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Knitting with circular needles?

(16 Posts)
Lilliesmum79 Tue 28-Feb-23 17:48:15

I've been given some circular needles and have cast on a pair of socks using a Dpn pattern that I've used before. But at a loss to what I do when I reach the heel. I'm doing it by magic loop if that's more helpful. I think I might have to slip the stitches onto a separate needle to start heel.

Lilliesmum79 Tue 28-Feb-23 17:49:10

Sorry should have said this is first time I've used a circular needle

Blossoming Tue 28-Feb-23 17:59:29

Not done it for years, I used to use a double pointed cable needle to turn the heel. If you look on YouTube there’s probably a helpful video.

Lovetopaint037 Tue 28-Feb-23 19:08:50

Only remember my grandmother showing me how to use four needles to knit socks. Can’t remember how we turned the heel. I had a pattern a some years ago which was for a cardigan knitted mainly all in one. So incorporated sleeves with back etc.

CocoPops Tue 28-Feb-23 19:34:38

I knit 2 socks at the same time on circular needles. I recommend this book. It has excellent instructions with photos. The socks are made-to-measure starting with the magic loop method.

readsalot Tue 28-Feb-23 19:41:19

Youtube will give the information you need. Good luck!

karmalady Tue 14-Mar-23 11:23:50

wrt the heel

knit that flat ie with 2 dpns and right up to heel shaping, bring in the other dpns to do the first full round after that and then carry on with circular

Similar when you reach toe shaping, dpns

I don`t use magic loop, I use a 9" circular

Doodledog Tue 14-Mar-23 11:40:20

Lilliesmum79

I've been given some circular needles and have cast on a pair of socks using a Dpn pattern that I've used before. But at a loss to what I do when I reach the heel. I'm doing it by magic loop if that's more helpful. I think I might have to slip the stitches onto a separate needle to start heel.

I would use a separate needle for the heel. I tend to use travelling loop, rather than magic loop, but either way, I think the heel is less complicated knitted flat.

Nannagarra Tue 14-Mar-23 12:26:28

I complete the heel flap, heel turn and Kitchener stitch with standard needles however the rest of the sock is produced on a short circular needle (much easier ime than DPNs).
There are clearly some very skilful and experienced knitters on this thread!

grandtanteJE65 Tue 14-Mar-23 12:33:33

My aunt used a circular needle for the front of the sock and ordinary stocking needles for the back.

I am uncertain whether you can actually turn a heel on a circular needle , but I think you could, if you move all the stitches that are not part of the heel onto another circular needle and tie it so they don't slip off, while you turn the heel.

It just sounds more bother than doing it on straight needles.

nanna8 Tue 14-Mar-23 12:37:29

I use them when I make socks. I have lots of all different lengths but I like the short ones best. No seams, I hate sewing up so they suit me .

M0nica Tue 14-Mar-23 15:59:49

I have only used a circular needle for knitting a Nordic style yoke on a girl's sweater. Probably easier than socks as you have more stitches and no heel.

LadyGracie Tue 14-Mar-23 21:02:21

I always use circular needles, less weight on your hands.
But I always use double pointed needles when turning the heel on socks, it's much easier, I find.

IrishDancing Tue 14-Mar-23 22:07:40

I can’t get on with magic loop (ok so I only tried once and gave up!) and prefer dpns for sock knitting so no problem when you come to the heel flap. I’m all for an easy life!

Theoddbird Tue 21-Mar-23 13:35:57

I use a 25cms circular needle for my sock knitting obsession. For the heel flap I use 2 dpns.

Lilliesmum79 Tue 21-Mar-23 13:54:57

Why is sock knitting so addictive I used to do cardigans and jumpers etc but since I started knitting socks I find everything else very boring 😂😍