[Fleecewife]

I quite like knitting with 5 needles, probably because it was a challenge initially, but I change to a mini-circular needle as soon as I can - for socks it only works with big boot socks.  I recently bought some short bamboo needles in sets of 5 and they are lovely and light to knit with.  In fact I'm off to start the cuff of my second sleeve using them.......

[Bionic]

How come you all seem to be knitting with 5 needles? 
Mine were only a set of 4. Even with 4 needles I seem to be cack handed and end up stabbing myself in the chest with one of the spare needles. Other than putting some extra chest padding on when I am knitting I haven't yet come up with a solution. 
Sally

[SallyintNorth]

It's a silly question Sally - but are your needles longer than you need?  I have been knitting wrist warmers (thanks ellisr!) on 4 sock needles and, clumsy as I am, I haven't stabbed myself once!  For anything much larger I'd be on the magic round pins, as Fleecewife says.

I am wanting to have a go at socks - can anyone point me at a good pattern?  And what advice about reinforcing heels?  Different yarn?  Special kind of stitch?

[WaltDisneyWorld]

I'm knitting socks on 4 needles, so you are not alone They are bamboo needles and lovely and light, there were 5 needles in the pack but the pattern only called for 4. It has been quite a challenge and a very slow process but I am pleased with the result so far. I have found it useful to have a look at a few You Tube clips and make sure I keep the yarn tight when knitting the first stitch off the next needle. Its a slow process but I am enjoying it. Have really enjoyed the reading the knitting threads on here.

[Blinkers]

The 5th needles is ONLY because its a Cable pattern 

[Fleecewife]

To turn a heel I have to follow a pattern, so I would use 4 needles for that if the pattern said so.  This is because it will state which stitches are on which needle and all instructions would be for that situation.  But for the leg and the straight part of the foot I would use a 5 needle set, because it's easier.  With 4 needles you are knitting in a triangle, which can be quite tight, but with 5 you are knitting in a square (plus the fifth to knit onto) and I find this easier.  You could probably use any number 

I now have the details of the sock book I recommended: The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook by Lynne Vogel, Interweave Press.  Mine was £11.50 but if I'd searched around a bit I'm sure I could have got it for less.  It contains a basic sock pattern and then lots of variations for the heel, and even how to knit a sock in the flat on 2 needles (then add in the heel) The book teaches lots of the tricks of the trade and makes it all seem simple.  There is a large section on spinning and dyeing for socks, which many would not be interested in, but overall it provides just the information and inspiration needed to get down to it.

Have a look at www.interweave.com there are loads of books and patterns, although none of the patterns is free 

I do have another sock book which was very helpful - must try to find it.

[ellisr]

How come you all seem to be knitting with 5 needles? 
Mine were only a set of 4. Even with 4 needles I seem to be cack handed and end up stabbing myself in the chest with one of the spare needles. Other than putting some extra chest padding on when I am knitting I haven't yet come up with a solution. 
Sally

Why not try needle ends/caps or pencils erasers with little holes punched in to stop the stabbing parts, I think Sally is right when she says she thinks your needles maybe to big or like me you maybe petit.

I am starting some 'extreme' knitting this weekend as I have been asked to do more rugs like I made last year and also have to make a pouffe as OH has DVT just now. Just ordered a longer set of 25mm needles so I am excited.

[Bionic]

I have just measured my needles and they are 20cm so I don't think they are too long.  Neither can I blame it on being petite which I'm not 

Part of the problem is that I have been knitting with Archie on my lap and therefore am probably holding the knitting higher than I usually would to keep it out of his way.  I have wine for dinner tonight so may try putting cork on the end of the needles.

Thanks for all the advice
Sally

[Red]

SallyinTNorth - thanks ! someone at work mentioned the website but I could not remember for the life of me what it was! its a great site!

[Fleecewife]

Bionic Sally - 20cms is probably fine - my dinky bamboo ones are 15cms and that is quite small.
I wonder if you are getting the needles organised properly as you knit?  I make sure each time I start with the empty needle and the new one to be knitted from, that both their neighbours are under them, so the knitting is  carried out above the needles which are out of use.  That way you have two points towards you, but they are both below the working needles so don't tend to get caught.
Another reason is if you knit whilst wearing knitted clothing - the points catch in that horribly.

[Bionic]

Fleecewife,
I think you are right in that I don't hold the needles correctly. Currently I am knitting with them in a sort of square so one of the needles always ends up pointing at my body and stabbing me.
When I sit down later on I will try to hold them as you do and see how I get on.  Thanks for the advice.
Sally

[Blinkers]

Part of the problem is that I have been knitting with Archie on my lap

What's an "Archie" ?   

[Bionic]

Blinkers
Archie is my puppy.  He is a black minature poodle and 13 weeks old today.  If he is awake he is usually chewing something, hence holding the knitting high up.
Sally

[SallyintNorth]

Part of the problem is that I have been knitting with Archie on my lap

Made me laugh out loud 

[Bionic]

Hmm, its not so funny when he is either chewing the wool, pulling the stitches off the needle of trying to chew the ends of the needles, but when he is asleep he is lovely  .