How to Make Your Own Circular Knitting Needles

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Things You'll Need

  • Dowels

  • Glue

  • Sandpaper

  • Weed trimmer line

  • Drill

  • Drill bit

  • Nail

  • Pencil sharpener

  • X-Acto knife

Circular knitting needles allow crafters to make tubular pieces without seams, a technique that is useful for some clothing styles, accessories and household items. Knitting patterns sometimes call for circular knitting needles of a size that is difficult to find, uncomfortable to use or relatively expensive. In such situations, it is useful to be able to create your own circular knitting needles.

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Step 1

Determine the size of circular knitting needles needed and purchase dowels close to this size. If you are working with a pattern, the size of the circular knitting needles used for the project will be included in the list of items needed. Knitting needles typically range from 2 to 25 mm in diameter.

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Step 2

Cut the weed trimmer line to the size required in your knitting pattern. The length of the cord between circular knitting needles usually ranges from 24 to 60 inches.

Step 3

Cut the dowels to the desired length. Manufactured circular knitting needles are usually 5 inches long but you may wish to choose a length that is most comfortable for you.

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Step 4

Select a drill bit that is the same size as the weed trimmer line and attach it to the drill.

Step 5

Use the nail to make a small hole in the center of one end of a dowel. This will help you guide the drill. Place the drill bit at this point and drill about 1 inch into the end of the dowel.

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Step 6

Use a pencil sharpener to sharpen the other end of the dowel. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the second dowel.

Step 7

Sand the length of the dowels, paying special attention to the ends. Rough tips will catch on the yarn and rough ends will prevent a smooth join.

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Step 8

Use the X-Acto knife to cut tiny notches in both ends of the weed trimmer line to make them a little rough. This will make the glue adhere to the line more effectively.

Step 9

Apply glue to one end of the weed trimmer line and push it into the hole of one dowel. Repeat for the second dowel and the other end of the weed trimmer line. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours.

Warning

Avoid applying a lot of pressure to the blunt end of the dowel after you have drilled a hole. This part is now weak enough to break off easily.

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