Yes, you let the knitting slide down on the circular part.
After you cast on, you will slide the stitches toward the other end of the needle in order to knit them. The size of the stitches is determined at the time you knit them, and having them loose on the nylon string won't change them.

I think you will LOVE using circulars.

-Babka

Thank you.

Be sure not to twist those cast on stitches when you connect on Row 2.
If you do, it will twist the entire piece and you'll need to start over.
Check it carefully being sure the cast on edge is always down.

I love using circular needles even when a pattern calls for straight needles.
You don't have all that needle to deal with and it feels much less clumsy.

If you are making a pattern that is written to be knit in the round, you will find that it is so nice to always be able to KNIT round and round with no PURL rows to worry about !
It magically turns out beautifully.

Have fun !!

And you can knit anything on circulars that you would on strait needles. Just don't join it, switch the needles around just like you would with straits. Let the stitches slide onto the cable. It helps support the weight of the work when it gets heavier and bulkier. I almost exclusively use circulars now.

Tami