How to get the best out of your Circular Knitting Needles

Posted by KnitPro Mindful Collection on February 10th, 2023

Circular knitting needles bring an unmatched level of comfort and convenience to many knitters. For many circulars are just everyday needles that they use for all kinds of knitting projects. Regardless of the size of the projects or stitch count, making them a truly multi-functional tool. Whether it's a flat knitted piece like a shawl, or blanket, or a tube-like piece such as socks, mittens, etc., with circular needles you simply cast on the stitches and begin crafting.

Circular needles have only been around for a century, yet they have come a long way since their inception. There are two primary types of circular needles: fixed circular needles (FCNs) and interchangeable circular needles (ICNs). The former has a cord that is permanently attached, while the latter allows the needle tips and cords to be changed around for added versatility. The needle tips are generally available in 10 cm (4″) and 13 cm (5″) sizes with cords ranging from 20 cm (16 inches) to 126 cm (60 inches). An interchangeable needle set offers versatility as the needle and cords offer multiple combinations and options to increase the cable lengths with connectors.

If you are unsure let’s walk you through how to get the best out of your circular needles.

1. Reduce strain on hands and arms for all projects

With knitting often requiring plenty of hand movement and strain, the ergonomic design of circular needles evenly distributes the weight of the project from one needle tip to the other, including the cord, providing a much more relaxed experience. Moreover, with the ability to fit more stitches onto the length, the stress of working on heavy projects and bulky yarns is significantly reduced and is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other joint pain.

2. Easy storage

Both fixed and interchangeable circular needles are designed to fold up into a neat and compact shape, making them extremely easy to store in your craft bags. Interchangeable circular needles are particularly well suited for those who are conscious of space, as they come with multiple needle sizes, cable lengths and accessories like cable connectors, end caps and cable keys.

3. Knitting on the go

The ergonomic design of circular needles means they are ideal for knitting on the go. There is a very small chance of accidentally poking anyone that is close by as the pointy tips are busy knitting and the other tip is connected with a cable. You won't need to worry about losing a needle as both tips are attached to each other so neither would they be one be lost with sudden jerks when you are on the road nor would they dare to roll away from you. A circular needle set solves many of your knitting woes.

4. Tackle all kinds of knitting projects

Circular needles can be used to both knit back and forth, and seamlessly in the round, making them an incredibly useful tool for all types of projects. While the needles were invented for the purpose of knitting in the round they lent their versatility to projects knit back and forth.

The regular lengths allow us to make projects in the round. With special sizes of 25cm 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 for which you can use any length upwards of 80cm but make sure not too long. Simply cast on stitches and join them in the round.

To knit back and forth you simply cast on stitches all over the needle length. Even if you have a 300+ stitch count you can make a needle length of almost 200 cm and even more by joining two cables with the connector. Knit a row and turn your WIP, and continue till you have your project measurements or as the pattern instructs.

5. Work faster

Advanced knitters may prefer to use circular needles as they allow them to work more quickly and efficiently. There is no need to switch needles when knitting in the round, while stocking stitches are also easier and faster with circular needles, as you are always knitting on the right side of the project. In addition, with circular needles, you don't need to knit separate pieces and then bring them together, and the lifeline hole which is built into interchangeable circular needles allows you to work on complicated knitting techniques with ease.

Circular needles are comfortable, portable and much more. With these knitting needles enjoy your craft and many projects such as a pair of baby booties to wide blankets. The Mindful Collection offers stainless steel knitting needles in options of fixed as well as interchangeable ones along with single pointed and double pointed needles. It is always recommended to have the entire collection for your craft. Once knitters have experienced the joy of working with stainless steel circular needles, they are likely to stick with them for the rest of their knitting careers.

Happy knitting!