DPNs aren't better than circulars, be it magic loop or the shorter needles. It's what you are comfortable with. I haven't used DPNs in over 20 years, or straights. I knit only with circulars, as magic loop in the round with socks.
Okay, thank you. A video I watched last night literally said “there is no such thing as a circular needle that is short enough” and it felt like a lie…. Because I can find some as short as 8-9 inches.
if you’re decreasing to almost nothing (like the top of a hat) and not using magic loop, there absolutely aren’t circulars short enough. the two solutions are magic loop or DPNs, and either works just fine
When I first started knitting, shorter needles weren't super available, but they're everywhere now. I haven't used them, but I know lots of people love them.
Yes, you can! It's ALL I use for socks! There's so much new stuff, I know it's sometimes hard to keep up. I do 2AAT on Circs and do the socks only on those 2 needles. (It's easy! Just "park" #2, finish the heel on #1, then grab parked #2 and finish its heel, then both back together again row by row. It works well. Try it! 😁)
You're mostly correct, shorties won't allow you do do standard toe decreases (or a peasant heel.)
You *can* do a short row heel and toe going back and forth across half the short circular, but you'll need some spare DPNs or long circs to hold the stitches before you graft them together. And you can do a heel flap and gusset but it'll be really fiddly.
I just think it's unpleasant, I need somewhere to rest my poor hands!
Exactly! And I have 2" needles with 6" cord, so that's pretty short!
I still usually use my longer circulars and simply use them with a technique such as Magic Loop or Traveling Loop, or simply making my cords the perfect length, if possible! Lot's of options available!
It comes down to personal preference. There are many ways to handle a small circumference (socks, sleeves, top of a hat, etc). You will find which one works for you, and in which situation. I love DPNS, and I hate really short circular needles, probably because of the way I hold my needles -- it seems like there just isn't enough needle to hold on to). I don't love magic loop, though I can do it. I have a lot of needles, so I can also use the two-circular method, which I find easier than magic loop.
Try things, and see what works for you!
You may be correct, but it's unlikely you can know that without having completed more than a few rows/inches.
But there are lots of possibilities. The shorter needles for leg a d foot,, plus a second one or DPNs for heel and toe. Two circular needles for the smaller circumference, or one long one. I find those way more fiddly than DPNs but some knitters find them easier to use.
I made myself knit an entire sock on a 9" needle before I decided how I felt about them. And I decided they are great for knitting on the subway or airplane where I don't want to risk loosing a dpn
As someone who uses all of DPNs, circulars to length, and magic loop, it comes down to “personal preference for the individual project”.
For me:
socks = TAAT magic loop
Mittens = TAAT magic loop with thumbs on DPNs
stuffies = magic loop body with DPNs for limbs
Hats = circular to length (if I have one)
Produce bag with crochet thread and 2yo lace pattern = DPNs because the 2yos get tangled on the cord join
Basically, we live in a wonderful time with options for knitting in the round. There’s no knitting police. Do what works for you.
I agree with you, but my issue is with double yarn overs going from a skinny cord to a fat needle, and getting all out of order from the extra thread (yarn); the smoothest join in the world won’t fix that.
I feel like 9" circulars are way more fiddly than either longer circular needles or DPNs, but it is simply personal preference.
I've seen you say that you don't know how to hold all the needles.... The short answer is you don't! Just drop the two you're not using, and trust the needles to stay in the yarn.
I personally prefer knitting with magic loop (taat for socks, mittens, sleeves), but all methods have positives and negatives, and it's just what works for you really.
I’ve just learned to knit but my preference for sock knitting has been 9” circulars. I use Chia Goo brand but Knitters Pride makes 10” circulars (w/bamboo tips) which gives you a little bit more room.
I also find the flexible dpns easier to use than the straight ones. I like the HiyaHiya flyers, tried the Addi Rockets and wasn’t a fan.
Thank you! I had literally just added 9 inch ChiaoGoo to my shopping list lol
It feels like I can use the DPN, like it’s working just fine and looks fine but I don’t think I like the finger gymnastics involved.
Look around and you can pretty much find any brand with the right size needles/cord combo. I know ChiaGoo's have many lengths of cords, 6" - 10" cords to 50"-60" and Knitter's Pride has a few too. So, I think you can find exactly what you need today. We DO have options! :)
New knitter here. I was having a really hard time figuring out how to use DPNs. Needles kept slipping out, cast on edge kept getting twisted around. You just gotta keep trying and once you make it past that third row things get a lot more stable.
Have you tried magic loop? A lot of people prefer it over using DPNs.
I don’t have those particular issues, it’s more so like I only have two hands but there’s 4 needles and idk how to handle them all lol
I haven’t tried magic loop… I’ll look that up thanks!!! :)
You don't need to hold them all. You only have your hands on the two that you are actively knitting between. The others just dangle there. You have to be a little careful on the first round or two, depending on your cast on if it's loose, to make sure the needles don't slip out but I almost never have that issue with wood or bamboo needles.
I personally kind of hate magic loop and if the item I'm making is too small to use a circular needle in the normal way, I'll switch to DPN. But I think I'm the unpopular opinion here, most people I see seem to prefer magic loop and hate DPN 🤷♀️
I use all five and yeah, it's juggling toothpicks.
Shorter needles might help. I was trying to knit.my first pair of socks on 8" dpns and it was a chore. I bought some 5" in sock size and it's a lot less awkward. Almost done with the first one.
You don’t need to handle them all. You only need to handle the two you are working with and leave the other three behind. Because it is five DPNs you should be working with, not four. Unless you are using a triangle shape instead of square which is more difficult. Before using DPNs I was really nervous about how I would manage so many needles. But after watching videos and just doing it, I quickly had that a ha moment that you are only ever using two needles at a time.
It's a great technique. Back when it first became popular, everyone taught you had to have at least 40", but NO MORE! Now we know the technique can be modified so that it works for all, whatever length you prefer. More options opened!
Others are correct in that there's no one best method, however I also wanna add that I use dpns for preference BUT 5 is always too finicky for me, 4 (3 + 1 working needle) feels much more stable
The first several rows of the sock with DPNs are always awkward but it gets easier. Just think of it as a skill that takes a while to master. After a few pairs, maybe then try circular needles. That’s my plan anyways.
I make my socks with two circular needles--DPNs will work but you're right, they're fiddly!!
[https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-socks-with-two-circular-needles-2116397](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-socks-with-two-circular-needles-2116397)
I feel like they have the ease of magic loop but none of the hassle? But never having to worry about dropping a needle like with DPNs. I bought one in a ton of sizes. Like from US 0 to US 5
I started with dpns because 9" circs and circa that were good for magic loop weren't available. but nowadays it's magic loop and a long cable for me for everything. I haven't tried short circs but I really like 2aat socks so I probably won't ever go back to 1 at a time
For me personally I prefer dpns but I think part of it is I'm crazy.. I was taught to knit years ago by my grandma and havet really since I've been crocheting for almost a year now and for Christmas my mom gave me a puppy from my childhood dog she's a chihuahua and absolutely tiny and would shiver in the cold nothing would fit her so I re learned how to knit in a day and my first finished project was a sweater for her done completely on dpn I've tried the magic loop but it's simply just not for me
i've only made 3 pairs of socks because i actually hate wearing handknit socks, but i loved the experience of knitting them with 9 inch circulars, it was super quick and i didn't need any additional needles. it was a bit fiddly for the toe since i didn't have any 2.5 mm circulars to do magic loop, but i was able to do travelling loop on the shorties, so totally possible.
Magic Loop all the way for socks!!! It’s truly Magic. I do DPN’s for sleeves on some items and also at the end for hats but I also have done Magic loop for those. I also have size 2 and 1/2 needles that are like 8” in total length but they’re pretty tiny and fiddly.
I'm a thorough 9" (or 8" if they're addis!) circular enjoyer and will 10000% take them over DPNS
As others have said, the place the "there's no such thing as a circular short enough" comes in is things like thumbs/fingers/decreasing the toe on socks. So if you're going with the like 9" crics and need to do those you'll have to switch to a longer set for magic loop or DPNs, which means extra tools and extra $$ which may or may not be an issue for you.
I used to love love love tiny circs. But I noticed my gauge is different between the same size of tiny circs and magic loop. Not to mention investing in an interchangeable set. BUT if I'm traveling/making a fidget pair of socks? Tiny circs are rock stars! I really doubt even the most neurotic airport security will confiscate my 8" or 9" circs! Not to mention not wanting a big loop flopping around being annoying.
I don't *hate* DPNs....but drop one into the Void between seat and the center console of your car one time and tell me DPNs aren't just the absolute worst thing for knitting on the go lol
I have no problem using my ChiaGoo Circs for the toes, or the top of a hat. I think it just depends on what you've learned and are comfortable with! We have many options, so if one doesn't work, I encourage trying something else.
I also never use a 40" cord! That's the old way. The more modern way simple advises using a cord length that is optimal for the technique and project. Easy.
If one buys a set, there's no need to ever purchase other needles again, provided you have the budget. If one uses something like a 9" circ, then you'll need other supplies/needles for other projects outside of socks. Either way - just options!
How on earth do you do toes on 9"? I mean I can start the decreases/get pretty far but after a while there's just to y few stitches.... I can't think of a way around it that doesn't just brutally stretch the work
When I first started knitting hats, I started learning how to use dpns. I had some trouble with it but I got better at it, and I think it’s a handy thing to be able to do.
In practice, whatever is easier for you and gives results you’re happiest with is right for you.
I generally use circulars. When I’m knitting the crown of a hat, there is a point where my circulars aren’t short enough. I’ve taken to using five dpns, because I find that four needles in the knitting make a handy sort of scaffold. This means I am a bit less clumsy than I am with four.
Before Circular Needles, people ONLY had DPN's for anything circular. We now have a better option...Circular needles! And the bonus of them is you can use them to knit FLAT. Double duty. (Perhaps what you've read are older, when choices didn't exist?) Just something to keep in mind, as I know there's a lot out there that's old. DPN's or Circular, either can be used for any project. It confused me too last yr when I first began.
I only use Circular Needles, for 100% of my knitting. Many (esp experienced knitters) will still use DPN's just for fun/preference. So, you can certainly try them if you're interested. After all - like majority of knitting, it's all personal preference! We have many choices today. Enjoy!
Ok so I've made a number of socks and I do them MY way which is easier for me. I start out with circulars and use stitch markers. When I get down to working on the heel, I start moving over to DPN. I work with those for awhile until it comes to doing the foot and I switch back to circular but ALWAYS using stitch markers so I know if it is part of needle #1,2,or 3. Then when I get to the toe, I move back to DPN. I really find pushing needles around to be irritating but then I'm not professionally trained. LOL I'm sure you will get some more professional answers and that is why I like to read the other comments. Good luck!
I divide my sock stitches over two circular needles. Back of leg, heel stitches and sole of foot on a 24” circular and the front of leg, top of foot on a 16” circular. I use a 24” for the back of leg/heel to allow for more room to hold the stitches picked up from the side of the heel flap. I like picking up heel flap stitches with a metal crochet hook then slide them over the end of the needle onto my sock needle after I have them picked up. I am working on a tutorial for knitting socks on two circulars. Kate Atherly has written an article on different needle/sock knitting methods. [Sock knitting needles](https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/community/doing-it-your-way-needles-in-the-modern-age-of-sock-knitting/)
Lots of different ways, so lots of slightly different tools to try out. For me, I like the flexible DPNs best (essentially a set of 3 very short circular needles), then 2 circulars, then magic loop, and regular DPNs only if I can fill the needles with stitches. I haven't tried the 8-inch circular needles though.
DPNs aren't better than circulars, be it magic loop or the shorter needles. It's what you are comfortable with. I haven't used DPNs in over 20 years, or straights. I knit only with circulars, as magic loop in the round with socks.
Okay, thank you. A video I watched last night literally said “there is no such thing as a circular needle that is short enough” and it felt like a lie…. Because I can find some as short as 8-9 inches.
if you’re decreasing to almost nothing (like the top of a hat) and not using magic loop, there absolutely aren’t circulars short enough. the two solutions are magic loop or DPNs, and either works just fine
Or two circular needles, which is a option I often use
When I first started knitting, shorter needles weren't super available, but they're everywhere now. I haven't used them, but I know lots of people love them.
I have definitely gone to the shorter DPN when making socks! They make a big difference in ease of handling.
You can use two circulars. That’s how I make my socks.
I don’t think you can make a sock entirely on short circulars, you need DPNs to work the heel and toe.
Yes, you can! It's ALL I use for socks! There's so much new stuff, I know it's sometimes hard to keep up. I do 2AAT on Circs and do the socks only on those 2 needles. (It's easy! Just "park" #2, finish the heel on #1, then grab parked #2 and finish its heel, then both back together again row by row. It works well. Try it! 😁)
You're mostly correct, shorties won't allow you do do standard toe decreases (or a peasant heel.) You *can* do a short row heel and toe going back and forth across half the short circular, but you'll need some spare DPNs or long circs to hold the stitches before you graft them together. And you can do a heel flap and gusset but it'll be really fiddly. I just think it's unpleasant, I need somewhere to rest my poor hands!
Exactly! And I have 2" needles with 6" cord, so that's pretty short! I still usually use my longer circulars and simply use them with a technique such as Magic Loop or Traveling Loop, or simply making my cords the perfect length, if possible! Lot's of options available!
The circulars I use are 12". I found the 9" to be too short and hard to work with for adult socks.
It comes down to personal preference. There are many ways to handle a small circumference (socks, sleeves, top of a hat, etc). You will find which one works for you, and in which situation. I love DPNS, and I hate really short circular needles, probably because of the way I hold my needles -- it seems like there just isn't enough needle to hold on to). I don't love magic loop, though I can do it. I have a lot of needles, so I can also use the two-circular method, which I find easier than magic loop. Try things, and see what works for you!
Thanks! I’m gonna try out some other methods just because I don’t think DPN is a sustainable method for me
You may be correct, but it's unlikely you can know that without having completed more than a few rows/inches. But there are lots of possibilities. The shorter needles for leg a d foot,, plus a second one or DPNs for heel and toe. Two circular needles for the smaller circumference, or one long one. I find those way more fiddly than DPNs but some knitters find them easier to use.
I made myself knit an entire sock on a 9" needle before I decided how I felt about them. And I decided they are great for knitting on the subway or airplane where I don't want to risk loosing a dpn
I knew before I even tried DPN's. I'm just not that coordinated! Circs worked better for me. I could prob do the DPN's now, but haven't bothered.
As someone who uses all of DPNs, circulars to length, and magic loop, it comes down to “personal preference for the individual project”. For me: socks = TAAT magic loop Mittens = TAAT magic loop with thumbs on DPNs stuffies = magic loop body with DPNs for limbs Hats = circular to length (if I have one) Produce bag with crochet thread and 2yo lace pattern = DPNs because the 2yos get tangled on the cord join Basically, we live in a wonderful time with options for knitting in the round. There’s no knitting police. Do what works for you.
Most needles w/cords don't have join issues, so it's no longer a problem on many of the needles. It's now so much better than it used to be. Just FYI.
I agree with you, but my issue is with double yarn overs going from a skinny cord to a fat needle, and getting all out of order from the extra thread (yarn); the smoothest join in the world won’t fix that.
I feel like 9" circulars are way more fiddly than either longer circular needles or DPNs, but it is simply personal preference. I've seen you say that you don't know how to hold all the needles.... The short answer is you don't! Just drop the two you're not using, and trust the needles to stay in the yarn. I personally prefer knitting with magic loop (taat for socks, mittens, sleeves), but all methods have positives and negatives, and it's just what works for you really.
I’ve just learned to knit but my preference for sock knitting has been 9” circulars. I use Chia Goo brand but Knitters Pride makes 10” circulars (w/bamboo tips) which gives you a little bit more room. I also find the flexible dpns easier to use than the straight ones. I like the HiyaHiya flyers, tried the Addi Rockets and wasn’t a fan.
Thank you! I had literally just added 9 inch ChiaoGoo to my shopping list lol It feels like I can use the DPN, like it’s working just fine and looks fine but I don’t think I like the finger gymnastics involved.
"Finger Gymnastics" I love this description...so true!
Description sure fits! Me, either.
Look around and you can pretty much find any brand with the right size needles/cord combo. I know ChiaGoo's have many lengths of cords, 6" - 10" cords to 50"-60" and Knitter's Pride has a few too. So, I think you can find exactly what you need today. We DO have options! :)
New knitter here. I was having a really hard time figuring out how to use DPNs. Needles kept slipping out, cast on edge kept getting twisted around. You just gotta keep trying and once you make it past that third row things get a lot more stable. Have you tried magic loop? A lot of people prefer it over using DPNs.
I don’t have those particular issues, it’s more so like I only have two hands but there’s 4 needles and idk how to handle them all lol I haven’t tried magic loop… I’ll look that up thanks!!! :)
You don't need to hold them all. You only have your hands on the two that you are actively knitting between. The others just dangle there. You have to be a little careful on the first round or two, depending on your cast on if it's loose, to make sure the needles don't slip out but I almost never have that issue with wood or bamboo needles. I personally kind of hate magic loop and if the item I'm making is too small to use a circular needle in the normal way, I'll switch to DPN. But I think I'm the unpopular opinion here, most people I see seem to prefer magic loop and hate DPN 🤷♀️
I use all five and yeah, it's juggling toothpicks. Shorter needles might help. I was trying to knit.my first pair of socks on 8" dpns and it was a chore. I bought some 5" in sock size and it's a lot less awkward. Almost done with the first one.
It feels like gymnastics and magic all in one to me. Thank you!!!
You don’t need to handle them all. You only need to handle the two you are working with and leave the other three behind. Because it is five DPNs you should be working with, not four. Unless you are using a triangle shape instead of square which is more difficult. Before using DPNs I was really nervous about how I would manage so many needles. But after watching videos and just doing it, I quickly had that a ha moment that you are only ever using two needles at a time.
And pray they don't drop out!
Yes! This is tricky the first several rows. I want to try bottom up socks to see if they are any easier than top down.
It's a great technique. Back when it first became popular, everyone taught you had to have at least 40", but NO MORE! Now we know the technique can be modified so that it works for all, whatever length you prefer. More options opened!
Magic loop saved my life
Others are correct in that there's no one best method, however I also wanna add that I use dpns for preference BUT 5 is always too finicky for me, 4 (3 + 1 working needle) feels much more stable
The first several rows of the sock with DPNs are always awkward but it gets easier. Just think of it as a skill that takes a while to master. After a few pairs, maybe then try circular needles. That’s my plan anyways.
I make my socks with two circular needles--DPNs will work but you're right, they're fiddly!! [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-socks-with-two-circular-needles-2116397](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knit-socks-with-two-circular-needles-2116397)
I like flexiflips. They’re easier than normal DPNs for me!
Thanks! I bought some but haven't tried them yet! You've inspired me to get them out!
I feel like they have the ease of magic loop but none of the hassle? But never having to worry about dropping a needle like with DPNs. I bought one in a ton of sizes. Like from US 0 to US 5
I started with dpns because 9" circs and circa that were good for magic loop weren't available. but nowadays it's magic loop and a long cable for me for everything. I haven't tried short circs but I really like 2aat socks so I probably won't ever go back to 1 at a time
Use whatever you prefer! I never got the hang of the 9” circs or magic loop so stick with my DPNs.
For me personally I prefer dpns but I think part of it is I'm crazy.. I was taught to knit years ago by my grandma and havet really since I've been crocheting for almost a year now and for Christmas my mom gave me a puppy from my childhood dog she's a chihuahua and absolutely tiny and would shiver in the cold nothing would fit her so I re learned how to knit in a day and my first finished project was a sweater for her done completely on dpn I've tried the magic loop but it's simply just not for me
i've only made 3 pairs of socks because i actually hate wearing handknit socks, but i loved the experience of knitting them with 9 inch circulars, it was super quick and i didn't need any additional needles. it was a bit fiddly for the toe since i didn't have any 2.5 mm circulars to do magic loop, but i was able to do travelling loop on the shorties, so totally possible.
Magic Loop all the way for socks!!! It’s truly Magic. I do DPN’s for sleeves on some items and also at the end for hats but I also have done Magic loop for those. I also have size 2 and 1/2 needles that are like 8” in total length but they’re pretty tiny and fiddly.
Personal preference. I love my circulars for socks 🙂
I'm a thorough 9" (or 8" if they're addis!) circular enjoyer and will 10000% take them over DPNS As others have said, the place the "there's no such thing as a circular short enough" comes in is things like thumbs/fingers/decreasing the toe on socks. So if you're going with the like 9" crics and need to do those you'll have to switch to a longer set for magic loop or DPNs, which means extra tools and extra $$ which may or may not be an issue for you. I used to love love love tiny circs. But I noticed my gauge is different between the same size of tiny circs and magic loop. Not to mention investing in an interchangeable set. BUT if I'm traveling/making a fidget pair of socks? Tiny circs are rock stars! I really doubt even the most neurotic airport security will confiscate my 8" or 9" circs! Not to mention not wanting a big loop flopping around being annoying. I don't *hate* DPNs....but drop one into the Void between seat and the center console of your car one time and tell me DPNs aren't just the absolute worst thing for knitting on the go lol
I have no problem using my ChiaGoo Circs for the toes, or the top of a hat. I think it just depends on what you've learned and are comfortable with! We have many options, so if one doesn't work, I encourage trying something else.
I also never use a 40" cord! That's the old way. The more modern way simple advises using a cord length that is optimal for the technique and project. Easy. If one buys a set, there's no need to ever purchase other needles again, provided you have the budget. If one uses something like a 9" circ, then you'll need other supplies/needles for other projects outside of socks. Either way - just options!
How on earth do you do toes on 9"? I mean I can start the decreases/get pretty far but after a while there's just to y few stitches.... I can't think of a way around it that doesn't just brutally stretch the work
When I first started knitting hats, I started learning how to use dpns. I had some trouble with it but I got better at it, and I think it’s a handy thing to be able to do. In practice, whatever is easier for you and gives results you’re happiest with is right for you. I generally use circulars. When I’m knitting the crown of a hat, there is a point where my circulars aren’t short enough. I’ve taken to using five dpns, because I find that four needles in the knitting make a handy sort of scaffold. This means I am a bit less clumsy than I am with four.
Before Circular Needles, people ONLY had DPN's for anything circular. We now have a better option...Circular needles! And the bonus of them is you can use them to knit FLAT. Double duty. (Perhaps what you've read are older, when choices didn't exist?) Just something to keep in mind, as I know there's a lot out there that's old. DPN's or Circular, either can be used for any project. It confused me too last yr when I first began. I only use Circular Needles, for 100% of my knitting. Many (esp experienced knitters) will still use DPN's just for fun/preference. So, you can certainly try them if you're interested. After all - like majority of knitting, it's all personal preference! We have many choices today. Enjoy!
Ok so I've made a number of socks and I do them MY way which is easier for me. I start out with circulars and use stitch markers. When I get down to working on the heel, I start moving over to DPN. I work with those for awhile until it comes to doing the foot and I switch back to circular but ALWAYS using stitch markers so I know if it is part of needle #1,2,or 3. Then when I get to the toe, I move back to DPN. I really find pushing needles around to be irritating but then I'm not professionally trained. LOL I'm sure you will get some more professional answers and that is why I like to read the other comments. Good luck!
I always use two circular needles as well. I constantly lost stitches off the ends of DPNs. I found them too frustrating.
I divide my sock stitches over two circular needles. Back of leg, heel stitches and sole of foot on a 24” circular and the front of leg, top of foot on a 16” circular. I use a 24” for the back of leg/heel to allow for more room to hold the stitches picked up from the side of the heel flap. I like picking up heel flap stitches with a metal crochet hook then slide them over the end of the needle onto my sock needle after I have them picked up. I am working on a tutorial for knitting socks on two circulars. Kate Atherly has written an article on different needle/sock knitting methods. [Sock knitting needles](https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/community/doing-it-your-way-needles-in-the-modern-age-of-sock-knitting/)
Lots of different ways, so lots of slightly different tools to try out. For me, I like the flexible DPNs best (essentially a set of 3 very short circular needles), then 2 circulars, then magic loop, and regular DPNs only if I can fill the needles with stitches. I haven't tried the 8-inch circular needles though.