46086 The Knitters Bible1

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CIRCULAR KNITTING on circular needles

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A circular needlc can be uscd in place of double-pointed needles. The length of flexible nylon wire fixed between two short needles comes in several lengths. The longer ones are suitable for large garments and the shortcr ones are ideał for smali projects like hats.

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/ To uncoil circular needles. immerse them in hot water for a few minutes to straighten them out

/ Circular needles are also useful for knitting backwards and forwards for fiat knitting. It is easier to work a large number of stitches (such as for a throw) on circular needles because all the weight of the fabric is held in front of you. on your lap. rather than at the end of long straight needles.

Cast on the required number of stitches on to one of the needle ends. Spread them evenly around the needle. making surę the cast on edge faces inwards and is not twisted.The stitches should lie dosely together and not be pulled too far apart. If the stitches are stretched when the needles are joined. you will need to use a shorter needle.

To identify the beginning of the round, place a marker in a contrast colour yam between the last and first cast on stitch and slip this on every row.

Bnng the two needles together and knit the first stitch. pulling up the yam to prevent a gap. Continue knitting each cast on stitch to reach the marker. One round has been completed.

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The miltcns are worked in one colour on four needles with the faces worked fiat on two needles and sewn on after. Work pairs of tigers. bears. dogs or cats.

Fun children's mittcns are knitted in a worsted (DK) wool yam on size 3 (3.25mrrVUKIO) double-pointed needles for the nb and we 6 (4mm/UK8) double-pointed needles. See page 134 for pattem.

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