Circular knitting needles are multi-purpose needles used by knitters for their everyday projects. Used for all kinds of projects no matter the size or stitch count, whether you knit back and forth or seamless rounds. The fixed circular knitting needles are circulars that have a fixed cable length. Now, many knitters may prefer the interchangeable over the fixed ones but there are many reasons to love fixed circulars. Being manufactured as one unit, the join between the needle and cable is smooth. It does not snag the yarn or get lost. They are perfect for knitting on the go and carry them for a weekend getaway or a vacation.
For knitters who’ve discovered the joy of knitting with circulars are converted for a lifetime. If you have not yet enjoyed working with fi, let’s walk you through some reasons.
- Significantly reduces strain on hands and arms
Circulars both fixed and interchangeable have an ergonomic design. The needles allow the weight of the project to be evenly distributed from one needle tip to the other including the cable. If you are working on a blanket or a bulky sweater or even something light-weight you will be much more relaxed. The cable and the major weight of the WIP lies in your lap leaving your hands and wrists free from extra weight. Additionally circular needles offers the opportunity to fit more stitches onto length. Knitters with arthritis and ongoing joint pain will feel the relief while working with circular needles.
- Easy and convenient storage
Fixed circulars are designed for easy storage. The needle tips and cords fold up into a neat and compact shape. The needle tips are available in 10 cm and 13 cm sizes with cable ranging from 25 cm to 150 cm. They easily roll up into easy-to-carry shapes that can be easily carried along with the project in a small bag or pouch.
- Perfect for knitting on the GoÂ
For the benefit of easy storage, fixed circular needles are ideal for knitting on the go. As both tips are connected by a cable, it is at the least risk of losing one needle tip due to sudden jerks or rolling away from you. Also, they do not accidentally poke anyone. You can easily carry a pair on your regular commute, holidays or even a walk in the park.
- Multi-purpose knitting in the round and back and forth
Circular needles were invented for the purpose for knitting in the round but then it can be used to knit back and forth. You simply cast on stitches on one needle tip and stretch it over the cable till the other tip. If you need to go in seamless rounds, join the stitches and if you want to go flat, turn the WIP and needles after every row.
While circular knitting needles are previously limited for small circumferences as the rule is the circumference of the project must be smaller than the needle length. For the smallest circumference, an extra-long circular needle and the magic loop technique.
- Fast and Smooth Knitting
There are many reasons why circular knitting needles make you a faster knitter. When knitting in the round, you do not have to switch needles but continue with the stitches mentioned in the pattern. Knitting stockinette stitches on circular needles means no purls, because you are always knitting on the right side of the project. You simply knit every row. And eventually, knitting in the round will save you all the sewing time, too. No more making pieces and bringing them together when you knit it at one go.
If you are still undecided, it’s well worth having a go. Once you have discovered the joys, you will be reaching for circular knitting needles for most projects. Like every knitter is different, so are knitting needles and it is always recommended to have all needle types and sizes in your craft collection. This way you would be challenging yourself and enjoy knitting.
