Circular needles

Glad to know it's not just me, Brendawymms!

Thanks ladies. I will buy one and have a practice.

Circular needles can make for faster knitting as, in stocking stitch, you only knit not purl. I agree that the bit between the needle and the plastic can be a nightmare. I found some circular needles that are stainless steel with stainless wire, covered in plastic, between. Totally fab.
I have tried the type that have interchangeable tips and 'wires' but can't get on with them.
I have found that items knitted on a circular needle can be less stable when worn as there is no side seem but sleeves knitted this way are lovely.

A pattern sometimes uses circular needles because of the number of stitches. I do tend to be put off these patterns but really circular needles aren't so bad when you get used to them. You have a lot of work on the one needle.

When I used to knit I used four long double ended needles which found very easier than a circular one.

OK, thanks. Maybe I'll get a circular needle and have a go.

Wheniwasyourage I'm really not too good at stitching seams so it would be good if I can cope with the circular needle. Mind you I have improved since I found a Youtube tutorial. I now use a sort of ladder stitch which certainly makes for a neater seam finish.

Although I'll use circular needles if the pattern states it, I do much prefer to do separate front and back. Somehow, I just seem to have the stitches too tight on a circular needle, and when it comes to getting them from the plasticky wiry part onto the needle itself, it's always a bit of a fiddle!

Don't see why not, assuming that you're prepared to sew up the seams. I take it that you are intending to make a garment with separate front and back, or socks or gloves with a seam, rather than knit in the round? Personally, I would do anything rather than sew seams, but probably you can do it more neatly than me!