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Hi guys, I wonder can anyone help, I'm trying to knit some cupcakes but its the first time I've used double needles and I just can't seem to be able to master it. Its cracking me up now as its an easy pattern and I should b able to knock it up in an hour if I can just master the needles!! Any secrets? Xx

Yes! I can only use bamboo double needles - the metal ones make the stitches fall off. Also normally when you've got beyond the first two rounds it gets easier. Chin up, good luck ;-).

I use bamboo too. I still find it difficult and for more than the first couple of rows but persevere and it does get much easier.

I was told a trick when I was taught to use these, and that is when you transfer to the next DPN give the yarn a firm tug so as to secure it on the last needle and stop it dropping off the other end, after a very short while it becomes habbit, you also avoid the "run/ladder" that can happen from dpn to dpn
HTH
looking forward to seeing the finished cakes

what I am missing is a description what exactly you are having problems with?
is it the joining, or handling all those needles.

are you using short or long needles?
have you considered switching to a circular needle? :) use stitch markers and much easier to do.

to avoid laddering, I either use a circular needle OR I use short double points, and every few rounds I move stitches around, the last two stitches of the needle BEFORE the current, until you have finished the round.

keep us posted on your progress, we're happy to help.

I've mastered it!!! Yeaaahhhh!!! It just sort of happened, I was struggling with the 4 needles, I could cast on but just couldn't get to grips with the concept but it just sort of happened!! One cupcake finished and another on the needles!! Thanks again guys. Xx

huzzahhhhh you did it!!

well done MrsH, it does 'click in'
I'm with Berti, I love circular needles, especially the short ones for socks, saves me stabbing myself with all those sharp ends