I absolutely love knitting socks on 9 inch circular needles.
Most people think I’m crazy when I say that my favorite knitting needle is a 9″ circular. But I can’t help it. I’m in love.
When you knit with other techniques (double point needles, two circulars or magic loop), there’s always a join that creates the potential for laddering (those icky loose stitches) as well as costs you some time maneuvering them around.
With the 9″ circular, there’s none of that! You just knit around and around!
A little video for you!
Are you a bit nervous about knitting with 9″ circulars? Don’t be!
I made this video a little while ago:
The heel flap is what most people think is the scariest part of knitting on a 9 inch circular… and I hope you can see that it’s really not hard!
Don’t you feel like giving it a try?
Pick your favorite pattern!
Almost any pattern can be converted to 9″ circulars!
If you’re a newbie, I recommend Churchmouse Yarn and Tea’s Basic Sock pattern. If you’re looking for a more advanced pattern, I recommend the book Sock Knitting Master Class.
There are no patterns that I know of that specifically call for 9 inch circular needles. So, you should feel comfortable with knitting on a circular needle before beginning a pair of socks, as you will need to do some ‘translating’ in terminology.
Give ’em a try!
I’ll be honest, if you have big hands or like a lot of ‘space’ when you knit… the 9″ probably isn’t for you.
But if you like to knit socks, and are tired of losing a double point, getting ladders in your work or having trouble tossing your knitting into your bag and going… then you might love these guys! Try them!
Happy knitting!
Ha! I just finished my first sock on 9″ circulars after being inspired by your vid on YouTube! I even got the same star stitch markers and used the churchmouse pattern… So NOW you came out with the kit! Ugh!!! Lol. But anyway, I’m sold on this technique. Love the way they work up. It’s a little stiff for the first couple of rounds, but it’s quite comfortable thereafter. Really fun, & no more wrestling with the dpn spiders! Thanks Stacey! Love what you do!
That’s so awesome!!! You’re just too ahead of your time 😉
This was really helpful! As a girl trying socks for the first time (though mine are on a 16″ needle) this is quite nice to know!
I find the way you purl very interesting, I’ll have to try that. I’ll also give the 9 inch a try, I usually like magic loop, but I hate the way the cord gets tangled. Thanks for the video tutorial;-))
Found this on Pinterest. Really interesting as I don’t love DPN knitting and haven’t done any socks yet. When you get to the toe shaping do you change to DPNs as the work gets too small for even a 9″?
I love this tutorial I am new to knitting socks and have tried numerous ways and always had trouble with the heel and gusset,but with your instructions I have now knitted my first sock, Thank you thank you
About a year ago I saw a post for 9″ inch needles for socks. Went out and bought some and after the first couple of rounds I was ready to give up. Kept on going, and now I love knitting socks on my circs.
There is an easy way to get the ribbing going cast your stitches on a double pointed needle go back and forth for 2 rows then transfer onto circular needle works every time.
I do this too!
Hi folks
I have been using 9″ circular needles for years. I love them. Lately I had to find somewhere to buy them again. I lost all my old ones in my house fire 2 years ago. I found and bought new ones and am knitting like crazy…..mittens and socks……36 stitches for cuffs work just right on the circulars. Have a great evening.
I thought I was such a kook 15 years ago when I knew there was a better way to knit socks rather than using clumsy DP needles the whole way through. I searched and searched and found some rare very very short (like 6 inch) circulars. Voila! It worked.. and I only had to use DP needles at the very end. I was like.. how come nobody else does this? Why couldn’t I easily find very short circulars. Clover used to make great short short plastic ones, but they seem to have given up on that. What you think, I think about tiny circulars! Makes knitting life much easier. Now on the search for more short ones. Hope the times have changed. Thanks Wendy!
Just started using 9 inch. Love them. Can you use magic loop for toe shaping? I always get ladders on one side when using dp needles.