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TripletMama
Chatty Knitter
USA
154 Posts |
 Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:09:33 AM
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LOL. I know I'm not really the only one, but it's just that everywhere I go, everyone I meet, local yarn stores, etc - EVERYWHERE everyone uses circulars and give me a hard time for using straight needles! I guess I need to bite the bullet and just buy some circulars and give them a shot - it's just that I've always used straights, from the very get go and I'm used to them and don't see what the fuss is all about. Before circulars, everyone knitted on straight needles. Are circulars really that much better?! :)
Melanie,
Busy mom of 5 addicted to knitting. It's my therapy, it's what keeps me sane!
My Blog: www.mariahmichelle.blogspot.com |
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Boogie
Permanent Resident
USA
3073 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:19:47 AM
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I sometimes will still use straights when I'm knitting lace. They move faster without having to deal with a join.
Overall though, I like working on circulars because there is less weight on my wrists.
I wouldn't pick on you for using straights though. Each person should knit with the needles that are most comfortable for them.
amy
http://theboogerblog.blogspot.com
http://www.spunkyhats.com |
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conniec
Chatty Knitter
220 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:20:37 AM
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Hi,
I find that circulars are much easier on my hands - especially for larger projects. Plus, they're easier to tote around then straights.
You should give them a try!
-connie |
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susan14_23
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
550 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:39:07 AM
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Hello,
Actually I prefer straights when possible. They're the classic knitting tool and more aesthetically pleasing than circulars. But I'm prone to repetitive stress injuries and I do find that circulars put less stress on my hands, so I use circulars most of the time.
Susan |
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Solaris
Permanent Resident
Canada
4156 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:56:44 AM
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I find circs to be waaaaay more comfortable to use, which translates to quicker knitting. They are much easier to store. Plus your project is less likely to slide off the needle when you are not working on it - just push it to the middle of cable. As mentioned before, circs are more convenient to deal with when travelling. And you can knit in relatively tight quarters, unlike straights, which may repeatedly poke whatever is around you.
By all means, give them a try, but if straights contribute to the pleasure of knitting in a significant way, then stick to straights and have fun. JMHO 
One more thing. Cost is a big factor for me, so I won't want to spend a lot of money for a lot of different needles. With circs, I can do both flat and in-the-round knitting (both small and large diameter). Using magic loop method, I don't need many circs either, just a few with long cable. |
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GFTC
Permanent Resident
USA
6331 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 11:57:32 AM
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I totally prefer straight needles and only use circular for afghans or shawls that have a lot of stitches or baby cardigans that are knit seamlessly to the armhole. I don't understand why anyone would prefer circulars for flat pieces such as sweater parts or scarves. For socks I use dpns which are a form of straight needles.
Contrary to others, I find that circular needles are harder on my hands since there is so little to hold onto and I really dislike the cable no matter what brand I use.
GFTC of NYC
the pictures tell the story
www.flickr.com/photos/gftc_knits/ |
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Lanea
Permanent Resident
USA
5158 Posts |
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GJohnson39
New Pal
47 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 1:17:50 PM
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I agree with GTFC also. I knit holding the left needle still against my body, and I find I have less problems with my wrists. I find my tension is better and more consistent than when I knit with circulars. I only use DPNs for socks AND hats as I like having more to hold onto and it is easier to keep track of my rows.
Gayle |
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busygirl
Permanent Resident
Australia
1672 Posts |
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HomekeepingGran
Seriously Hooked
614 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 2:02:40 PM
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So far, I think circulars are easier on my hands. However, I plan to try some straights in either wood or bamboo and see how I like them. I will say I am faster (just a tiny bit) on straights.
Blessings,
Carla
She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands... Proverbs 31:13 |
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gwtreece
Permanent Resident
USA
7254 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 2:09:44 PM
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I have alot of straights but I have used any of them in a very long time. I prefer the circulars, how they feel in the hands and the wt is easier on the hands.
Wanda
My Blog
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elaineinplane
New Pal
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 4:44:24 PM
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i prefer circulars bc i knit when im on the plane (especially so much better if u got the middle seat), bus or any public places. i didnt wanna poke anyones eyes!! but i do like the straights bc they look classic..especially ones made of wood. but if u prefer straights, i wouldnt pick on u...thats ur own personal choice. |
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Kathleen-NYC
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 5:22:16 PM
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I sometimes use straights at home. When I'm away from home, I usually take the circulars - they don't take up much room to carry and I'm not poking the person sitting next to me on the train or bus when I take out my knitting.
Plus - if I drop my needle, no problem.
I think the circs are much more comfortable to knit with. |
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lucylocket
Permanent Resident
4172 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 5:58:39 PM
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Hi everyone - I prefer straights too. I have a number of circulars and I use them mainly as knitted piece holders. When knitting my toys I do piece-work - I do a whole lot of bodies, then for those that don't have separate heads, I knit the head next for each toy. I do the same with feet, legs, arms, hands etc. Eventually of course I'm stuck with the sewing-up[:-P] but it does save time.(believe it or not!) Circulars are great though while travelling and are definitely bend-proof in one's bag! Happy Knitting -Lucylocket |
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yarnmama
Seriously Hooked
880 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 6:37:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by GFTC
I totally prefer straight needles and only use circular for afghans or shawls that have a lot of stitches or baby cardigans that are knit seamlessly to the armhole. I don't understand why anyone would prefer circulars for flat pieces such as sweater parts or scarves. For socks I use dpns which are a form of straight needles.
Contrary to others, I find that circular needles are harder on my hands since there is so little to hold onto and I really dislike the cable no matter what brand I use.
This is how I am too. I'm in the minority at Sn'B but I don't care. I almost always use bamboo or wood too.
Catherine Harrison
owner of Knitting Notions:Kettle Dyed yarns, Hardwood yarn swifts and more
http://www.knittingnotionsonline.com |
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LisaM
Chatty Knitter
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 6:42:54 PM
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I agree with Susan--there's something more aesthetically pleasing for me about using straights. I feel like I'm really knitting when I use them.
I do use circulars too though. They're handy when there's lots of stitches, or when you're knitting something really heavy.
Lisa
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Isis Rising
Chatty Knitter
320 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 7:35:10 PM
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I use straights when lace knitting a rectangular shawl. Otherwise, I use my circs, or the interchangeable needles with the flexible cords as straights.
http://isisrising.typepad.com/ |
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KnittAR
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
575 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 7:42:13 PM
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I just picked up a pair of straight metal size 4 needles after using only cirs. or dpns for quite a while, and they feel so heavy. I don't have 4's in circs., though. I'm sure I'll get used to them again. Right about when I'm done with what I'm knitting on them. hahaha
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take....But by the moments that take our breath away."
Later....AR
Come visit my blog
or my shop |
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Isis Rising
Chatty Knitter
320 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 7:44:05 PM
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I use straights when lace knitting a rectangular shawl. Otherwise, I use my circs, or the interchangeable needles with the flexible cords as straights.
http://isisrising.typepad.com/ |
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Mokihana
Warming Up
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 8:56:05 PM
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I use both. DPN's for socks, if that counts... straights for certain projects like flat knitting. I only use circs for large projects...
Aloha,
Mokihana |
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roofth
Seriously Hooked
USA
649 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2006 : 9:13:42 PM
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Ditto what Mokihana said. I use both... and if its flat knitting, I usually go for straights first, unless it's a large project (sweater, etc.)... then I'll go for circs.
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Ruth's FO Gallery |
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Am I the only one who uses straight needles?
