Confused About Circular Knitting Needles?
What every business knitter ought to know... about circular knitting needles
Circular knitting needles should be an essential tool on your knitting-for-profit supplies list - circular knitting needles are easy to use, and fast, and that makes them indispensable if you have a knitting business.
Circular Knitting Needles: A Primer
Circular knitting needles are purchased as 'one' needle with a point on each end, joined together by a flexible wire or nylon cord. Some circular knitting needles producers sell the two needles and the joining cord separately, but most come in one piece. Oddly, one circular knitting needle is called a 'set' since it has two points and therefore works the same way as two needles.
Circular knitting needles are made out of wood, metal, plastic, bamboo and nickel-plated aluminum. Each of these materials has various 'pros and cons,' but they really depend on the knitter you ask - it seems as if every knitter has a personal preference when it comes to circular knitting needles -- and if you've never used them, you probably will soon, too!
Circular knitting needles are especially useful when you are knitting large, bulky projects, like blankets or afghans, because they hold the accumulated 'bulk' better than two straight needles would.
Circular knitting needles are also less clumsy when you are finishing one row and starting the next. To work with circular knitting needles, you simply hold one 'end' in each hand and knit as if you have two separate needles. When you get to the end of your row, you exchange hands with the needle ends and start again!
Circular knitting needles come in all the same thickness sizes as regular needles, and in lengths from 12" to 60", making them VERY versatile. (The length of the circular knitting needle you use for a project should never be greater than the expected circumference of the finished object). They are also a wonderful choice for any knitter who has joint or muscle troubles with the wrists or thumbs, because there is far less movement (particularly repetitive movement) as you are knitting.
For knitting business purposes, there is nothing better than circular knitting needles. If you're like me, you may find yourself using them even when two needles would do, just because they are so easy to use!