Circular Needles: Everything You Need to Know to Revolutionize Your Knitting!
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You've probably heard of circular needles, but you're still hesitant to adopt them? These versatile tools are a true revolution in the world of knitting. Whether you want to knit a seamless sweater, a stylish cardigan, or even accessories like hats, circular needles are your best friend. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about these needles to master their use and transform your knitting!
Why choose circular needles?
1. Versatility and comfort
Circular needles are ideal for knitting in the round (like the Festi Vest ) or flat. Their ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue and provides a smooth knitting experience, even for long projects.
2. Reduction of seams
With circular needles, forget about laborious sewing! They are perfect for knitting sweaters like the Mondrian Sweater or the Splashie Sweater , without having to assemble several pieces.
3. Space saving
No more long needles cluttering up your knitting bag! Thanks to their flexible cable, circular needles are compact and easy to carry.
How to choose the right circular needles?
1. Needle size
Adjust your needle size to the yarn and project. For example:
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3 mm to 4 mm for light threads (ideal for the Aude Vest ).
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5 mm and more for thick yarns (perfect for the Twist and Shout Vest ).
2. Cable length
Choose a cable suitable for your project:
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40 cm for cups.
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60 to 80 cm for sweaters or vests like the Cho u Vest .
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100 cm and more for shawls or magic loop work.
3. The material of the needles
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Metal : perfect glide, ideal for fast knitters.
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Bamboo : extra grip, perfect for beginners.
How to use circular needles?
1. Knit in the round
Circular needles allow you to knit continuously without having to turn your work. This is perfect for top-down sweaters like the Câlin Sleeveless Sweater .
2. The Magic Loop technique
For small diameters like sleeves or hats, use the Magic Loop: a simple method for knitting in the round on large needles.
3. Knit flat
Circular needles aren't just for circular knitting. Use them like straight needles to reduce strain on your wrists.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about circular needles
1. Can you knit small projects with circular needles?
Yes, thanks to the Magic Loop, you can knit projects like the sleeves of the Aude Vest or the finishes of the Mon Amour Sweater .
2. What yarn is suitable for circular needles?
All types of wire are suitable. For example:
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Fine yarns for lightweight models like the Coquelicot Top .
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Thick or multi-colored yarns for graphic projects like the Strippie Sweater .
3. What is the difference between fixed and interchangeable needles?
Interchangeable needles allow you to change the size of the points or cables as needed. They are perfect for regular knitters working on different types of projects.
Examples of Knit-Sis projects to make with circular needles
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Festi Vest : A colorful, seamless design, ideal for testing your circular needles.
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Mondrian Sweater : A modern design with top-down knitted color blocks.
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Marguerite Cardigan : Perfect for experimenting with openwork patterns with lightweight bamboo needles.
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Splashie Sweater : A playful intarsia project that highlights the fluidity of circular needles.
Knit-Sis tips for getting started with circular needles
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Start small: Try a simple project like the Cabbage Vest to get comfortable with circular knitting.
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Invest in quality : Good quality circular needles last for years and make knitting more enjoyable.
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Learn with a tutorial : Discover our Knit-Sis educational videos to learn step by step.
Conclusion
Circular needles are more than just a tool: they're the key to transforming your knitting projects. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, they offer versatility, comfort, and creative freedom. Ready to take the plunge?
