There are two lovely shades of Kidsilk Haze whispering “knit a Belinda wrap” softly in the shadows. To which I loudly reply “I KNOW YOU KIDSILK HAZE!!! Just tell me what kind of needles to use for this and we’ll both end up a lot happier.” Alas, the yarn just laughs quietly,
So help me out here, would you? Would you do straight or circular? Metal or wood? As dull as my prom date or murderously sharp?
Well, I started with straights as recommended by the pattern, but ended up switching to circs, mostly because I wanted pointier needles. I’m using wood which I prefer with the kidsilk haze. I find that metal is way too slippery.
I agree, wood is better for this yarn, and I always use circulars since that’s what I have.
I have Lantern Moon straights at the ready for my Belinda-to-be.
#knitsup
I am using 14 inch Size 8 wooden needles. The cast on and first couple of rows were a nightmare but once I got thru them the 3rd time things have gone better. I too could not resist the screaming Kidsilk Haze in my bag but I had to be alone in a hotel room to get started.
So glad to see this questions and the answers. My kidsilk haze is waiting for me to pick it up. I’ve been debating needle types. Think I’ll stick to wood. Thanks.
What I’ve learned so far. I’m 7 holes in. 5% done, but who’s counting.
About the needles - I started with 14” wooden ones. If you use these find the pointiest ones you can. Currently using 24” Chiagoo Lace circulars.
I cast on yesterday and I learned something very important. It’s not easy to cast on Kidsilk Haze on a Yonkers city bus but it’s not impossible.
Thank goodness I checked for a post on the Belinda Wrap. I have had quite an adventure starting but knew it could be done from the photo. Thanks for the information.
I’m really fighting the SSK with mohair. Has anyone tried just doing K2tog, YO2, K2tog? I understand the leanings, but with mohair would it matter that much? Thanks.
There was a whole conversation somewhere (obviously not here) about this. Yes, indeed, just go with the K2tog. It’s dreamy and makes no difference.
Thank you. I appreciate your responding, especially if there was a whole conversation.
It might have been somewhere on Instagram. Hard to keep track these days.
These days, 99% of the time, I’m using circular needles because they’re easier on my arms and hands. I don’t usually like the very pointy needles but sometimes the yarn requires it. Wood needles will probably hold the yarn better.
Im just starting the Belinda wrap and my question is on row two, do you knit one, purl one into both yo stitches together, or knit one into the first yo and purl one into the second yo. Not sure it will change it much either way, but thought I’d get an answer before I get too far into it.
Hi Dawn, I think that either technique will work with the same result -
For me, knit, purl into the first stitch then sliding both YO’s off the needle had a better rhythm.
My main advice is to choose one and be consistent.
Thank you! I appreciate your response.
I was about half way through the first section of my Belinda Wrap when I asked my husband if he could use some sandpaper and sharpen my wooden needles. I’m using 10”, size 8 Knit Picks Rainbow straight needles.
He used 320 CW sandpaper for the first pass, and then 2000 CW for a final smoothing (he says even around 1500 would work.) He held the needle with it pointing away from him and just kind of spun it a little as he rubbed it on the sandpaper to make sure the tip stayed symmetrical. The attached picture shows the marks left on the sandpaper after he did both needles - it didn’t take much to get them really sharp.
It was a miracle! I was shocked at how much easier the SSK and K2tog are. I can knit one of those rows in about half the time it was taking me before. Murderously sharp wood needles or circular tips is definitely the way to go!
Murderously sharp!
