Cable length

2792 Views 71 Replies 31 Participants Last post by Jessica-Jean, 4 mo ago

ggmomliz

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

For those who knit in the round in circular needles (NOT for Magic Loop), do you prefer to use a cable length that is just shorter than the circumference of your work or a lot shorter? I know it's a matter of personal preference, what makes me ask is that a test designer is requiring that we be able to create a needle that is 180" long for an adult dress, suggesting that testers purchase additional cables and connectors. While I could do that, I have absolutely no intention to. I prefer to use the shortest cable that will accommodate the stitches without forcing them off the tips so that the fabric pretty much pushes itself across the cable.
So what's your preference? As long as possible or as short as practical?

Reactions: 4

1 - 20 of 72 Posts

beth60201

· #2 · 5 mo ago

I agree.

gsykim

· #3 · 5 mo ago

I like them a bit bunched up because as you say, it helps push them along. There is a point though, if they are tightly bunched where yarn overs can go astray and they become more difficult to move along the cable like a big log jam of stitches. You can see I’ve taken “shortest cable that will accommodate” to unhealthy extremes! 🤣🤣

Reactions: 5

Jessica-Jean

· #4 · 5 mo ago

Bunched up, OR multiple circulars NOT joined, but used as one uses double pointed needles. That’s how I did this:

Ravelry: JessicaJean's Spider Möbius WRAP

www.ravelry.com

Reactions: 5

riversong200

· #5 · 5 mo ago

I prefer a cable that's just a bit shorter than the circumference of whatever I'm knitting.

Reactions: 1

dunnville89

· #6 · 5 mo ago

I primarily use 16" circular needles for most of my work, but I do a lot of knitting smaller things. For larger, I would use a 24". I don't think I'd ever make anything larger than that and I don't do magic loop (tried, didn't like that method).

GrumpyGramma

· #7 · 5 mo ago

ggmomliz said:
a test designer is requiring that we be able to create a needle that is 180" long for an adult dress,

I'd either do as I please or not do the test knit. I can't imagine using a needle of that length and if it's a non-negotiable requirement then the designer needs a wake up call. My response to your question is that if it works for you it's right and what difference does my preference make?

I can make 60" circs and sometimes do. They came in handy for two at a time slippers with lots of stitches worked along the length. They could be used for blocking in lieu of blocking wires and I'm considering putting them to that use on a shawl. I use them as stitch holders for trying on top down sweaters. They have their uses but not often for knitting

Pocahontas

· #8 · 5 mo ago

Jessica-Jean said:
Bunched up, OR multiple circulars NOT joined, but used as one uses double pointed needles. That’s how I did this:

Ravelry: JessicaJean's Spider Möbius WRAP

www.ravelry.com

Very interesting!! Love the cowl. 😍

Reactions: 1

Jessica-Jean

· #9 · 5 mo ago

Pocahontas said:
Very interesting!! Love the cowl. 😍

Thank you! 🙂

ggmomliz

Discussion Starter · #10 · 5 mo ago

GrumpyGramma said:
I'd either do as I please or not do the test knit. I can't imagine using a needle of that length and if it's a non-negotiable requirement then the designer needs a wake up call. My response to your question is that if it works for you it's right and what difference does my preference make?

I can make 60" circs and sometimes do. They came in handy for two at a time slippers with lots of stitches worked along the length. They could be used for blocking in lieu of blocking wires and I'm considering putting them to that use on a shawl. I use them as stitch holders for trying on top down sweaters. They have their uses but not often for knitting

Your preference does not make a difference, I'm just curious. I have joined the test but will knit as I please, it's not like the length of the cable makes a difference to how the piece comes out.

ggmomliz

Discussion Starter · #11 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

Jessica-Jean said:
Bunched up, OR multiple circulars NOT joined, but used as one uses double pointed needles. That’s how I did this:

Ravelry: JessicaJean's Spider Möbius WRAP

www.ravelry.com

When I made a bed size single hexagon blanket I used a 48" circular for each side. I made sure that I had good tight caps on all the tips that weren't active and on those two when I put it down

Jessica-Jean

· #12 · 5 mo ago

ggmomliz said:
When 8 made a bed size single hexagon blanket I used a 48" circular for each side. I made sure that I had good tight caps on all the tips that weren't active and on those two when I put it down

Photo?

Stellanator

· #13 · 5 mo ago

I like to use somewhat shorter needles so it's easier for the fabric to "get along."

Reactions: 2

nerac

· #14 · 5 mo ago

Jessica-Jean said:
Bunched up, OR multiple circulars NOT joined, but used as one uses double pointed needles. That’s how I did this:

Ravelry: JessicaJean's Spider Möbius WRAP

www.ravelry.com

Clever! Love the way you worked your cowl. The cowl is beautiful JJ.

Reactions: 1

Jessica-Jean

· #15 · 5 mo ago

nerac said:
Clever! Love the way you worked your cowl. The cowl is beautiful JJ.

Thank you!

I have yet to make another.

SueBee68

· #16 · 5 mo ago

Jessica-Jean said:
Bunched up, OR multiple circulars NOT joined, but used as one uses double pointed needles. That’s how I did this:

Ravelry: JessicaJean's Spider Möbius WRAP

www.ravelry.com

GREAT IDEA! Now why didn't I think of that??? You are a real gem, JJ!

Reactions: 1

GrumpyGramma

· #17 · 5 mo ago

ggmomliz said:
Your preference does not make a difference, I'm just curious. I have joined the test but will knit as I please, it's not like the length of the cable makes a difference to how the piece comes out.

In that case, I much prefer magic loop for small circumference knitting. I can and have used two circs but do not like it. Overall I don't like a lot of extra cable, ever, either knitting flat or in the round. Actually the length of cable can affect how my knitting comes out. If there is too much length I can end up with uneven tension when moving stitches along. That might be an idiosyncrasy peculiar to me alone and it took me a long time to figure out the problem. Typically I use the shortest needle that works. I would do as others have said and use multiple circs like long floppy dpn, knitting with another.

Reactions: 4

NimueVaniva

· #18 · 5 mo ago

I don't have interchangeables with extra cable connections, just fixed circulars. Average length is 29" to 36", one 60" (US 5) that is currently in a bed cover WIP. Don't like short circs, love magic loop. Lot's of socks on US 0, 29".

Reactions: 2

targa416

· #19 · 5 mo ago

A circular knitting needle of length 180 inches (15 feet) sounds just plain wrong. 180 cm (71 inches) maybe. Are my calculations correct? I’ve had a glass of wine.

My favourite length of circular needle is 32”. There are occasions to use longer or shorter but that’s my go-to.

Reactions: 3

leftyknitter21

· #20 · 5 mo ago

Most of my circular needles are 29" and that's what I use for most anything, whether it's a cowl, scarf, sweater or afghan. So far, it's worked fine for me.

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