Cable knitting

Not knowing a whole lot as I've only been knitting for a little more than 2 years, my suggestion would be use the shortest dpn for your cable needle.

JM2C

JJMolvik

My experience suggests that a cable needle as close in size to the project as possible is best, but that smaller is better than bigger if there's a choice.

I'm sure this depends on individuals, though, so do try both and see how it goes?

Thanks Kirsten, I am using a size 6 cable to go with the size 6 needle. I have always matched them but wondered if you switch the cable needle to another size if the gauge would change.

I have never had a cable needle - I usually use a double point one size smaller than the size I am using for the item but no one told me to do that. It seems to work well for me.

I use a DPN at least one size bigger than the working needles. Using a smaller needle for cabling lets the other stitches "steal" yarn from the stitches on the cable needle and makes them harder to work plus changes their gauge.

On 25 Apr 2005 08:43:08 -0700, P_B snipped-for-privacy@cox.net spewed forth :

I usually don't use a cable needle. My mother, OTOH,swore by this tiny, crooked thing that was like this: ____ ____ . HOpe it comes out! It \/

was always smaller than her needle size.

HTH

Katherine

between

Oh, well, it didn't come out the right shape.

Katherine

Suddenly I see what you mean, though, Katherine!

I've just learned how to cable without an extra needle- it makes things so much faster, once you get the hang of it! Here's a website with some instructions:

Oh, good!

Katherine

Katherine

Thank you Dianne i will have a peep ,,, I used to make cables with Embroidery needles , 1/2 chop sticks and Small Dps , over the years got some `official` cable eedles like those that Katherine Describes ,,, The thicker theybare the better , mirjam

When i lost it on a trip i was happy i had my hair pinned ,,, mirjam rote:

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing, Dianna. I will definitely try it with my next cable project. Unfortunately, I don't think it will work on the

30-stitch cables in my current project :) (for future reference, if you are trying to learn cables for the first time, as I am, I do not recommend starting with a 30-stitch ribbed version!).

LauraJ

I had never even thought about this until your question. I always used the small cable needle that I have. But, it certainly makes sense that using a needle the same size as your knitting would get the best gauge. (By the way, I have tried slipping the stitches without using another needle, but I have difficulty with this.)

Janise

I guess they used to just sell us these as we were unknowingly buying extra needles to "behave" and in fear of gauge ! barbie

Oh, I see. I find it does, but I've never noticed it being a problem for my mother.

Sorry, that's not very helpful, is it?

Kirsten