OT - need knitting advice - YouLookFab Forum

OT - need knitting advice

elpgal

I want to knit some leg warmers type things (basically, just a tube with cuffs) and need help choosing needles. I have read about using DPNs, circular needles, magic loops and a loom. Which of these options would be the easiest for a beginning knitter? My knitting experience is limited to hats, scarves and dish-cloths.

12 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

kellygirl

Veteran

I hate fiddling with dpns. I knit the Tiny Owl leg warmers and used a long circular--Magic Loop style. It's much easier than using two short circulars too, IMHO. Magic Loop is very easy to manage. I think it would be perfect for a beginner.

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12 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Magic loop or circular (if you're OK with knitting them one at a time).

12 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Thank you Kelly, those are super-cute leg-warmers.

Manidipa, Are you saying you can knit both at the same time? Wow! One at a time will prove challenge enough for me.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

OK, I may be the odd one out here, but I DETEST magic loop. I am a really loose knitter and like it that way, and I feel that magic loop adds too much tension to the yarn so that I am always yanking on it. I like DPNs for small circumferences, and I prefer bamboo ones since they are lighter. Also, if you do choose DPNs make sure you get a set of five, not four - the extra needle makes all the difference in how comfortable it is.

ETA: I would not recommend the tiny circulars either - the needle part on an 8" or 12" circular is so short that it is really hard to manage.

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

My experience is that what is easiest will vary from knitter to knitter. I HATE the Magic Loop, but DPN's are easy for me. I prefer DPN's to a circular needle for something as small as leg warmers. What method have you used for hats?

12 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Dianna and Khris, One thing that I understand is a challenge with dpns is getting smooth seams. Any tips to minmize the bumps?

Khris, I knit the hat with straight needles with decreases near the top and seamed it with a mattress stitch.

12 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

It's a matter of preference. I prefer DPNs and never have an issue with different sized stitches where the needles meet. I think I automatically yank a little harder on the end stitches to take up slack. A lot of gauge variation comes out when blocking anyway.

If I couldn't knit with dpns, I prefer two circulars. Magic loop doesn't work for me at all. Try each method for five minutes and you'll probably have a *very* strong preference.

12 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

elpgal, I meant knitting together rather than simultaneously with straight (ie not circular) needles, so that you cast on two sets of stitches and proceed to knit both straight through (will involve seams of course!). I often prefer that with larger patterned knits like cables, so I can see whether the pattern is falling at the same place on both socks, sleeves etc.

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If you knit on DPN's, there is no seam- do you mean the first stitch that sticks out a bit on the first round? I deal with that when I sew the end in by just pulling it tighter. You can seam your legwarmers if you are more comfortable with that, but Sylvie has a great idea of just trying each process for a bit to find what works for you.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think you are referring to the "ladders" you sometimes get between the individual needles of the DPNs, right? In my experience, they only really show when you are using a yarn with no stretch at all, so a stiff cotton or something. Otherwise, they will definitely relax out when you wash or block the finished product. Another way to prevent ladders is to switch the end points of the DPNs once is a while, so knit an extra stitch or two before switching to the next needle.

12 years ago

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