Choosing Needle Sizes

A question from one of our customers:

I want to get some Addi circulars in 1 and 0 for doing doll clothes and socks. I've worked with sets of sock needles, but I'm thinking that fewer points might be nicer to deal with.
I can't decide, though, if I should go for the 12" or the 16" length. I don't know how long the needles are in relation to the cable between them and the pics you have don't seem to be accurate for the smaller lengths.
So, I'm looking for guidance. Will the 12" be so short that the "holding" pair won't be out of my way as well, or will the 16" be too long and droop in my lap? Suggestions? Comments? Advice?? Help??
Thanks very much.

Tags: and, answers, expert, knitting, questions

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Permalink Reply by Jody Moody on December 31, 2008 at 8:21pm

I love Addi's for socks...never tried for doll clothes. Personally, I like the 16's for simple practicality. I seem to use the longer ones more often and the 12's seem too short for me. I have a pair of 12's and I only use them for cuffs on my sweater sleeves, but I think double points work better for me when it gets that tight. The entire length of the needle and cable are calculated into the size lengths. Hope this helps.
jody

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Permalink Reply by Yarn Goddess on April 8, 2009 at 3:17pm

I use DPN's when I'm doing single socks or 24" Addi Lace circs for doing two socks at once. I've found that anything smaller than 24" have needles which are difficult to hold and use. I know that a new craze has erupted where people are using 9" (I think) circs for socks, but I bought some for a friend and don't know how she'll be able to handle the tiny needles at the ends.

I also don't know how a 16" needle can "droop" in your lap. The cord is so small that it's just going to sit there while you knit. If you're able to deal with the tiny points, then I'd say to use the smallest circs possible. Otherwise, you'll need to cast on a great number of stitches relative to the size of your project in order to knit in the round. Of course, if you're going back and forth instead of around, it doesn't matter. In that case, I'd use the 16" - you'll have more needle to hold.

I hope this makes sense!

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Permalink Reply by Holly Barcelo on June 15, 2009 at 6:44am

I'm guessing by what you wrote that you intend to use the double dpn method to make the item. My sugestion is always to go a bit longer than you need, because drooping is a lot less annoying than the frustration of dealing with needles that are too short. (speaking of short, I'm not that tall myself and the 16" always work okay for me!)

However, if you are looking for less points, may I direct you toward a really long needle and suggest the magic loop method? It's really easy to do, and in my opinion much easier to handle than 2 dpns. It's one less needle to buy as well :).