How to Determine the Right Length of a Circular Knitting Needle

Hats need to be knit on the correct size circular knitting needles.

Circular knitting needles are a pair of shorter knitting needles connected by a cord. Circular needles come in different sizes, from 12 inches to 60 inches. It's important to choose the right size of knitting needles. If they are too small, the stitches will be crowded, which could push some off of the needle. If the needles are too long, the stitches will not move around the needle easily.

Things You'll Need

• Circular needles
• Yarn
• Pattern

Instructions

1. Determine the number of stitches that will be needed for a project: 12-inch circular needles are good for socks; 16-inch are good for the bodies of a child's sweater, hats or sleeves; adult sweaters call for 24 to 32 inches; 60-inch cables are good for afghans.

2. Cast on the required number of stitches on the needles you have chosen.

3. Knit a row or two to make sure the stitches move smoothly. Change to a longer length needle if the stitches are bunched together and slide off the needles. Change to a shorter length needle if the stitches are so far apart they do not move evenly across the cable and needles.

References

• Knitty.com: Featured Articles: Techniques with Theresa: Theresa Vinson Stenersen: 2003
• Earth Guild: A Collection of Miscellaneous Knitting Techniques: 2001