Yes, you can knit flat with circular needles!
Many people think that circular needles are only used for knitting things in the round, like hats or sweaters. However, they are actually quite versatile and can also be used to knit flat projects, like scarves or blankets.
Why use circular needles for flat knitting?
There are several reasons why you might choose to use circular needles for flat knitting:
- You can fit more stitches on a circular needle than straight needles, which can be helpful for larger projects.
- Circular needles can be more comfortable to use, as they distribute the weight of the project more evenly.
- If you are traveling with your project, it can be easier to keep your work on a circular needle (which won’t fall out of your work) than on straight needles (which can easily slip out).
How to knit flat with circular needles
To knit flat with circular needles, simply treat the needle as if it were a pair of straight needles. The only difference is that when you get to the end of a row, you will need to turn your work and start knitting in the opposite direction, just as you would with straight needles.
When you cast on your stitches, make sure that they are evenly distributed around the cable. You don’t want all of your stitches bunched up on one side or the other. You can use stitch markers to help you keep track of where your rows begin and end.
When you get to the end of a row, simply turn your work and start knitting back in the opposite direction. Make sure that your working yarn is at the correct end of your needle before you start knitting again.
What types of projects are good for circular needles?
As mentioned earlier, circular needles can be great for larger projects, like blankets or shawls. They can also be helpful for projects that are heavy or awkward to maneuver, like a wide scarf.
Some people also prefer to use circular needles for all of their knitting, both in the round and flat. This can be a personal preference, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to knit.
So, can you knit flat with circular needles? Absolutely! Circular needles can be versatile tools for any knitting project, whether you are knitting in the round or flat. So next time you have a flat knitting project, don’t be afraid to give circular needles a try.
