Many beginner knitters and even experienced knitters have never tried circular knitting needles but once they do, they generally love using them. These multi-talented needles allow both knitting flat pieces such as shawls, sweaters, blankets and more along with knitting in rounds like hats, socks, mittens, etc. Besides, being fans of their multiple uses, many knitters believe circular needles to be ergonomic, designed for true comfortable knitting.
So, what do you need to know about circular needles? They are two short knitting needles (4 to 5 inches (10-12 cm) long with cables joined by a cable of 16 inches and 60 inches (40 -150 cm) long. They are available in the same materials as regular straights, such as bamboo, metal, wood, stainless, steel, aluminum, acrylic, carbon fiber, etc. These knitting needles are available in two formats, fixed circular (FCNs) and interchangeable (ICNs), the difference between the two is the cable can either be fixed or can be changed according to a project. Most importantly knitters enjoy working with these needles as it makes it possible to carry on large projects or work with heavy yarns as well as the smallest circumference projects with the same pair.
If you have never tried knitting with them it is time to switch. Here we will be talking about five reasons that they are perfect. And once you are acquainted with circular knitting needles, you might wonder why you did not use them until now!
- Reduces strain on hands and arms: Knitting with circular needles allows the weight of the project to be more evenly distributed. The cable carries the entire project, so if you are working on a heavy yarn blanket or bulky sweater or anything as such, you will be much more relaxed using these needles. Compared to single-pointed (STNs) or double-pointed (DPNs), when using circular needles knitters report reduced muscle fatigue.
- Easy storage: A major reason to switch to circulars is easy storage. The needle tips and cables, fold up into a neat, compact shape that is far more convenient for storing. For the ever space-conscious knitter, the interchangeable circular needles set are simply perfect. The needles come in various sizes along with varying lengths of cables. There are additional accessories such as cable connectors, cable keys and end caps. Once you have found your ideal set, you are set to work with every kind of project.
- Minimal or no need for seaming to finish: This one thing is enough reason to switch to circular knitting needles. Forget sewing up to finish a project, you can easily go knitting round and round till you bind off. Even if some projects require other methods, it is minimal.
- No worrying about losing a needle: Believe it or not many knitters have faced losing a needle in the middle of their projects. As circulars are joined by a cable there is no worrying about such occurrence. Your project too stays secure on the cable.
- A comfortable option for knitting while commuting: If you are a knitter who knits while on the go, circulars are the best option. They don’t take much space, and don’t accidentally poke as the sharp points are the ones are occupied with stitches.
These are just 5 reasons but honestly, I could write ballads on the pleasure of knitting with circular needles. Even if you are still undecided it’s well worth having a go. Once you have discovered the joys, you will be never want to go back to any other knitting needle.
