quick question about knitting in the round

[mcmrymoon]

i started a hat this past weekend. i used size 10s 16" circ with 60sts. when it was time to shape the crown i had to decrease down to 8 stitches. there is no way 8 stitches works on the circs. am i just "expected" to switch to dpns even though the pattern doesn't mention it. i really don't want to buy size 10 dpns for 6 rows either. is there anything i can do? i may end up just frogging the work.

also - i want to make felted bags. i have a pattern that says use size 10 16" circs but only co 45 stitches - again...the same problem as above. what am i supposed to do here and why do the patterns call for those needles if it can't be done? ty!

[rubidoux]

I think you can break yarn and then pull it through the loops to cinch it shut and weave it in as usual. I haven't made a hat myself, but I think I read that somewhere. I can't tell if you actually got down to 8 stitches or are just supposed to get down to 8. If you are down to 8 I'd try just lacing it shut, but if you're supposed to get down to 8 I have no idea.

J.

[pamelamama]

do you have another size ten circ? YOu can do the two circs method. You can look at magic loop method.

http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/twocirculars.html

online instructions:
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/mloop.html

the "Magic Loop" technique is available in a booklet by Fiber Trends

I ordered my booklet here:
http://www.fiber2yarn.com/catalog.php?item=91

She also sells 40" circs.