Stitches

Can I use circular knitting needles in the place of straight knitting needles with out affecting the pattern?

Can I use circular knitting needles in the place of straight knitting needles with out affecting the pattern? I have a hard time with straight needles, but the circular ones are short and easier to manuever. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. You certainly can. Make something beautiful.
2. I think it all depends on what your knitting. I always understood that the circular ones were for a certain type of afghan.
3. Many new knitters think of circular knitting needles as something just for knitting in the round; sleeves, hats, socks, tube scarves, the seamless yoke and body of a sweater, etc. They are certainly perfect for knitting in the round. Unlike double pointed needles, there are no needles to drop, no worrying about ladders where the needles meet, no worrying about having too many stitches or dropping stitches from a needle not in use. And they don't require any juggling of tips and points as 4 or 5 needles clatter together on a sock. However, a circular needle is also perfect for straight or flat knitting, which is commonly done on two single pointed straight needles. Fewer pieces means fewer pieces to lose. It is more compact and thus more portable, and it won't prod your neighbor on the bus. And, for large projects, it means that the weight of the growing fabric does not sit on the needles as you pivot and turn them, but instead rests in your lap. If your project is extremely large, such as a 6 foot wide extra bulky weight afghan, then 2 long circulars will allow you to cast on the entire width. Just cap the unused ends with point protectors or rubber bands, and use them like very long flexible straight needles.
4. I mostly use circulars. Its easier to make an afghan or something heavy with circulars. The weight of the blanket or garment is evenly supported on the cable, a lot easier on my elbows and hands.
5. yes its easy. just dont connect the ends and flip yourwork like you would with regular needles. if your making something small, you can use childrens stright needles. i use them because i have trouble with large needles too. kids needles are 6-8" and have the added bonus of being bright colours!
6. No shouldn't make a difference. Personally I find circular needles a pain. Each to there own I suppose. If you want a great pattern for a circular needle see if you can get hold of may 06 issue of simply knitting published in the UK e mail simplyknitting@futurenet.co.uk There's a really great child's hoodie in there, I knitted one for my nephew that my sister loved so much she told me he asked for another for Christmas (I think it unlikely as he can't speak but there you go) There's several other nice projects for circular needles in there too.