Stitches

How do I make double pointed knitting needles?

I've been looking around for those, but I'm having trouble finding the right sizes. I heard there's a way to make 'em, but I don't know the exact method. Does anyone know? I need size 7's and 3's.

Public Comments

1. If you have wooden needles, just cut the caps off the far end ands use a pencil sharpener to make the nex points, then file it down with sand paper or an emery board to smooth it out and make the point a little less pointy. However, I did find this lady for you - she has what you need. http://stores.ebay.com/needles-shop
2. find dowel sticks in the diameter you want (may not be exact) and use a pencil shapener on the ends use a fine grit sand paper to make sure it is all smooth so you don't snag the yarn.
3. It's getting hard to find DP needles in the stores, they only seem to stock a few sizes, if any. I found the easiest way was to order online, there are plenty of sources. It's difficult to make your own, they are hard to sand down fine enough that they won't drag on the yarn.
4. If you decide you want to make them, in addition to what the previous answerers suggested (of sharpenning and sanding), you could try using some sort of wood coating to make the wood smoother (ask at your hardware store). If all you want is to get some needles the sizes you need, try the following links (if the full link doesn't work, just go to the home pages of knitpicks.com and theyarnco.com): http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Needles_list.aspx?categories='4103'&searchType=Category&titleName=DoublePoints http://www.theyarnco.com/needle_display/8/149 I hope this helps.
5. If there's a local independent knit shop, check there. They have more options. I found some at Michaels, not a ton. JoAnns can call their special orders department and order them for you.