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Step 1
Decide upon which size needle you need for your project. If you are using a pattern for your project, it will most likely recommend a needle size. If it doesn't, however, a good rule of thumb is to use a thinner needle for thinner yarn and thicker needles for bulky yarn.
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Step 2
Choose the desired cord length of your circular needles. The cord that connects the needles varies in length and the length you need depends on what you are knitting. To knit in the round, you need the length (measured from the tip of one needle to the tip of the other) to be shorter than the diameter of the project you are knitting. If you are flat knitting you need the length to be long enough to fit all your stitches on the needles.
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Step 3
Pick the type of needle: wood, metal or plastic. Wood needles are quieter than others, the more expensive types of metal needles allow you to knit more smoothly and quickly and plastic needles are about average in both of these areas.
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Step 4
Visit a craft or hobby store to look at the needles first hand and up close. You will find that some employees in this department also use the products they sell. Ask them what they prefer and get their expert advice.
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Step 5
Shop around for the best price for the quality needle you want. With some needles, however, you get what you pay for. Cheap isn't always better.
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Step 6
Purchase your circular knitting needles at a crafts or hobby store or online. If you are the thrifty type, check out online auctions and you may be able to find good quality circular knitting needles secondhand for a better price.
