Circular knitting is a technique that reduces purling and
produces garments with fewer seams. You can choose
from differenty types of needles, but some types of
yarn are better suited to circular knitting projects than
others are.
Needles for circular knitting
You use two types of needles in circular knitting:
double-pointed and circular. Although some types of
projects are more easily worked using certain needles,
the needle you choose is largely a matter of personal
preference.
Double-pointed needles: Double-pointed needles,
commonly called dpns, are straight needles that are
pointed on both ends. They are good for working on
projects with a small circumference, such as mittens,
socks, or the fingers of gloves. You divide your stitches
among the needles (sold in sets of four or five) and
work in a continuous spiral from one needle to the
next, forming a tube of knitted fabric.
Double-pointed needles are available in all standard
needle sizes ranging from tiny 8/0 (pronounced "eight-
aught") to very large US 36 (20mm). Sold in lengths
ranging from 4 to 16 inches, dpns are most commonly
found in 5- to 8-inch lengths. Varieties are made of
plastic, aluminum, steel, bamboo, and various types of
wood.
Circular Needles: A circular needle consists of two
needle tips connected by a thin cable. You typically
use circulars to knit projects that have a circumference
of 18 or more inches. However, you can use them in
creative ways to knit smaller circumferences.
Circular needles are available in all standard sizes.
However, they are not easy to find in sizes smaller
than US 0 or larger than US 19. Circular needles come
in lengths ranging from 9 to 60 inches. This
measurement includes the length of the needles, not
just the length of the cable.
The length of the needle tip varies with the length of
the entire circular needle.
The point where the needle and cable meet is referred
to as the join. A smooth join is important, because it
means your stitches won't snag as you slide them from
the cable onto the needles.
Metal and polished wood needles are slick and smooth,
which means that stitches slide faster along the
needle. Bamboo, plastic, and unpolished wood needles
have more texture and drag to help your stitches stay
in place. These can be a better choice for beginning.
Circular needles are very versatile, making them great
multipurpose tools. Here are some needles options:
Although Skacel Addi circulars cost more, their quality
is well worth the investment. The join on Addi circular
needles is barely noticeable, and they have a pliable
cable. They come in three types: Addi Natura, Addi
Turbo, and Addi Lace. Addi Natura needles are made of
bamboo with a moderately blunt needle tip and are
excellent beginner needles. Addi Turbos are made of
nickel-plated brass and are very smooth and fast. Addi
Lace needles are made of polished brass and have a
pointy tip that is perfect for working lace or cable
projects.
Inox makes two types of circular needles: Inox and Inox
Express. Both are affordable.
Clover Takumi bamboo circular needles are affordably
priced and, because they are made of bamboo, are
excellent needles for a beginning circular knitter.
Choosing yarn for circular knitting projects
You can use any type of yarn for circular knitting, but
some types are better than others for learning
purposes:
A worsted-weight yarn: Its size makes it perfect for
learning new techniques. Thinner yarns can be fiddly
and difficult to manipulate; thicker yarns can obscure
stitches.
A smooth yarn: It is very important when learning a
new technique to be able to see your stitches clearly.
Any yarn that obscures your stitches is not a good
choice.
A three- or four-ply yarn: This type of yarn has the
kind of stability you need when learning.
A wool yarn: Wool is elastic, which makes it forgiving
of a beginner's uneven tension. Also, wool's durability
allows you to rip it out and reknit it multiple times.
A light-colored yarn: Darker colors absorb the light
around them and can make it difficult to see the
details of your stitches. Lighter colors reflect light back
to your eye. White can be too bright, but a light neutral
color, such as natural or tan, is excellent, as are
pastels.
Some yarns to consider include Cascade 220, Valley
Yarns Northampton, Lion Wool, and Patons Classic
Wool. If you have a wool allergy, then consider a good-
quality acrylic or acrylic blend, such as Berroco
Comfort, Lion Cotton-Ease, or Patons Canadiana.
Other tools you will need
There are some basic knitting tools that every knitter
should have on hand:
Scissors and seaming needles
Stitch holders
Stitch markers
Measuring tools such as a retractable and a needle and
stitch gauge
Crochet hook
Row counters
Cable needles
