Do you love knitting in round, especially socks? Socks are the favorite and most popular project among knitters because it’s easy to make, small, and portable. Whether you are creating this for yourself or crafting it for your loved ones, something you find unique and satisfying about handmade socks. You might be unsure about the type of knitting needles to use, such as whether to use double-pointed (DPNs) or circular needles. In this blog, let's discuss which needle is perfect for making your favorite project.
Why knit socks with double-pointed needles?
Most knitters struggle to pick the right needle for the socks. Do you know, that DPNs are the oldest knitting tool for creating round projects? These short needles have points on both ends and come in sets of four or five. They are designed to knit in the round, perfect for smaller circular items like socks. Managing the five needles is sometimes tricky for beginners, however, most of the time, you knit with two needles only, so don't worry about it.
Double-pointed needles are available in materials, such as wood, bamboo, plastic, metal, stainless steel, and carbon, and can be chosen according to the preference and convenience of knitters. These are available in a range of sizes from 5’ to 8’, while 5'or 6'inches ones are good for knitting socks, and 8'-inch is for hats, sweaters, and larger projects.
Why choose circular knitting needles?
These needles are made for smaller circumference projects, and have a flexible cable connecting two needle tips for seamless knitting. Do you know they’re often used for knitting larger projects in the round? When it comes to socks, knitters mostly use two circular needles (CN) or one long circular needle to work in the round using the fantastic magic Loop technique.
You do have an option of choosing from fixed circular or interchangeable circular knitting needles. Both are perfect for knitting socks, as long as you have the size and length. We recommend either choosing a long circular needle with an 80cm (32") cable or a small CN with a 40cm (16") cable. You will be glad to know that these are generally more portable and compact than DPN, making them the best for making most of the projects.
Now, let’s discuss both DPN and CN.
Both needles are perfect to work with. However, when you think of knitting socks, the choice between these two depends on personal preference. However, most knitters prefer circular needles for knitting heavier garments because they are much easier on the hands and wrists. You can eliminate the risk of dropping or losing needles while in transit. In CN, work on two needles connected to a cable cord, and your work doesn’t slide off. Working with circular needles requires mastering methods like Magic Loop, which can be tricky for beginners but rewarding once mastered.
Double-pointed knitting needles are loved due to the comfort of knitting small circumferences. When knitting at home and having space to manage multiple needles, DPNs can offer a satisfying, rhythmic knitting experience.
Keep in mind a few points when choosing double-pointed or circular knitting needles:
- When knitting in the round, you are mostly concerned with the circumferences rather than length. For example, if the sock's inches are 25-35, you need at least 50 + stitches according to the yarn weight, so choose the DPN if the length permits. But CN especially ICN (interchangeable needles) have the benefit of changing the cords according to the stitches.
- Check the pattern instructions before deciding on the knitting needles, as the designer has already tried them and can give you the best instructions. Moreover, it is easy to switch needles and keep stitch markers handy.
- Ultimately it all depends on the comfort level of the knitters.
Why not try both needles?
Sometimes, a knitting project requires you to use both needles because of the circumferences of the project. Don’t be afraid to try it out. Ultimately, remember there is no right or wrong answer when choosing between DPNs and circular needles for sock knitting. It all depends on what you feel is best for you and your knitting style. If you love the classical style, go for DPN, or if you like the versatility and compactness of circular needles, CN is for you.
Don’t wait! Grab your yarn, knitting needles, and a good sock pattern.