The Ultimate Guide to Circular Knitting Needles
Circular needles are an essential tool for knitters of all skill levels, offering versatility and convenience for a variety of projects. But when you're first starting out, they can be a bit confusing.
This quick guide is a primer on circular needles, common (and lesser-known) ways to use them, and a few ways to test them out for yourself.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, understanding the ins and outs of circular needles can elevate your knitting game!
What are Circular Needles?
Circular needles consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cord. They’re commonly used for knitting in the round, allowing you to create seamless projects like sweaters, cowls, and hats. They can also be used for flat knitting, particularly when working on larger projects with many stitches.
Types of Circular Needles
Fixed Circular Needles:
These have a permanent cord length and are great for knitters who primarily work on specific projects or sizes.
Interchangeable Circular Needles:
These come with removable cords, allowing you to choose the appropriate length for your project while using a single set of needle tips. Investing in a high-quality interchangeable set minimizes the need for multiple fixed needles and keeps your needle storage manageable.
Needle Materials
Circular needles are available in a variety of materials, including:
Wood: Smooth and warm to the touch, offering excellent grip for beginners.
Metal: Durable and slick, great for faster knitting.
Plastic: Lightweight and affordable.
The flexible cords also come in varying lengths to suit different project needs.
Here’s a quick tip: Always choose a cord length shorter than the circumference of your project to avoid stretching or crowding your stitches.
For instance, if your sweater has a 40-inch circumference, opt for a circular needle length of 24 or 32 inches, depending on your preference.
Cord Lengths & Common Uses
10": Ideal for crown shaping on hats, baby hats, and small sleeves. Often called “shorties,” these needles may feature two needle tips of equal length or one shorter tip for ergonomic comfort.
16": Commonly used for hats, baby garments, and smaller sleeves.
24": A versatile length, perfect for flat knitting sweaters and shawls.
32": Great for knitting sweaters in the round, flat-knit baby blankets, shawls, and the magic loop method.
40" and up: Best for larger projects like adult-sized blankets, oversized sweaters, and knitting socks or sleeves two at a time.
Reasons to Love Using Circular Knitting Needles
Seamless Knitting: Perfect for knitting in the round, eliminating the need for seams.
Reduced Wrist Strain: The cord supports the weight of your project, distributing it evenly and minimizing strain on your wrists.
Versatility for Large Projects: Accommodate larger stitch counts for projects like sweaters and blankets.
Fewer Lost Stitches: The cord helps keep your stitches secure, even when setting your project down mid-row.
Increased Speed: Circular needles can help you knit faster, especially when working in stockinette stitch.
Lesser Known Reasons to Love Using Circular Knitting Needles
Flat Knitting: Ideal for projects with a large number of stitches, such as wide shawls.
Tight Spaces: Compact design makes them perfect for knitting in confined areas like planes or cars.
Magic Loop Technique: Allows you to knit small circumferences like socks, gloves, and sleeves using a long circular needle.
Two-at-a-Time Knitting: Great for knitting socks, sleeves, or mittens simultaneously.
How to Use Circular Knitting Needles
Knitting in the Round:
Cast on your stitches and distribute them evenly.
Join the round carefully, ensuring your stitches aren’t twisted.
Place a marker to indicate the start of the round and begin knitting.
Magic Loop Method:
Use a circular needle with a longer cord (typically 29 inches or more).
Divide your stitches evenly between two sections of the cord and pull out the loop. Knit across one section, then rotate and knit the other.
Place a locking stitch marker on one side of the project to indicate the start of the round.
Helpful Tips When Using Circular Knitting Needles
Storage:
Invest in a storage system to keep your needles organized. Needle cases or labeled pouches make it easy to find the size you need without dealing with tangled cords.
Cord Length:
Always match your cord length to your project’s circumference to ensure smooth knitting and proper gauge.
High-Quality Needles:
While budget options exist, high-quality circular needles with smooth joins and durable cords can make your knitting experience much more enjoyable. I have a full review of the popular Lykke Driftwood Circular Needles here. My favorite circular knitting needles are the Addi Turbo Rockets and I plan to write a review for them soon!
Ready to Try Circular KNitting Needles for your Next Project?
Design Information
Sencillo is the Spanish word for “simple,” and this pullover & tee set is delightfully simple with the right amount of thoughtful details to nail that effortless fit. The easy shape, classic v-neck, and scoop neck options, and casual drop shoulders combine to create a perfect three-season pullover or tee. Knit in a dk-weight cotton & linen blend, you’ll find yourself reaching for the pullover or tee when you just want to look and feel good.
Sencillo is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up with side slits trimmed in garter stitch. Worked in Stockinette stitch, Sencillo features two neck opening options - a classic v-neck that is the perfect depth for summer and a flirty yet functional scoop neck.
Armhole shaping keeps the drop shoulder seam location consistent across the size range. The drop shoulders are shaped with a sloped bind off, and instructions are provided for optional cup shaping with short rows.
Once the pieces are completed, blocked, and seamed, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the stockinette stitch neckband. There are cleverly placed decreases in the neckband to keep it from rolling.
The summer-friendly samples are knit with Knit Picks CotLin, a 70% cotton, and 30% linen blend dk-weight yarn perfect for spring, summer, and fall wear. Wear the pullover under a denim jacket for cool spring evening walks, or wear the tee over your favorite pair of jeans or shorts for a summer luncheon.
The Pirouette (Purple) sample features short sleeves, cup one bust shaping, and the scoop neck option. The Swan (White) sample features long sleeves, cup one bust shaping, and the v-neck option.
The fall-friendly samples are knit with Purl Soho Knitting Yarn, a 100% merino wool dk-weight yarn that is soft, sturdy, and delightfully springy. You’ll want to wear this sweater on your way to get your favorite latte. Or any day, really.
The North Sea (Navy Blue) sample features short sleeves and the scoop neck option. The Acorn Brown (Brown) sample features long sleeves and the v-neck option.
The Sencillo Pullover & Tee set will be a must-bring wherever you're headed. Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtags #sencillopulloverkjd and #sencilloteekjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
Design Information
Just as a real butterfly flutters through the air with its delicate wings, the Butterfly Shawl mirrors this natural beauty. The sweeping crescent shape design, features wide sections of soothing garter stitch, beautifully contrasted by striking rows of eyelet. The soft lace edging, like the fragile tips of a butterfly's wings, gives the shawl a sense of lightness and movement. Knit in superkid mohair / superfine merino blend, Piper, the Butterfly Shawl emodies the perfect blend of beauty and grace.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and @quinceandco using the hashtag #quincebutterfly. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
Design Information
The Molsa Cardigan is an ultra-cozy, bottom-up, seamed v-neck cardigan featuring an all-over textured rib pattern worked up quickly in an aran weight yarn. The all-over textured stitch pattern is easy to memorize and adds a lot of depth to what would otherwise be a basic cardigan.
Molsa offers a lot of opportunities for customization - hip or thigh length, optional afterthought pockets, vertical or horizontal button band - so you’re guaranteed to knit a version that fits perfectly into your wardrobe.
The cardigan is worked flat, back & forth in rows from the hem to the shoulders with set-in sleeve shaping for the armholes. Comfortable sleeves allow for easy winter layering. Once the cardigan pieces are completed and blocked, stitches are picked up around the front opening to work either a horizontal or attached vertical buttonband.
The cream hip-length version as shown is knit with Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran and the attached vertical buttonband. The grey thigh-length version as shown is knit with Quince & Co Osprey with afterthought pockets and the horizontal button band.
Wear Molsa at home snuggled in front of the fire or wear it on a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some hot cocoa mix for a fun afternoon treat with the kiddos. However you wear it, the Molsa Cardigan will be a delightful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtag #molsacardigankjd. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
