[Ginfav]

I am new to knitting and ready to try my hand at a cable knit hat . The pattern calls for a 24" circular needle. I could not find that size at the store but I do have a 29" circular needle. Will I be able to knit the pattern on the larger size needle with no problems or should I wait to purchase the size specified in the pattern.

 

[Lolly12]

You should probably buy the one recommended in the pattern.Your stitches wont stretch enough to go around the length of cable

 

[cindye6556]

I am new to knitting and ready to try my hand at a cable knit hat . The pattern calls for a 24" circular needle. I could not find that size at the store but I do have a 29" circular needle. Will I be able to knit the pattern on the larger size needle with no problems or should I wait to purchase the size specified in the pattern.

you could also use the "traveling loop" if you don't have a longer circ.
http://knitfreedom.com/magic-loop/traveling-loop-method-magic-loop

 

[jmcret05]

Here is a chart that will help you decide what needle you need to use for your project. Remember that circulars are measured from needletip to needletip not just the cable length. Good Luck.

http://www.knitting.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:lengths-of-circular-needles-available-and-minimum-numbers-of-stitches-required&catid=7:faqs&Itemid=27

You may have to convert the needle size, but here is a chart for that also.
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/info/knitting-needle-conversion.html

 

[Lolly12]

That is a great chart,thanks for sharing
Cheers :-D :-D

 

[Ginfav]

Thanks so much...I just finished watching the video and that is what I will try. Looks like something I can handle.

 

[Ginfav]

What a great chart and the whole site looks like it has a lot to offer. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Torticollus]

You can get away with a little shorter circular (the stitches will be more bunched up), but not a longer one.

 

[RoxyCatlady]

You can get away with a little shorter circular (the stitches will be more bunched up), but not a longer one.

Unless you are going to learn magic loop, or the travelling loop. Then you would want a longer needle.

You could also use the two circular method, and the lengths don't matter as much.

 

[amcrory]

Thanks a million for sharing those two websites. Fantastic! (Saved me a lot of time.)

 

[ChocPieMom]

I would disagree with even the 24" length needle unless you're knitting for a very large man. You want the needles to be shorter than the circumference of the head your are knitting for and you want the hat to stretch just a bit to fit and stay on. I have a big head and don't knit more than a 22" circumference for a ribbed headband! I would use a 16" circular or no longer than a 20" circular, the traveling loop method with a longer needle or 2 circulars of any length knitting from one to the other in the circular motion.

 

[Ginfav]

Thanks so much for you input. After trying everything I do believe your advice will be best.

 

[Ginfav]

I appreciate you taking time to answer my question. I am still working at it. Some day I will have my hat made. I hope it is this winter and not next spring.