5 Reasons to Love Fixed Circular Knitting Needles

Circular knitting needles are multi-purpose needles used by knitters for their everyday projects. Used for all kinds of projects no matter the size or stitch count, whether you knit back and forth or seamless rounds. The fixed circular knitting needles are circulars that have a fixed cable length. Now, many knitters may prefer the interchangeable over the fixed ones but there are many reasons to love fixed circulars. Being manufactured as one unit, the join between the needle and cable is smooth. It does not snag the yarn or get lost. They are perfect for knitting on the go and carry them for a weekend getaway or a vacation.

For knitters who’ve discovered the joy of knitting with circulars are converted for a lifetime. If you have not yet enjoyed working with fi, let’s walk you through some reasons.

1. Significantly reduces strain on hands and arms

Circulars both fixed and interchangeable have an ergonomic design. The needles allow the weight of the project to be evenly distributed from one needle tip to the other including the cable. If you are working on a blanket or a bulky sweater or even something light-weight you will be much more relaxed. The cable and the major weight of the WIP lies in your lap leaving your hands and wrists free from extra weight. Additionally circular needles offers the opportunity to fit more stitches onto length. Knitters with arthritis and ongoing joint pain will feel the relief while working with circular needles.

 

2. Easy and convenient storage

 

Fixed circulars are designed for easy storage. The needle tips and cords fold up into a neat and compact shape. The needle tips are available in 10 cm and 13 cm sizes with cable ranging from 25 cm to 150 cm. They easily roll up into easy-to-carry shapes that can be easily carried along with the project in a small bag or pouch.

 

3. Perfect for knitting on the Go 

 

For the benefit of easy storage, fixed circular needles are ideal for knitting on the go. As both tips are connected by a cable, it is at the least risk of losing one needle tip due to sudden jerks or rolling away from you. Also, they do not accidentally poke anyone. You can easily carry a pair on your regular commute, holidays or even a walk in the park.

 

4. Multi-purpose knitting in the round and back and forth

 

Circular needles were invented for the purpose for knitting in the round but then it can be used to knit back and forth. You simply cast on stitches on one needle tip and stretch it over the cable till the other tip. If you need to go in seamless rounds, join the stitches and if you want to go flat, turn the WIP and needles after every row.

 

While circular knitting needles are previously limited for small circumferences as the rule is the circumference of the project must be smaller than the needle length. For the smallest circumference, an extra-long circular needle and the magic loop technique.

5. Fast and Smooth Knitting

 

There are many reasons why circular knitting needles make you a faster knitter. When knitting in the round, you do not have to switch needles but continue with the stitches mentioned in the pattern. Knitting stockinette stitches on circular needles means no purls, because you are always knitting on the right side of the project. You simply knit every row. And eventually, knitting in the round will save you all the sewing time, too. No more making pieces and bringing them together when you knit it at one go.

 

If you are still undecided, it’s well worth having a go. Once you have discovered the joys, you will be reaching for circular knitting needles for most projects. Like every knitter is different, so are knitting needles and it is always recommended to have all needle types and sizes in your craft collection. This way you would be challenging yourself and enjoy knitting.

 

 

Why Knitting is Good for Children?

 

In today's fast-paced world, children are surrounded by screens leading to stress, anxiety and health ailments. To nurture a child’s well-being, activities like knitting boosts focus, creativity, and skills. The yarn craft is everything and a little more. With just a pair of knitting needles and yarn, they can express creativity, and at the end of it, they get a perfectly usable project.

 

Knitting is a perfect craft to introduce to the little ones, but the only side effect that we can think of is that they would never go back to the screens. Did you know knitting is equal to therapy? The yarn craft has joined the ranks of meditation and overall wellness, with medical practitioners also prescribing the craft to cope with anxiety and nervous energy. In fact, many school curriculums include the yarn craft for young ones.

 

Before you hand your children a pair of single-pointed knitting needles or your favorite circulars and yarn to teach them the steps, here's what you need to know.

 

1. Creativity and Self-Expression 

 

Knitting fuels creativity in children. They put their imagination to use - from choosing vibrant yarn colors to selecting knitting patterns to work on projects as unique as their personalities. Whether it's a scarf, socks, hat or a beloved doll, a handmade creation is our expression of creativity. A completed project cultivates a sense of pride and fostering a love for artistic expression.

 

2. The Calming Power of Crafting

 

In our technology-driven world, children are prone to experience stress and anxiety. Knitting with the rhythmic movements of the knitting needles and the repetitive nature of the activity, reduce stress levels and have a calming effect. It believed to similar to meditation. This mindful practice allows children a much-needed break and find inner peace.

 

3. Building Confidence 

 

Confidence in children come with knowledge. Learning a skill like knitting brings a sense of accomplishment and a belief in their abilities. Mastering basic stitches and progressing to more challenging patterns, overcoming mistakes and seeing their project come together builds self-esteem and resilience, making valuable life skills.

4. Developing Motor Skills 

 

Young children who engage in knitting develop fine motor skills. The repetitive motions of knitting provide an excellent workout. The steps of maneuvering the knitting needles and manipulating the yarn is a muscle workout that goes straight into memory, developing into skills. The activity helps strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers, improving agility and coordination. The enhanced skills translate into everyday tasks like neat handwriting and handling cutlery more easily.

 

5. Improves Brain function and Cognition

 

Research says that knitting improves brain activity especially cognition. For children, following knitting patterns requires concentration and planning, thereby honing their ability to follow instructions and visualization. Working on basic maths, such as counting stitches and rows, strengthens understanding of concepts such as deciphering patterns, sequencing and spatial reasoning. This mental workout keeps young minds engaged and sharp, laying the foundation for better learning.

 

6. Fostering Social Connections

 

Knitting creates connection. Children learn to knit from grandparents, parents, siblings or a mentor, creating a passing of traditions and skills. Additionally, joining a knitting group or participating in online communities allows children to connect with other young crafters, expanding their social circle and creating a sense of belonging.

 

7. Sustainable

 

The benefits of knitting for children extend beyond skills. The crafting skills are a gift. Kids learn about slow fashion that is sustainable plus satisfying.  A hand-knitted sweater, socks, or even a scarf are not just wonderful additions to the wardrobe they also make wonderful gifts.

 

Now, you are ready to go introducing children to knitting. Our guide on teaching children to knit will help you get started. Choose a pair of knitting needles from your own collection or get them their first kit. Bamboo is a beginner-friendly material, so choose a pair. You can also get them a set of fixed circular knitting needles for practice. Once they have the confidence, introduce a knitting needle set of interchangeable needles. Keep the double-pointed needles for later, when they have the skills to work in the round and handle multiple needle tips. Knitting accessories are essential for smooth rafting, so make sure the children have the right tools. A pair of sharp scissors, stitch makers, measuring tape, stitch holders, needle cases, yarn bags and pattern readers. For yarn, children can knit with wool, or choose a merino-polyamide blend that offers durability along with beauty.