Craftgrrl

I had the same problem. The first row after casting on is a bitch. You might want to try a shorter pair of needles or more stitches. The size of the needles shouldn't matter, only the length. For the first row you also have to move the stitches around after almost every new stitch.

I don't think that was very clear. But if I could show you it would all make sense, I'm sure. It's just really fiddly.

circular needles are great once you get used to them, but they take a little practice. one thing you may want to do is look for a set that will give you the width that you need without having to stretch the stitches. circular needles come in so many sizes and lengths it's hard not to be able to find something that will work for you.

however ... there are always exceptions. socks for example -- there is no way to find a circular needle short enough for socks, that i know of. and here you have two options.

either a -- use a longer needle and pull out the excess needle (i.e. make a "loop") between two stitches and continue on until you reach that point again, where you will then move that loop. the main problem with this method is you will tend to get spaces in your knitting where you pulled the loops out.

or b -- actually use two circulars as if you were using straight needles, transferring your work from one to another. this is by far my preferred method. once you get used to the circulars, you may never want to use straight needles again.

you're very welcome. :-D

hey babe..
i have like 3 sets of circular needles but are way too afraid to even try them. ha, im a dork.let me know if you get the hang of it :)

Are you using a pattern?
The pattern I sort of based my first legwarmers on had a set length of wire, and how many stitches to 'ast on' so while I had to stretch them a fair amount, they were fine once I did the 2nd row.

you're welcome.

First, you are usuing your circular needles for 1/2 their purpose. You can knit on them like regular needles, flipping after each row, this is how you make sweaters or blankets or anything wider than a needle.

Second, circular needles come in differnt lengths, looks as you have 10mm needles this is probably pretty long and you may need a smaller one. 10mm is above average size. Most yarn is for 8mm or standard sized needles. 10mm is on the chunky side and used to make chunky projects. when you are making something small, like a hat or socks circular needles can be hard to use. One other thing you can do is called knitting in the round. I really can't explain it, b/c i can't do it but you use more than two needles, this is how you darn socks, etc. At that point you don't have the problem of pulling that you are experiencing. I would definitley consider a smaller circular needle and if that doesn't work try going to a knitting store or expert and have them help you out.