Stubborn Circular Needles

Right now I’m having trouble with my circular knitting needles. Some of them were stored in a box for a long time and are now “twisted” and “curled up,” so I can’t really knit with them.
Does anyone have a tip on how to get them “straight” again? They’re metal needles with a plastic cable.

Best regards, Marlies

I ironed my crumpled circular knitting needles until they were straight… Set the iron to a lower setting—it works like a charm

Hi Marlies,

I just read a tip about using a hair dryer (maximum 110 °C) to warm up the cable. While doing so, straighten out the needles and secure them lightly.

A hair dryer works sometimes. Thanks, Marlene.

I’ll try using an iron on the thicker needles. Thanks, Petra.

Best regards, Marlies

Good morning!

I heat up some water in the kettle and soak the cables in it for a few moments. Then I smooth them out. If that’s not enough, just repeat the process.
It always works great.

Best regards

Those are really clever tips. I added the forum post to my bookmarks right away.

What would you use to glue a needle? The cable keeps coming loose from the tip of my needle (size 6, wood). It’s all very delicate. Hot glue? Jewelry glue? I need to glue a tiny plastic surface—just a few millimeters in size—to an equally tiny wooden surface. Maybe you have some experience with this? I really don’t want to ruin my good needle (Symphonie).

Best regards, Ina

And they work! Thanks again, everyone.

Ina, I’d try using superglue gel. It’s not as runny and is easier to apply. I’ve used it to fix all sorts of things.

Best regards, Marlies

Thanks, Marlies. I’ll try that out soon… as soon as I can go a day without using this needle. It’s currently in constant use for knitting felted shoes.

Best regards, Ina

Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from the stove, and submerge the cable—just the cable—in the water for a few minutes. Then take it out and gently stretch it out.