Circular knitting needles bring comfort to many knitters. Used for all kinds of projects no matter the size or stitch count, circular knitting needles are multi-purpose. The same pair of needles are used to knit back and forth as well as seamless round. Be it flat knitted pieces such as shawls, sweaters, blankets or hats, socks, mittens, etc. that are knit like seamless tubes, with circular needles you just have to cast on stitches and enjoy your craft.
Invented only a century back, circular knitting needles are available in two varieties – fixed circular (FCNs) and interchangeable (ICNs). While one needle has a cord that is permanently fixed while the other allows switching needle tips and cords allowing versatility and multiple configurations.
Knitters who’ve discovered the joy of knitting with stainless steel circular knitting needles are converted for a lifetime. If you have still not used them, let’s walk you through some reasons.
- Comfortable knitting with reduced strain on hands and arms
Knitting means plenty of hand movement and stress, as you navigate yarn through your fingers and hold the needles in your hands. The ergonomic design of circular knitting needles allows the weight of the project to be evenly distributed from one needle tip to the other including the cord. If you are working on a heavy yarn blanket or a bulky sweater or even something lightweight you will be much more relaxed. The cord lying in your lap carries the project leaving your hands and wrists free from extra weight.
Additionally working with circular needles offers the opportunity to fit more stitches onto the length. This means heavy projects and bulky yarns mean less toil. Knitters with arthritis and ongoing joint pain will feel relief while working with circulars.
- Easy storage
Circular knitting needles are designed for easy storage. The needle tips and cords fold up into a neat and compact shape. The needle tips are available in 4 and 5-inch sizes with cords ranging from 10 inches to 47 inches. Even fixed circular needles are shaped for easy folding with flexible cords. For the ever-space-conscious knitter, the interchangeable circular needle sets are simply perfect with multiple needle sizes, cord lengths and accessories, such as cable connectors, end caps and cable keys.
- Ideal for Knitting on the Go
As we discussed the benefits of easy storage, circular knitting needles are also the best option for knitting on the go. While the needles don’t take much space to work they also don’t accidentally poke anyone who comes close to you and your knitting. The sharp points are occupied with stitches.With circulars working on the go, it is the least risk of losing a needle. The tips are attached to each other so neither would they be one be lost with sudden jerks nor would they dare to roll away from you. Given its design, circular knitting needles are preferred by knitters to take their craft on the regular commute, on holidays, or even for a walk in the park.
- Knitting in the round and back and forth
The multi-purpose use of circular knitting needles is the reason that it is a favorite among knitters. They were invented for the purpose of knitting in the round. After you cast on stitches on needle tips you simply join the stitches in the round. While they worked beautifully for larger circumferences, smaller needle lengths were the problem. With special sizes of 10-inch needles, you can easily work on small baby hats, socks and more. Another way to work on the small circumferences is the magic loop technique that requires an extra-long circular needle length.
To knit back and forth you simply cast on stitches and turn your WIP after each row and continue till you have your project measurements or as the pattern instructs. There is no other complication.
5. Fast Knitting
This is one of the many reasons why advanced knitters choose circular knitting needles. They make you a faster knitter. The reason is, when knitting in the round, you do not have to switch needles as in double-pointed needles. Also, it is often observed that knitting stockinette stitches on circular needles mean no purls because you are always knitting on the right side of the project. Furthermore, with circular needles, no need to knit pieces and bring them together. Also, a secret hack for smooth and fast knitting is the lifeline hole that interchangeable circular needles are designed with. Like the name, the lifeline is a piece of thread or yarn that secures your stitches when you need to work on complicated knitting techniques.
The joys of knitting with circular needles are endless. It is comfortable, portable, smooth and much more. Like every knitter is different so are their preferences. With circular knitting needles, you can enjoy your craft and many projects. It is always recommended to have all knitting needle types and sizes in your craft collection and experiment.
Happy knitting!
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