Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knitting Tip: Using Interchangeable Knitting Needles

by

I love interchangeable knitting needles, especially when working projects in the round that use multiple needle sizes. But it’s great to have an interchangeable knitting needle set (or two!) in your collection because it’s an easy way to get most of the sizes of knitting needles that you could need, and you can use them for circular or flat knitting.

What to look for in interchangeable needles

To me, the main thing you need to look for in interchangeable knitting needle sets is a strong, smooth join between the cable and the needle tip. I’ve had needles fall apart at the join under the weight of a big project, spilling stitches everywhere.

Interchangeable needle sets are available in lots of different kinds of materials, so if you already have a preference for wooden or metal needles, for example, you can find a set that suits.

Look for a set that has a wide variety of needle sizes. Usually the range seems to be around size 4 or 5 to 15 US.

Pay attention to the length of the needle tip as well; the shorter ones can be hard to work with at first.

The material of the cables should be pliable so it can easily bend to the shape of your knitting. I love sets that also allow you to join cables together so you can make a longer cable in the middle of a project (great for those increase rounds in a top-down sweater, for example).

An interchangeable tip for the disorganized knitter

I shared this tip about interchangeable knitting needles on Instagram the other day and I don’t know if it’s common knowledge (or if many knitters are as disorganized as I am!) so I wanted to share it here, too.

What happens if you want to knit with a particular size needle and you can only find one tip of that size?

In knitting, the size needle that really matters is the one that is forming the stitches. So make sure you cast on over the tip of the correct size, and use a smaller needle tip on the other side.

Then when knitting, make sure you are always knitting onto the needle that’s the correct size. If you’re working in the round this is easy because you can always keep that needle in your right hand.

This doesn’t work as well if you’re knitting flat, because you’d have to remember to change out your needle tips at the end of each row, but I have used this for circular knitting and it keeps me from going crazy trying to find a missing needle point.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for more Cable-styled knitting patterns? Check out these Cable Knit Patterns on Etsy

Comments

  1. I think the needle you’re knitting onto is in your right hand! (At least for most knitters.). Good tip, though.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.