Choose Knitting Needles
Knitting is a relaxing, portable and creative hobby, but selecting the proper needles could mean the difference between an enjoyable pastime, or sheer frustration. There are many different needle shapes to accommodate different projects, and they come in various sizes and materials. How do you choose the correct ones?
Contents
Steps
- Consider the type of item you are knitting. Although all knitting needles essentially perform the same action, there are many different kinds and styles available. Some needles are specific to a certain type of knitting (eg: knitting in the round or cabling), while others can create a variety of knitted items.
- The most commonly-recognized knitting needle shape has one end that is pointed to create new stitches, and the other end has a cap or knob that prevents the stitches from falling off. Single-pointed knitting needles (also known as straight needles) are used in pairs to knit flat pieces.
- Circular needles are two straight needles connected with a flexible cord. The cords are available in different lengths (generally from 12" to 60," measured from needle tip to needle tip). These needles can be used for both flat and circular knitting, so some knitters think they are a better investment than single-pointed needles. If you're planning to knit circularly, you will need a needle that is just a little bit smaller in circumference than the item you are knitting, unless you are planning to use one of the following techniques where circular needles are used for seamless knitting in the round: Magic Loop (long cable needed), 2 Circulars (2 needles of the same size are used) or Travelling Loop (a loop of cable is pulled out as extra).
- Double-pointed needles (sometimes referred to as "dpns") have points at both ends and are usually sold in sets of four or five. These are used to knit seamless, circular items such as socks.
- Cable needles are very short and are either straight (like a DPN) or hooked. These serve a specific role in knitting cable stitches.
- Interchangeable needle kits are exactly what they sound like--a set of knitting needle tips, and a set of cords of varying length that can attach and detach from the tips to create many different combinations of needle sizes and cord lengths. If you plan to do a lot of knitting, these can be a great long-term investment. A plastic set is available from knitdenise.com, an aluminum set is available in some craft stores under the Boye brand, and knitpicks.com offers both wood and metal sets.
- Choose the correct needle size. As knitting needles come in varying diameters and lengths, these factors should be considered when choosing a knitting needles for a project.
- Diameter. The thickness of the needle determines the finished size and look of your finished piece. The thicker the needle, the larger the stitch and the more elastic and loose the resulting fabric. With a smaller the needle, the resulting stitches will be small and the fabric will be usually be tighter and thicker. There are several different sizing systems, but needles are fairly comparable across all systems. Consult the table below for an understanding of sizing systems.
- Length. Although stitches can be squeezed on almost any needle length, choosing one that will allow the stitches to be worked easily from row to row is important. A large project will usually require a longer needle or cord. A small, flat project can be worked on any needle length, but a small circular project will require a small circular needle, double-pointed needles, or a technique used to bypass extra lengths of cord on a long circular needle. Another factor is the yarn chosen for the project (thicker yarn means fewer stitches can fit on a needle). Most straight needles are 10-16 inches (25-40 cm) long, and circular needle cords vary from 12" to as long as 60".
- Select the material. Needles are made from many types of materials, the most popular being bamboo, plastic, and aluminum. The knitter's skill level and the yarn being used both need to be taken into consideration when choosing a needle material. Beginners especially need to choose needles that are not so slippery that they will cause the yarn to slip off. A more experienced knitter, on the other hand, may prefer a smooth needle surface to allow the stitches to move easily and quickly.
- Bamboo needles. Bamboo is warm to the touch, strong, and tends to be lighter than aluminum. As bamboo has a slight grip, knitted stitches remain in place and bamboo makes for an excellent beginner needle. The material also lends itself to working will with arthritic hands. Bamboo needles are excellent for all types of yarn, especially smoother and lighter weight yarns. Bamboo needles are more flexible than metal, but less than casein or plastic needles. In smaller sizes, however, bamboo can bend or break.
- Metal needles are the heaviest needles, but are stronger and do not easily bend. Metal needles are cold to the touch and slippery. More experienced knitters sometimes prefer them, because the stitches move quickly on the highly polished surface. These are not the best needles for beginning knitters, as stitches can quickly slip off the needle's tip. Metal needles are good for all types of yarn types and weights, especially wool, wool blends, and acrylic. The most common types of metal needles are aluminum, steel, and nickel-plated.
- Plastic needles used to be readily available and very popular. They are smooth, sleek, and stitches move quickly. Plastic needles are very flexible. Larger size needles are often made from plastic to reduce their weight. Plastic needles are excellent for all types of yarn and yarn weights.
- Wooden needles are smooth but not slippery, making them a great choice for beginning knitters and when using slippery yarns. The finishes are different depending on the brand. These needles come in a variety of woods, the best being made of hardwoods. In very small sizes, like bamboo, wooden needles can break disappointingly easily.
- Square needles are said to be particularly good for beginners and those with hand ailments as they make for a more consistent stitch and require less hand tension to maintain in position. However, be aware that your gauge may be different using square needles than it is when using "regular" needles.
- Getting the right gauge. You will need to Knit a Gauge Swatch before you start knitting your project. A swatch should be approximately 1 inch larger than the specified gauge as the edges distort the stitches so be prepared to cast on a few extra stitches on each side of the swatch. As stitch size varies from knitter to knitter, the needle size specified in the pattern may not always result in the correct gauge (even when using the yarn in the pattern). So having many needles in varying sizes is an excellent idea.
Tips
- If your yarn has a great deal of texture, you might need a smoother needle, whereas if you use a slippery or a smoother yarn, it is advisable to choose needles that have more grip. Get the feel of the needles before you buy and think of the yarn you are going to use, to determine which will be best.
- Needles, like socks, have a habit of getting separated, so put a rubber band around matching pairs or sets. However, rubberbands can leave a gummy residue if you use your needles infrequently. Tie them together with yarn or string for longer term storage. Alternatively, you could make or buy a "knitting needle roll-up" similar to the one suggested for straight needles.
- Knitting needles are a good investment. They can last for a very long time, and can be passed on for generations. Never throw the needles away, unless they are damaged or bent so badly that they cannot be used. If you truly never plan to knit again, give the needles away.
- Keep your needles in a safe place. One good way to store them is to buy or make a knitting needle roll-up. Straight needles can also kept in decorative buckets or pencil cups. Circular needles that do not have the size stamped onto them should be stored in a way that identifies them--often, the bag they came in is suitable for this.
- Consult this table for an understanding of sizing systems: Template:Needlesizes
- Examine the points on your needles to see if they are damaged or bent. If so, then it's time to throw them out and buy some new ones.
Warnings
- Do not buy all sizes and lengths of needles in one material before you know whether or not you like working with that material. Some knitters love bamboo needles; some knitters feel that it is too fragile, or can snag their work. Know what you like.
- Keep the needles away from small children. They are sharp and if they play with them, someone may get hurt.
