate me. I would not say don't buy them tho rather.....
I would suggest buying one pair of circs first and trying them. If they don't frustrate you and you like them, stock up!
I use straight and DPN's and love them...
It's a matter of preference.
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Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:58 pm
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I will probably hit the craft store in a couple of days. biggrin
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:38 pm
Well, I ended up with a 5.5mm circular and after about an hour of casting on, messing up, and starting over I think I am finally getting the hang of it! I am definitely a pro at long tail cast on as many times as I had to start over, lol.
I only practiced knit stitch over and over but it was beginning to look somewhat similar to the way it's supposed to. I have got to figure out my tension but that will come in time.
I think I am going to like it and next time I get a 50% off coupon for JoAnn's I think I will pick up the Boye Needlemaster set. I almost got it tonight but I controlled myself. Now I wish I hadn't!
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Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:52 am
KnitPicks has a completely customizable set of circular needles, ooo, and they have wooden needle tips now too. emotion_drool http://www.knitpicks.com/interchangeable+circular+knitting+needles_NL300312.html It's what I dream about when I start thinking that I'm going to knit more.
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:23 pm
AmigurumiJain Well, I ended up with a 5.5mm circular and after about an hour of casting on, messing up, and starting over I think I am finally getting the hang of it! I am definitely a pro at long tail cast on as many times as I had to start over, lol. I only practiced knit stitch over and over but it was beginning to look somewhat similar to the way it's supposed to. I have got to figure out my tension but that will come in time. I think I am going to like it and next time I get a 50% off coupon for JoAnn's I think I will pick up the Boye Needlemaster set. I almost got it tonight but I controlled myself. Now I wish I hadn't! funny you mention that, that happend to be the ONLY thing i asked for for christmas, and its great! the aluminum needles are so light and easy to use, i think the only disapointment i had was the inperfections on the tips of the needles, some were duller than others, but it really shouldn't matter unless your a really tight knitter.
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:33 am
I'm full of sugarplums... AmigurumiJain I got three gift cards to craft stores for Christmas and my yarn stash runneth over already so I was thinking about picking up some needles and learning how to knit. What sizes/kinds would you suggest I get and how many? Should I get some circulars and some straight or can I use circulars for everything? I don't want to spend a ton of money on it yet. I will mainly be knitting wearables like hats, socks, and gloves.
Wow, you are ambitious! It takes really small double-pointed needles OR small, small diameter circular needles to make socks and gloves. I still haven't made any yet. Hats aren't too bad. I've actually only made one in the round. As for the Boye Needlemaster: I bought it at, what, 30% off I think. I am working on my sweater with them. The only issues I have are that the tips wear away easily. Actually, more than just the tip is wearing away. I guess I am kind of a tight knitter, but the interchangeable cables untwist themselves rather easily. So I constantly have to screw them back on.
...and stupid metaphors.
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:08 pm
when i was learning to knit the kit i got came with straights so i've always used straights...i can only use circs if i'm actually working in the round...
i consider myself an advanced-intermediate knitter so I can work either way.
as for the size of the needle always remember this rule:
THICK NEEDLES ARE FOR THICK YARN AND THIN NEEDLES ARE FOR THIN YARN! That's what I go by, even though sometimes i use a sport-weight on my size 13's for a bit of a webby effect for scarves and hats.
i learned on size 8's straights (lol that rhymes!) and worsted weight yarn. 8 is probably one of the most common sizes you'll see so i suggest you get a pair (lol i own three pairs of 8's) and some worsted weight yarn.
also a great teacher, instructor, or friend helps as well. (i've already taught my stepsister to knit and my bff briana...lol briana's always stealing the patterns i create and putting her own spin on it and calling it hers...i don't really mind though)
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Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:12 pm
i'm relatively new at knitting, so can you guys tell me what circs are?
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:28 pm
this thread hasn't had love in a while but I thought I would answer your question thunderstripe, if you have not already learned what a circular is.
A circular needle is a knitting needle that is attached by a cable (or cord) to the other needle. So basically, there is a long string that connects the two needles.
They work great for knitting in the round, or if you have a project that is really wide and would normally have to be squished down on straight needles.
They are wonderful, but like was said above they are not for everyone. But those who use them, such as myself, swear by them. So give them a try!
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:27 pm
I am strictly a circ knitter..I dont use my straits anymore..but I keep some just for the looks. I prefer dpns for sock knitting which once you make one pair of socks it is addicting...and not scary at all after the first pair or so. I make both socks at the same time so I dont have second sock syndrome. I bought the boyd interchangeable circ set and dont like it at all..I would however like to have the Knitpicks set. I like how much pointier their needles are.
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Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:25 pm
I'm dying for the KnitPicks Harmony circ set. So drool worthy!
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Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:25 pm
I love circular needles, however, I have to use straights at the Renaissance Faire as circs aren't "period".
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:24 pm
I own the interchangeable Boye circular needle set and I can't stand them! The cables aren't very flexible and the circs need constant fiddling to stay together. I ordered a size 2 circular needle by the company Chiagoo and I adore it! I am going to have to order more. The cable is positively wonderful. There is so much flexibility and no problem of the needle coming off the cable. I think I am rather tired of interchangeable sets and especially tired of Boye needles. I got the circ off of Amazon and it was only about $5. So cheap and awesome! biggrin
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