Fixed Circular Knitting Needles
Our wide range of circular knitting needles and sets are produced by the world’s most renowned brands, such as ChiaoGoo and Knitpro. Circular needles are perfect for working in the round for garments such as jumpers. They’re also great at holding stitches and for using on big projects like blankets. What’s more, they also cause less strain for your hand because they hold more of the weight of your project.
Circular knitting needles UK
Knitting with circular needles offers excellent versatility. Consisting of two-needle tips, joined by a cord, circular needles are designed for work in the round without having to use double-pointed needs. This means that socks, jumpers and vests are easier to make. You also don't need to seam up most garments that are knit in the round.
What can you make with circular knitting needle?
Really, you can make anything you want. Circular needles are most commonly used for:
- Projects such as hats, socks, mittens and sweaters.
- Flat garments such as blankets.
- Large weighty projects as the cable can be used to hold stitches and take the strain.
Did you know… before circular needles were invented, large items like jumpers were knit in the round using extra-long double pointed needles?
How to measure circular needles
Unlike straight needles, circular knitting needles are sized using two measurements. But don’t panic- it isn’t all that complicated.
One number will be in centimetres or inches. This is the length of the needles and the cable between them. If you are following a pattern, it might give you some recommendation on which length to use.
If you have unlabelled circular needles at home, you can measure the length with a tape measure or ruler. (But make sure to measure the total length of the needles and the cable.)
A good rule to follow is to get a length slightly shorter than the circumference of your project. For example, if you are making a jumper with a 40-inch chest, a 32-inch circular needle would be perfect.
However, be careful not to go too short, or your project will be too bunched up and won’t fit on the needles. Too long, and your project will be too stretched out and it will be difficult or impossible to work on.
The other number will be in millimetres. This is the diameter of the needle tips and is measured the same as on a straight needle. If your needles are unlabelled, you can determine the size of your circular needle tips with a needle gauge.
If you are following a pattern, it should tell you what size needle to use. You can also sometimes find information on the ball band of your yarn. If you’re still unsure, check out our knitting needle size guide for more help.
How to use circular needles for knitting
Circular needles are a great choice for all knitting projects. They can be used to knit in the round or flat.
When knitting flat: Treat the two points just like you would two separate straight needles. When you get to the end of a row, just turn the work and continue back across the wrong side. It’s the same as using two straight needles - without the worry of one going missing.
When knitting in the round: When working in the round, you are essentially creating a continuous spiral of knit stitches. This technique is great for seamless garments, such as socks, jumpers, and hats. Because you never turn the work, you will always be working on the right side of your projects.
Two important things to keep in mind when knitting in the round on circular needles:
- Always place a stitch marker at the beginning of your round so you remember where you started.
- Be careful not to ‘twist’ your work when you cast on or you might end up knitting an infinity scarf instead of that jumper.
Circular knitting needle sets
Circular knitting needle sets are a great choice for avid crafters. They also make excellent gifts for very special occasions. The matching needles in their stylish carrying case will be sure to please any knitter.
Interchangeable knitting needles
Interchangeable knitting needles are a special kind of circular knitting needle. Interchangeable needles have tips that can be removed from the cable and switched out for a different size. These are a great option for projects that require several different needle sizes, or people who like to work on several different projects at the same time.
Why choose Yarn Worx?
We offer one of the most expansive ranges of circular knitting needle sets in the UK. What’s more, we are also delighted to offer you free UK delivery when you spend over £100 in our online shop. If you have any questions at all about our circular needles or wider knitting needles range, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
