Stitches

i need help with knitting needles sizes?

Okay so i've only been knitting for a few weeks now, and needles are quite expensive, especially the circular needles. Im working on a few patterns that require i switch to a bigger needle. Would it work if i just knit a lot looser for the rest of the pattern that needs bigger sized needles?

Public Comments

1. Please don't try to knit looser as you will eventually go back to how you were knitting. I don't know how your finances are but go on line to http://wwwjoann.com and check out their price of the needle. Don't forget you will be using them the rest of your life so the price it worth it.
2. I agree you really need the right size needles. You can make your own straight or double pointed needles out of wooden dowels. http://www.3gcs.com/adcock/free%20patterns/handmade_knitting_needles.htm Here is a site with tutorials and directions for circular http://whipup.net/2006/07/19/make-your-own-knitting-needles-dowel-fimo-and-pencil-sharpener/ I found a better site with step by step directions for circulars here: http://knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/061109_a.asp
3. You've been knitting a few weeks and already working on A FEW patterns? Focus on just one at a time until you have had a couple successes, or you will surely put the knitting aside and not touch it again. Use the right size needle - even experienced knitters trust their needle size over their tension. When you have completed one project, then start on a second one which uses the same (two) sizes of needles, thus cutting down on having to buy another pair or set. Besides, reusing the same sizes will help you become familiar with the tension you should be using.
4. usually you start to knit with a smaller needle and switch to a bigger needle. I haven't heard of switching to a smaller needle to a bigger one as of yet. If you are new to knitting continue knitting with the needles your are currently using until you really feel comfortable switching needles. A lot of the knitting depends on how you hold your yarn, the size of the needle, how many needles, and tension of the yarn. if held too tightly the guage doesn't always turn out to the right size. Practice does make perfect. Here's another suggestion, if you hit a lot of tag sales, estate sales, or even clearance sale, you might and most often can find kitting needles out there and can all most pick up next to nothing, because some people don't have the time to sit and work with the needles or crochet hooks.
5. Things I wish I had known about knitting needles: 1. Once I got used to the circular needles, that's all I use. You can knit back and forth as well as in the round. 2. Once I found out that I can knit in the round on the long circular needle with any circumference of project, I quit buying anything shorter than 49". 3. While I usually like the metal needles, the wooden ones are superior for some purposes. But the cheap plastic ones are fine for short runs of ribbing. To answer your specific question: No, you can't maintain a gauge that way. You'll really need the bigger needles. I assume you are moving from a ribbed or garter-stitch border to stockinette? My advice is, get the bigger needles. You won't be sorry. To answer your unasked question: I have bought knitting needles at thrift shops. I have bought them in a bundle on eBay (where I got them cheap but also got duplicates of needle sizes I already had). I have bought them on the Reduced for Clearance counter at Michaels' and A.C. Moore. My church's knitting group has a huge box that have been donated to the church from members who no longer knit and if I needed a set, I'd negotiate with the church office. I have a bunch that a woman gave me when she found out I knit, and she can't knit anymore. You don't have to go to the yarn shop and pay big prices; it helps to plan ahead and look for bargains on sizes you don't currently have. Just a helpful hint. P. S. I totally forgot about FreeCycle and coupons at the craft stores. [Thanks to UU Pagan for the reminder.] Also, I have a military ID card, and A.C. Moore gives a 10% discount for having a military ID card.
6. I would stick to getting needles in the size you need. Some things you can do, sign up for Michael's email newsletter. They send alot of coupons and 40% off is a big help. You can also go to AC Moore's website and get your area's weekly coupons that way. Again, 40% off is a big help. PLUS at AC Moore's when you come in and shop they usually give you ANOTHER coupon of about 50% off. Also join freecycle.org for your town. See if anyone is giving away knitting supplies. It can be a big help. Oh and also, check Wal-mart...ours doesn't have much but sometimes has what I need.