Circular Vs. Straight Knitting Needles

There are two major types of knitting needles: straight and circular. They're used in much the same way, but each has advantages in different applications. Personal preference can trump common perception of those advantages.

Shape

For knitting a tubular object, knitters might prefer a circular needle, which can curve into a tube and obviate seams. For straight items such as scarves, straight needles show the true shape of the object in progress because the needles won't bend with its weight.

Knit Object Size

For large objects such as blankets, knitters typically require a longer needle than is practical in a straight form. Circular needles come in longer lengths, fitting more stitches.

Space

Straight needles stick out on either side of a knitter and take up extra space. A circular needle sags into a "U."

Kits

With straight needles, a knitter needs at least one pair in each size he uses---more if he uses various lengths. Several companies make kits consisting of various cord lengths and needle tip sizes that snap together.

Cross-Purposes

Double-pointed straight needles can mimic circular needles for tubular knitting, and circular needles can work like straight needles if a knitter ends each row and turns the needle instead of knitting in the round.

References

• Knitty.com: Techniques with Theresa
• Knitting Brain: Straight Versus Circular Needles