Pony Classic Circular Needles

For small circumferences and manoeuvrability close to the tips, choose 40 cm. This works well for children’s sleeves, close-fitting necklines and hats started at the crown. If the circumference is a little larger, 60 cm distributes the weight better along the flexible cable, reduces fabric curvature and gives you more room for motifs, markers and checking increases or decreases without stressing the joins.

As a rule of thumb, aim for your Pony Classic circular needles to be slightly shorter than the project’s circumference so the stitches move along freely without strain. If unsure, knit a few test rounds and check if the stitches are stretching or bunching. Switching from 40 cm to 60 cm (or to double-pointed needles) usually solves tightness or gaps at the joins.

Aluminium tips (approx. 3.50–7.50 mm) provide light rigidity and smooth glide, ideal for well-defined stitches, lace and frequent colour changes. Pony Classic circular needles in plastic (approx. 8.00–10.00 mm) remain lightweight as the diameter increases, reducing fatigue in bulky projects. In both cases, the GLYDON join ensures a smooth stitch transition without snagging.

If you’re working with slippery fibres, aluminium gives better control and stitch clarity; for chunky wools or lofty textures, plastic prevents excess weight and keeps movements natural. Switching diameters within the same project can change the feel: always swatch before deciding to ensure the final tension matches the pattern.

Magic loop is usually worked with longer lengths (typically 80–100 cm). With 60 cm you can improvise a loop for very short sections, but it’s not the most comfortable or stable solution. If the pattern calls for proper magic loop, use a longer circular or switch temporarily to double-pointed needles until the circumference grows.

If you prefer to continue with Pony Classic circular needles in 40 cm or 60 cm, knit in the conventional round and avoid forcing large loops in the cable. The GLYDON join helps stitches move smoothly, but space is still limited. Always check ergonomics: if you feel strain at the joins or distorted stitches, change your method.

Although the flexible Pony Classic cable is designed to resist twisting, it may take shape after packaging or storage. To soften it, gently stretch it out and apply mild ambient warmth (for example, leave the Pony Classic circular needle extended or warm it briefly with your hands). Avoid direct heat sources and don’t pull the cable near the join to prevent damage.

Store needles flat or loosely coiled to reduce memory. After long sessions, shake the project lightly to redistribute the weight and avoid deforming the cable curve. If you notice the cable pushing stitches towards the tips, change the project’s position occasionally and check that the tension stays even round after round.

Follow the pattern swatch as a starting point and knit your swatch in the round if the final piece will be circular: many knitters find their tension shifts between flat and circular knitting. For fine yarns or detailed stitches, try 3.50–4.50 mm; if you want more body or are working bold textures, move up to 5.00–7.00 mm and recheck your swatch.

Watch how the yarn behaves: if the stitches spread too much, go down half a size; if they’re tight and lack drape, go up. Remember that from 8.00–10.00 mm, the tips of Pony Classic circular needles are plastic, which improves comfort in larger diameters. Change only one variable at a time (size or tension) to identify which adjustment gives the desired fabric.

Clean the tips with a dry cloth to remove fibre residue or natural oils and maintain smooth glide. Avoid abrasive products and direct heat. Don’t place weight on the cable or bend it at sharp angles; the GLYDON join is designed for smooth transitions, not for extreme torsion. Check occasionally for burrs and always store needles dry after wet blocking.

For storage, keep Pony Classic circular needles in pouches or cases where they lie flat or in gentle curves. Sort them by length (40/60 cm) and diameter (3.50–10.00 mm) for easy access and to avoid mixing sizes. Keeping them organised by project also helps prevent unintentional tension changes when switching between works. Good storage makes the difference between a needle that lasts years and one that wears out quickly.