Author Topic: Knitting in the round (Read 2370 times)

Alistair · « **on:** September 17, 2012, 03:51:18 pm »

Ive been trying all day

I just can't do it, cast on, ok, spilt stitches on my circular needles, ok, work out lengths of cable etc and get going...

After I've done about 5 rows it just starts stretching at the join so my stitches are about 1cm wide, I've been trying sooo hard to make that stitch tight but it keeps happening, I've only got 3 dpns so can't do it that way

Where am I going wrong, am I missing something?

And my cable needle keeps unscrewing itself from the cable so all my stitches fall off..

I WILL master this

Any tips great fully received as always

Bionic · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2012, 04:01:37 pm »

Alistair I think its just a case of practising. It might help if you get another set of dpns so that you can try that method. As for the cable stitches, I have a cable needle that has a V in the middle so the stitches can sit there rather than falling off one end or the other.
Sally

Alistair · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2012, 04:05:55 pm »

Sorry didn't Mean cable needle in that sense, mine have vs in them too, it's just the dpn is bamboo needles with an interchangeable cable that screws between..

Still practicing, still frustrated, just can't seem to get the tension right, I'm soaking the cable (it's plastic) in hot water now to see if that makes a difference, seems pointless but if I could just ge the first 10 or so rows right I'd guess the tension would sort itself out

jaykay · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2012, 04:09:15 pm »

It's actually the second stitch you need to pull tight at the join to stop that stretched stitch. Is your cable the right length or too long?

As for it coming unscrewed, lock-tight super glue will hold it - and break when you twist it hard to undo it on purpose. Or maybe a tiny bit of cotton thread or PTFE plumbers tape on the screw thread? Yes, getting the plastic cable warm will make it a bit more flexible but cheap plastic cables are still a pain and the join to the needles isn't great either. It is a question of getting used to them, they are different to hold and so the way you tension your yarn is different too. I knit on nothing but circulars and dpns for socks now.

I wonder if you could put a 'wanted' notice locally for dpns, lots of people will have them sitting about or would be prepared to lend you them for the project.

Good luck

Alistair · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2012, 04:16:02 pm »

Hiya jaykay, I've got dpns 5 of them, just mislaid 2, so I did a search on magic loop method, that's what I'm trying, I use the cable needle for knitting sweaters on, just find it easier to use, am going to try the second stitch now...