The success of any knitting project starts by choosing the proper knitting needle. That’s because the needle determines what the stitches look like and how much you actually enjoy knitting. The more you enjoy it, the more you will knit and the better you will become. Given how much influence knitting needles have on a project, there are a few things to consider when buying them. Here is a brief discussion of each of these factors.
Types of Knitting Needles
There are different types of needles because each one fulfills a different purpose. Before you buy any knitting needles, you should have a good idea of what you will be knitting so that you can match the appropriate type of needle to your project. Here are four different types of needles to choose from.
1. Single Pointed Knitting Needles (or Straight Needles). These needles are straight, with a point on one end and a knob or a cap on the other end. The knob prevents stitches from falling off the needle, while new stitches are added to the pointed end. Use two single pointed knitting needles to knit flat pieces, such as scarves or sweaters.
2. Circular Needles. These needles have a flexible plastic cord in the middle, which connects a single pointed needle at both ends of the cord. The length of the cord varies in length, anywhere from 12 inches to 60 inches, depending on the size of the finished knitted piece. Use circular needles for both circular and flat knitting.
3. Double Pointed Needles (or DPNs). These needles have points at both ends. Since four or five needles are used at the same time, double pointed needles are usually sold in sets of either four or five. Use these needles to knit circular pieces without showing any seams, such as socks.
4. Cable Needles. These needles are very short, very thin and can be either straight or hooked. Use these needles to help you knit cable stitches.
Needle Sizes
Once you have determined the type of needle that you will be using, you will then need to choose the size of the needle. The size is measured by the diameter and the length of the needle.
1. Diameter. The thickness of the needle determines the size of the stitch, which determines the look and the size of the finished piece. A thicker needle produces a larger stitch, with more space or gaps between each stitch. The result is a larger finished piece. A smaller needle therefore, produces a smaller stitch, with little space between the stitches and a smaller finished piece.
2. Length. Choose a needle length that can easily accommodate your knitting project on the needles and also allows the stitches to be easily passed from one needle to the other. The wider the project is, the longer the knitting needles should be.
Material
Knitting needles are made from a variety of material and each type has its own characteristics. As well, experience and the type of wool used play a big part in the preference of the material used to make the knitting needle. More experienced knitters like a smoother needle because it allows them to move stitches easier. As for the wool, the rougher the wool, the smoother the needle should be so that the wool does not catch on the needle.
1. Bamboo Needles. Bamboo needles are strong, light and slightly rough so that stitches will not slip easily on them. They are good needles for beginners to start with, however, they do tend to warp over time.
2. Metal Needles. Metal needles are heavy, strong, do not bend and they are slippery. Beginners often find that their stitches fall off the needles, but since experienced knitters can hold the yarn with better tension, they find that their stitches do not fall off and that it is easier to add new stitches.
3. Plastic Needles. Plastic needles are very affordable, easy to find, smooth, flexible and lightweight. They are suitable for all types of yarn.
4. Wooden Needles. Wooden needles are smooth and are easy for beginners to use as they are not slippery. The needles can be either round or square and the best ones are made from hardwood.
5. Square Needles. Square needles require less hand tension to keep the stitches in position, which produces a more even stitch. They are easy to use, especially for beginners and those with hand ailments.
Please visit http://www.beautifulcreations.ca/Needlework/KnittingNeedles.htm to see the different types and sizes of knitting needles that are available. Are you still not sure of which ones to buy? Or are you looking for an easy project to do? Check out these knitting kits at http://www.beautifulcreations.ca/Needlework/KnittingKits.htm that come complete with all the supplies you need, including yarn, needles and pattern instructions.
Reading Knitting Patterns : Blocking Knitting Projects
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