by Kimberly Napier

Created on: January 22, 2011   Last Updated: January 23, 2011

When I first saw circular knitting needles, I thought they were odd looking and I tried to avoid them as long as I could.  Now, I will go to my circular needles first whenever I am beginning a project. They are so much fun to work with.  This is my way to introduce them to others that may have the same avoidance issue that I had with them.

Circular needles

These are two knitting points that are connected by a flexible cable.  They can be made of the same materials that straight needles are, such as bamboo, aluminum or plastic. They are ideal if making something that you would like to be seamless.  Due to the cable that joins the two needles, circular knitting is very easy.  This can be helpful when creating sleeves, socks, mittens or even sweaters. It is helpful when knitting in the round to place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Even though they are useful for knitting in the round, they can also be useful when knitting straight items, like afghans, or anything else.  

How to Begin.
As with any knitting project, knitting on circular needles requires stitches to be cast-on.  The number of stitches will depend on the project.  Try to cast the stitches on loosely and do not worry if they slip down onto the cable.  The needle itself is not long enough to hold very many.  The cable allow you to work with more stitches more easily than most straight needles.  Some people like to attach an additional loop on the left hand needle.  They would then work this stitch in with the last one when completing the first row.  I have never tried this method, but if you would like to try it, others have done it before you.

After you cast-on the stitches, you can start working the pattern.  The needle with the stitches on it will be held in the left hand, while the empty needle, or the working needle, will be held in the right hand.  

As you are working you may have to push the stitches up from the cable onto the left hand needle.  This will not be too difficult if the cast-on stitches are done loosely. Be careful not to push the stitches off the end.  Work them up easily.  

Now follow whatever pattern that you may have.  If it is a pattern to be worked in the round just make sure to slip the marker from one needle to the other to mark the beginning of that round.

If it is to be a flat object, make sure to switch the needles from hand to hand at the end of each row.

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