How do I know what size circular knitting needles to use?

To work out what is the shortest needle you need, first divide the number of stitches by the stitch tension (gauge) per cm or inch to get the length of your knitting as before, then divide that by 3 and then add 25cm (10in), and use a needle length of that dimension or larger.

Does circular knitting needle size 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.

How do you tell what size a circular needle is?

The length refers to the entire length from the tip of one tip to the tip of the other. This is the important length when knitting in the round because your project needs to go all the way around the loop of the needles without being stretched. You can get away with shorter circular needles and bunch your stitches up.

What size knitting needles do I need?

Generally speaking, heavier yarn will require wider needles. Lace weight yarns will usually need needles between 1.5 and 2.5mm in diameter, worsted or middle-weight yarns will need needles between 3mm and 5.5mm, and chunky yarns will usually need 5mm to 8mm sized needles and larger.

How do you match knitting needles with yarn?

In general, a basic rule of thumb is: the finer the yarn, the smaller the needle. Most patterns will specify the yarn that they used to make the project. If you didn't want to use the exact same yarn, you could substitute for something which is the same weight yarn.

How to Pick the Right Size Needles | Circular Knitting

What size circular knitting needles do I need for a blanket?

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. The best circular needles for a blanket are ChiaoGoo Circular Needles (US8).

Which are the best circular knitting needles?

Are circular knitting needles good for beginners?

The guide explains the difference but what you need to know right now is that many beginners prefer to start with circular knitting needles. They are versatile and starting there helps narrow down what can be an overwhelming array of choices.

What is the benefit of using circular knitting needles?

Circular needles have pointed tips and come attached with a length of smooth nylon or plastic cord. Because circular needles allow the weight of the work to rest in your lap (rather than on the needles) they put less strain on the hands, wrists, and shoulders.

What is the difference between circular needles and magic loop?

Magic Loop is a technique for working in the round that avoids the use of double pointed needles. Using longer-than-usual circular needles, you can knit projects even with very small circumferences, like wee little socks, crowns of hats, cuffs of sleeves… the list goes on!

What are the best circular knitting needles UK?

What can I knit with 29 inch circular needles?

29″ The 29″ needle can be used for things like baby blankets or cardigans that are large but not as big (or heavy) as a shawl or adult-sized blanket. If you're knitting a sweater in the round, this is a solid choice for working the body.

Can you knit a blanket on circular needles?

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.

What are 16 circular needles used for?

16″ (40cm): These are mostly used to knit the brim portion of hats or the body of baby sweaters that are knit in the round. 24" (60cm): This is probably the most versatile length, especially when it comes to knitting flat or knitting children and smaller women's sweater bodies.

What are interchangeable circular knitting needles?

Interchangeable Circular Needles

Interchangeable Knitting Needles are made up of a pair of needle tips joined by a flexible cable which unlike fixed circulars can be changed to accommodate the width of a project. These circular knitting needles come in a full range of sizes, lengths and materials.

Can you knit anything on circular needles?

You can knit in the round with circular needles, which makes them ideal for sweaters, hats, and sleeves. You can also knit flat on circular needles by working back and forth across the stitches on the central cable, which is great for making blankets, scarves, and shawls.

Can I use longer circular needles?

Besides using a really long (40″ or longer) circular needle that may already be in your stash, this technique also gives the opportunity to knit both halves of the pair at once, helping keep consistent gauge and progress in front of us for the entire project.

What size needles for magic loop?

You really only need one piece of equipment to start learning Magic Loop: a 40– to 47-inch-long circular needle in a medium size, say, US size 7 or 8. You'll also need about 50 yards of worsted-weight yarn, but you probably have some already.

Are knitting needle sizes color coded?

Each size is color-coded so you find the size you need at a glance. US and metric sizes are printed on the knob.

Can I use circular needles instead of double pointed for socks?

And the answer to this question is: Yes! Of course it's possible! As long as you are knitting a small project on the round, you can absolutely replace a set of 5 dpns with circular needles and you can also do magic loop, if that's your thing…