Straight Needles vs. Circular Needles
Differences between knitting with straight needles and circular needles
When you start knitting, one of the first decisions you have to make is what type of needles to use. There are two main options: straight needles and circular needles . Both have their advantages and are suited to different types of projects. In this article, we will explain the differences between them, their advantages, and when to choose one over the other.
1. What are straight needles and circular needles?
🔹 Straight Needles
These are traditional needles, long and with a point at one end and a stop at the other to prevent stitches from coming out. They are used in pairs and allow you to knit back and forth .
📌 Main uses:
✅ Flat projects such as scarves, blankets and sweater pieces.
✅ Perfect for beginners because they are very intuitive.
🔹 Circular Needles
They have two tips connected by a flexible cable. They allow you to knit in the round or flat and come in different cable lengths.
📌 Main uses:
✅ Round projects such as hats, seamless sweaters and socks.
✅ They are also suitable for flat projects, distributing the weight of the fabric better.
2. Main Differences between Straight and Circular Needles
| Feature | Straight Needles | Circular Needles |
|---|---|---|
| Knitting method | By plane (round trip). | In round or flat. |
| Length | Generally 25 to 40 cm. | Available in different cable lengths. |
| Ideal projects | Scarves, blankets, pieces of sweaters. | Hats, seamless sweaters, large projects. |
| Fabric weight | All the weight falls on the hands. | The weight is distributed on the cable, more comfortable. |
| Portability | Less practical to carry in your bag. | Ideal for travelling, less bulky. |
| Flexibility | Limited to flat projects. | Very versatile, they allow more types of projects. |
3. Advantages of each type of needle
Advantages of Straight Needles
✅ They are easy to use for beginners.
✅ Ideal for learning basic points without distractions.
✅ Good for simple projects like scarves and individual pieces of a sweater.
Advantages of Circular Needles
✅ They allow you to knit projects in the round without seams.
✅ They distribute the weight of the fabric better, reducing fatigue.
✅ They are more compact and easier to transport.
✅ They can be used for large projects without the weight falling on your hands.
✅ Perfect for advanced techniques such as the Magic Loop (to knit small circles without the need for double-pointed needles).
4. When to Choose Each Type of Needle?
📌 Choose straight needles if...
✔️ You are just starting out and want to learn the basics.
✔️ You will be knitting simple flat projects such as scarves or individual pieces of a sweater.
✔️ You prefer the classic feel of traditional fabric.
📌 Choose circular needles if...
✔️ You want to knit seamless round projects, such as hats or sweaters.
✔️ You are looking for comfort and to reduce hand fatigue.
✔️ You will be knitting large projects, such as blankets or jackets.
✔️ You need a more portable and versatile option.
5. Can You Knit Flat on Circular Needles?
Yes! Although many people think that circular needles are only used for knitting in the round, they can also be used for knitting flat. You simply knit back and forth as you would with straight needles, but with the convenience of better distributing the weight of the knitting.
✅ Perfect for larger projects such as one-piece blankets or sweaters.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it all depends on the type of project and your personal preferences.
🔹 If you are a beginner , you can learn with both straight and circular needles.
🔹 If you're looking for versatility , invest in a pair of circular needles, as they'll allow you to knit both flat and in the round.
At Idealium, we recommend starting with medium cable circular needles (80 cm) and size 4-5 mm, as they are comfortable and versatile for most projects.
✨ Ready to start your next project? Discover our kits with the best fibers and needles so you can enjoy knitting with the perfect tool for you. ✨