Tuesday 22 October 2013

How to knit on circular needles


First up lets talk about yarn....


Do you fancy any of these yarns??

75% washable wool, 25% nylon is what I use.

Superfine #1, 

I'm sure you could also use acrylic but I prefer the above.

Note always check the side of the ball of yarn for needle size.

Believe me they are not all the same.

This is my yarn basket. An antique picnic basket that I bought while out antiquing this summer. Closes up and with the two handles I can take it anywhere.

Look inside and see all my fancy yarn and needles. 

Hanging on the top of the basket are the two most recent pairs that I have knitted on circular needles. I have found that after I conquered the first pair, the second knitted up so fast.

Even though I have double pointed needles in my basket I choose the circular needles.

By no means am I a pro,  but I learn from my mistakes.

The first pair on the left are quite large so I adapted the pattern and
the ones on the right are perfect.

Are we ready to get started??

First you will need  Circular Knitting Needles, I'm using 
3.25mm or #3 US  and the cable is 24in/60 cm and yarn of your choice.


Let's cast on 54 stitches.
I use the Twisted German cast on .
You can find that here.

Tail end off to the left, ball end to the right, tail end over thumb
ball end over finger.




Then we will divide your stitches evenly.
Slide your stitches to the middle of the cable,
pull the cable up in the middle of the 54 stitches so 
you have now have 27 stitches on each side of the cable
then pull them onto the needles as you see here.
We are not ready to knit yet. Make sure the stitches aren't
twisted.
Now pull the needle with the tail and ball end back down on the  cable,
Now you are ready to start.

It's as clear as mud right....




Go here and watch the tutorial and practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtBSmxGomPk


I know that once you have mastered the magic loop you will never go back to knitting on double pointed needles.

This is the sock that I am currently working on........

 If you are interested in the pattern that I adapted, drop me a line and I will gladly share it with you.


                     As always thanks for visiting!
                      Love hearing from you!

                            Linda

Linking up with :
Made in a Day
DIY By Design
Stone Gable


6 comments:

  1. I am going to have to figure this out. I've been knitting on my own for years and I'm very comfortable with double pointed needles. I've knit a few baby hats with circular needles, but thought I had to spread my stitches across the whole circle. Towards the end, I'd have to switch to double pointed needles anyway. I've been invited to an open knitting night at a local shop and I just may have to go. The owners will help us out as long as we purchase our yarn from them. I guess we're never to old to learn. Thanks for sharing!

    I seem to remember some mittens you showed us last year, too. I'm off too look.......

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  2. It's been too long since I got the needles clicking....you're inspiring me to get that ball of Kroy out of the bag and actually knit something. I've used both double ended needles and circular needles, but find that the circular ones are too cumbersome for small items like socks. I guess I haven't mastered the Magic Loop. :)
    Great tutorial!

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  3. Well....aren't you the clever one, Linda!!!
    I took knitting YEARS ago...but I would need a refresher course...ha!
    My mom used to knit socks on the circular needles...guess I should have paid more attention!
    Loving that basket....so easy to take anywhere...and so pretty, too!!
    Keep up the good work...
    Any snow up there???

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  4. I am not a knitter but I have several friends that knit these fun socks. I love how they knit up in a verigated pattern and fun colours. Your picnic basket is coming in really handy for your pretty yarns.

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