BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Knitting how to use circular needles as straights?

i'm new to knitting (1 month) but have already become severly addicted! i have circular needles, but am curious (because of other postings)as to how to use them as straights? do you tie one end off?

Welcome, You don't have to tie one end off, you just knit back and forth just like you would if they were straight. Just make sure that your length is appropriate for your project, you don't want it too short (the middle part). They have 2 different type of circular sets, one is Boye and the other is Denise interchangables. I use the Boye but plan on at least trying the Denise set.

If you can afford it, I would suggest Addi Turbo's. They are awesome. I find the circ's much easier on my wrists, shoulders and neck. I relax my arms more, and the cord takes the weight of the knitting, not my arms.

Cast on like you normally would. The stitches will still be on your left and your newly formed stitches will end up in your right hand just like straight needles.

Turn the needles around so that all your stitches are in your left hand again and your right side is empty. You will still have a right/wrong side.

This probably sounds so confusing. Once your brain adjusts, it will all make sense.

I don't knit with anything but circulars (unless I have to use double-pointed needles, which I really don't like). I agree that once you get used to knitting with them like straights, you'll find it faster and more comfortable. I just don't like the sensation with straights of those needle ends flapping around. I also feel like I'm less likely to have my work slip off the needles when I'm working on circulars.