How To Choose Knitting Needles

Step 1: Needle material

Needles are made from a variety of materials and the choice is up to you and your personal preference.

Traditionally, knitting needles are made from aluminium with a pearl grey finish and are sometimes nickel plated.

Larger size needles are often made from plastic to reduce their weight.

Other needles are made from natural materials like bamboo or wood.

Needles made from natural materials are very popular as they feel good to hold and warm up as you knit.

Step 2: Needle size

Knitting needles come in lots of different sizes and widths and their thickness is expressed in millimetres.

The most important thing to consider is the width as this will determine the size of the knitted stitches and the look of your finished piece. The thicker the needle, the larger the stitch.

Step 3: Types of needles

There are three basic types of knitting needle which each have a different function.

Single point knitting needles are used in pairs to knit flat pieces. Straight and rigid, they are considered the standard needles.

Double point needles have points at both ends and are used in sets of four. They knit seamless, circular items such as hats.

Circular needles are two straight needles connected with a flexible plastic cord. They are used to knit round, seamless garments like socks.

Step 4: Caring for your needles

Straight needles can be kept in decorative buckets or pencil cups.

Needles, like socks, have a habit of getting separated, so put a rubber band around matching pairs or sets.

When the points on your needles are damaged or the needles are bent, it's time to throw them out and buy some new ones.