Circular Crochet Needle

About Circular Crochet Needles

Circular crochet needles come in four different sizes: G, H, I and J. With the attached cable, they are 40 inches long. They are manufactured by Susan Bates. Also called circular crochet hooks, they are an alternative to using double-ended hooks and are handled like knitting needles. Circular crochet needles are primarily for larger projects when smaller, double-ended crochet hooks aren't long enough.

Created on the premise of circular knitting needles, circular crochet hooks were designed to handle a variety of stitches, including Tunisian and Crochet on the Double. According to Annie's Attic, the hooks were designed to handle larger projects using a double stitch. The first few prototypes of these included hooks that had the cable screwed on and another where the hook and cable were melded together as one piece. Neither of these allowed for proper movement of the needles while crocheting. The current version allows the cable to swivel, which allows for a smooth back-and-forth motion. It also moves the weight of the finished product from your hands and shoulders to your lap.

Tunisian Crochet

You don't have to use circular crochet needles with this style of crocheting, but the option is available. You can also use an afghan hook, which is an elongated hook attached to a cable with a stopper at the end. Tunisian crocheting is unique because it creates a dense fabric with a definite front and back. It is sometimes considered to be a mixture of knitting and crocheting. It also goes by other names including:

• Afghan stitch
• Tricot crochet
• Shepherd's knitting
• Hook knitting
• Railroad knitting

Crochet on the Double

This style of crocheting works with either a double-ended hook or a circular crochet needle. It produces soft, knit-like fabric and is similar to Tunisian crocheting. However, it also uses two or more colors of yarn or thread so the reverse side is as decorative as the front. Crochet on the Double allows you to complete a row of stitches, turn the piece and go back. This method can create either a thick, spongy fabric, such as an afghan, or elongated stitches that spread the rows apart. Crochet on the Double is also known as:

• Cro-hooking
• Reversible crochet
• Crochenit

Where to Buy Circular Crochet Needles

Circular crochet needles are not wildly popular, but they are available at several online stores. For example:

• Purple Kitty Yarns
• Karp Styles
• Joann.com
• The Coats & Clark Collection
• Knitting-Warehouse

Additional Resources

There are many books that outline basic techniques for double stitch crocheting. Here are just a few:

• 101 Double-Ended Hook Stitches
• Afghans on the Double
• Best of Crochet on the Double
• Crochet on the Double Made Easy
• Reversible Ripple Afghans; 6 Riveting Reversible Afghans (Crochet On the Double)