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Coolj
Chatty Knitter
USA
149 Posts |
 Posted - 11/06/2009 : 07:43:51 AM
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A few days ago I decided to cast on some Jacoby Mitts but didn’t have a long enough circular available to do them in Magic Loop. I don’t mind DPNs at all but thought this as good an opportunity as any to try out Cat Bordhi’s method that uses two shorter (in this case, 24-inch) circulars. I’m halfway through the gusset on the first mitt and must ask myself why anyone would opt for this technique. It’s like I’m knitting from the inside out. Perhaps I’m missing something or I’m doing something wrong.
IMHO, Cat is one of the world’s premier knitters, and I have used her patterns and tips extensively. However, I'm at a loss to justify this method. Do any of you prefer it over the DPNs or ML? If so, why?
Juanita
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fiddlerbird555
Permanent Resident
USA
1348 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2009 : 12:24:47 PM
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I tried 2 circs before ML, and I can see its attraction. The only thing I dislike is that I'm not organized enough with my needles. I'm lucky to find a single one in the right size, let alone two. I had less trouble with yarn tangling by having both sides open, and I complety do not understand your complaint about knitting inside out.
The only thing that's really unique to the method is the ability to do the sole at a tighter gauge. That might be useful, but I haven't worn out a pair of handknits yet, anyway.
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I can go loopy, or I can knit. Your choice. |
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Owl
New Pal
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2009 : 4:45:58 PM
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I like 2circs better than ML and way better than DPNs; DPNs always pop out when you throw your knitting into a bag. I like DPNs for other things like I-cord and holding my sweater around my shoulders by the sleeves.
On the knitting-from-the-inside-out (I swear I have that book somewhere!) thing, if we are on the same wavelength, the answer is to flip your knitting right side out.
Soemtimes it's easier to knit a few rows back and forth and then put half the stitches on the other needle. I prefer 2circs because I am better at sliding the needles around without having to grab the cord and pull it out through the stitches.
But then, with ML you never have one needle hit the floor because you accidentally knit all the stitches onto the other one.
Could you give a little more data on how you think this is inside out?
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LJ
Permanent Resident
USA
1783 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2009 : 4:57:10 PM
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I did the inside out thing too. Can't remember why it happened. But as Owl said, if you flip it right side out you should be able to fix it.
What you want to do is hold the knitting so you are knitting the stitches from the front needle or the needle that is closest to you.
My opinion: Not crazy about 2 circ's. Rather use double points.
Linda in Va
My Blog: http://wallisknits.blogspot.com
My Patterns: http://www.eweknitkits.com
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Coolj
Chatty Knitter
USA
149 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2009 : 5:15:05 PM
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On Youtube, I watched Cat and then part of Stitch Diva's demonstration on knitting on two circulars. I'm doing it correctly, and it's as though you're knitting counter-clockwise. On the second part, Cat shows how to flip the work inside/out and continue with the same stitches; it then becomes clockwise. It's much easier than it sounds, but it still took me a minute to wrap my head around it even after watching Cat.
My stitches aren't quite as pretty as they are with ML or DPNs, but the resposibility lies at the feet of my own clumsiness. I probably won't invest in more duplicate circulars, but it's so nice knowing another technique.
Thanks for your feedback. I can always depend on you guys to either come to my rescue or simply encourage.
Juanita |
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Kade1301
Permanent Resident
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 08:50:45 AM
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No idea how Cat Bordhi does it - my knitting stays the same direction it would with magic loop or DPN. I mostly use DPNs for small items (I'm doing dozens of handwarmers), I find they are faster than pulling all that cord through the stitches. Second choice would be two circs - if I can find two in the right size. Magic loop is for when all else fails... Or for when I've switched to a larger needle to try something on and want to add a few rounds without switching needles. But I love my bamboo DPNs!
Bye, Klara
http://www.lahottee.info |
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Coolj
Chatty Knitter
USA
149 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 10:07:31 AM
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Klara, I like your attitude; I was beginning to think I was alone in my bamboo DPN preference. However, over the past year or so, I've also fallen madly in love with KnitPicks' Harmony DPNs. Some people are bothered by the colors, but they entertain me to no end!
Juanita |
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Laurie K
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
446 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 2:35:56 PM
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I love dps, find them quick and easy. I like bamboos, but I love rosewoods and knit picks metal dps are really nice as well. My dilemma is knowing and keeping track of my dps by size and together. I haven't found a perfect solution as yet. I have a lovely dp fabric case with pockets but can't label the pockets well. I keep one of those lovely little needle sizers pinned to the case for size confirmation.
http://the-yarn-princess.blogspot.com/
"If men could knit, there would be no wars" |
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Kade1301
Permanent Resident
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 06:39:05 AM
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Slightly OT: My bamboo DPNs have the size engraved - one problem solved (the needle gauge is still there for the circs). For keeping them together I use elastic rings for hair (braids or ponytails) - cheerful colours (now, if I was organized I could color-code the sizes, but I'm not) and nicer to work with than "naked" rubber rings. And I store the needle packages in a drawer insert for cutlery which lives on my coffee table when I'm knitting a lot.
Bye, Klara
http://www.lahottee.info |
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stash
New Pal
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 6:31:01 PM
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| I vote for the 2 circulars. When I went back to knitting after many years, I decided to make small things, socks, mittens etc. I do have and have used DP's and do not particularly like them. I read Cat Bordhi's book and liked the idea of 2 circulars. As all my old needles and my mother's were stashed in one drawer, I decided I needed new ones. I bought some addi's as they seemed popular. I followed Cat's directions and soon believed 2 needles were the way to go. After a few pair of socks, I decided to try Knit Picks needles. They really converted me to circular needles. Their cables are fabulous. Needless to say I now have a fine collection of their needles and have become addicted to sock knitting. Sound familiar to anyone? ML may be good, but I do not feel the need to put forth the necessary effort of perfecting it at my age. |
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Jane
SustaYning Member
USA
3817 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2009 : 04:09:09 AM
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I just love DPN's. I love how light they are (bamboo especially) and how compact and portable the little sock/mitt/whatever package is. I haven't lost a needle in years, ever since I started using stitch keepers. I use them for hats, too, unless there are enough stitches to use a short circular. I use two circs every once in a while, and ML if it makes sense for the project, though I've never been able to avoid some kind of ladders, even with all of Fran's advice!
The other thing I love is how different each knitter is! This discussion has come up time and time again, and it's always interesting to read about our preferences and peeves.
Jane
Betty needs a warm hat: Support KR
Blog: Not Plain Jane
Photos: My Flickr Album
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GFTC
Permanent Resident
USA
6037 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2009 : 05:59:07 AM
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I find that I use circs for flat knitting when I have a lot of stitches, such as an afghan or a cardigan, or when I want to stuff the project in my pocketbook, such as a scarf.
For circular knitting of socks and hats I prefer dpns. I've amassed all sizes from 0 to 15 and lengths from 5" to 11" so I'm ready for anything. Currently I reach for the metal ones but I also use bamboo, rosewood, ebony, birch, casein, plastic, and that laminate that Knitpicks uses in the Harmony dpns. I like them all.
I never use 2 circs or Magic Loop. I suppose the reason is that I like knitting with straight needles and dpns are another form of straight needles.
GFTC of NYCmy knitting photos on Flickr or Ravelry
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PBELKNAP
Seriously Hooked
USA
835 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2009 : 07:34:49 AM
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I find I prefer DPNs. I've tried both the Magic Loop and knitting with 2 Circs, but I'm the most comfortable with DPNs. I find the other two way too cumbersome.
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WIP = Socks (k). Done this year = Shadow Jacket (c), Snowflake Sweater (k), Round Ripple (c), Socks (k - 3 pairs), Cot'n Corn Eyelet Rib Top (k), Crochet Hook Bag (Double Crochet), Charity Squares (k), Armenius Sweater (k), Brown Sweater (k), Entrelac Scarf (tunisian crochet), DROPS Crochet Cardigan (croc), Hourglass Sweater (k), Victorian Christmas Rug (c), WWII Museum Scarf (c), Shawl (c), Red Heart WomanHeart Scarf (c).
Twitter Name = WildKnitter
If I could only do this for a living... |
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Luann
Permanent Resident
USA
2108 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2009 : 2:22:51 PM
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For socks and hand coverings in fine gauges, I prefer two circs. For hats and quick-knitting mitts, it's DPNs. ML and I have agreed to disagree - we really get on each others nerves for some reason. My only problem with DPNs is that I have a small person around here who occasionally tries to "help" with my knitting, and he's pulled needles out of projects once in a while. Doesn't happen w/two circs, maybe because the cables are long enough that I can stop him before he gets them all the way out.
Luann
Knit and let knit!
http://www.luannocracy.blogspot.com |
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fmarrs
Permanent Resident
USA
9547 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2009 : 4:32:01 PM
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As for the 2 needle technique, Cat Bordi made it very popular and I think one reason was because it started before we had as many nice cables in our needles. It was the way to go if you didn't have tiny flexible cables. Also add to that, long enough cables. Long cables were available but hard to find. Production of 40 inch cables increased after it became popular to knit 2 socks at the same time.
As for myself, I prefer ML for most applications but I find my grandchildren keep me searching for dpn's and it is just easier to use ML than try to keep track of them. I'm eyeing a set of those short dpn's for the fingers of gloves for Christmas knitting but may just give mitts instead.....LOL.
fran
http://martianmischief.blogspot.com/ |
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hillstreetmama
Permanent Resident
USA
2862 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2009 : 6:33:57 PM
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ML is definitely NOT my fave. I'll do two circs, but usually end up with DPN's. Maybe because I learned that way first, and it became comfortable? At the LYS, I've found that DPN's frustrate the hell out of inexperienced knitters. Someone once compared starting a project on DPN's to wrestling with an octopus...it is, but once I knit a couple rows, I prefer it.
Jane, you're right - this subject is recycled now and again, and I always enjoy hearing what other knitters prefer.
Jan
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lella
Permanent Resident
8893 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2009 : 7:21:46 PM
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Here's my two and a half cents worth: I've used DPNs for such a long, long time, for hats and then for socks, that I'm so comfortable with them. I LUV the little things, metal or the bamboo in small sizes. I'll always put a vote in for them. Always. Now with bigger yarns, and bigger needles, I'm so glad that 16 and 24 inch circs exist.
I've tried ML but the pulling of the cable activated trouble in the pulling hand. I never tried two circs because someone I saw was always trying to keep things from tangling, and it look like it took a lot of time to knit with them.
I do like circs for knitting flat things or circular bigger things, they are invaluable to me. They keep my arms close to the body where I can knit a for a longer period of time. I have knit a lot of sweaters on straights but the hands just don't take those long straights of even tiny sizes anymore.
My Blog @ Zippiknits
Knitting@ Flicker
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abt1950
Permanent Resident
2986 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2009 : 8:33:56 PM
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For me it depends on the project. Socks are always dpns. Hats are done on 16 inch circulars and finished on dpns. I've only tried two circs once, briefly. That's on my to learn list. I don't have needles long enough to do a true magic loop, but I've found that doing a partial one (a single loop in the cable) can be a useful technique when the number of stitches on your circular needle get too few to knit comfortably.
Anne in NJ
Knit long and prosper |
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noallatin
Chatty Knitter
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 05:49:24 AM
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| I have tried all three methods listed. For socks, I prefer magic loop, less needles to drop especially since socks are my travel project. I don't mind dpns and will use them as needed- like when I don't have circs handy. I currently have a pair of socks on 2 circs. When I finish those, I don't think I'll do another pair that way. I just don't see the advantage. |
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mudpie@thegraphiczone.net
Chatty Knitter
USA
119 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 07:19:18 AM
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I have straights and DPNs in every size available, plus many, many duplicates. I can't remember the last time I used a pair of straights, though. Don't like the bulk OR the weight. And it seems that the only time I use my DPNs anymore, it is more for holding stitches for use later or holding stitches for cabling. They always seem a bit too "fiddly" in my hands. I do have Knitpicks Options set, and bought some 60" cables. I can do Magic Loop, but in my opinion, that's a lot of cable hanging out that I just don't need. I LOVE knitting on 2 circs. As another poster mentioned, there is less tangling of yarn (for me, anyway). My "footprint". so to speak, is smaller using 2 circs.
I think it's great that knitters have so many options, though. To each their own.
I'm just trying to talk myself into shedding a lot of my straights and DPNs, as they are just taking up space in my house. But even though I don't use them, that seems to be a very difficult thing for me to do.
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BeanerMom
Permanent Resident
1559 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 12:14:05 PM
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I've used DPNs alot, started using ML and tried 2 circs one. I love my bamboo DPNS which have seen many socks and hats. I used ML for my last two pairs of socks and marveled at the evenness in stitch tension. Those socks are a thing of beauty! 2 circs don't agree with me...too many ends which confuse me. I'm still going to use ML for socks but will always keep DPNS handy for mittens and that occasional sock.
Angie
My Ravelry
My Pictures |
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2 circulars vs. ML or DPN
