Choosing the Right Knitting Needles

As a general guide, the yarn you are using determines the size i.e. gauge of knitting needles that you need. As a general guide, the finer the yarn, the thinner the knitting needles. Therefore, for 2 ply yarn you will need very fine needles but for a thick chunky yarn you need thicker knitting needles.

 

You will find the information you need about the right knitting needles to use on the label on a ball of yarn. If you are following a knitting pattern, the designer will have decided which size knitting needles you should use to get the tension and pattern effect required.

 

As you become more experienced you will learn more about knitting needles and how the different sizes can be used to achieve particular patterning effects.

About Knitting Needles

 

Size: knitting needles come in different sizes to match the different yarn weights. The technical term for the size of the knitting is the gauge which refers to the diameter of the needle and is measured in millimetres (mm). As a general rule, the thicker the yarn, the thicker the needle required to knit it -. see Hand Knitters' Guide to Yarn Weights.

 

Length: knitting needles are available in lengths ranging from 25 cm to 42 cm. For most projects a set of knitting needles around 36cm long will be suitable, but you will find with experience whether you prefer longer knitting needles or shorter knitting needles depending on what you are knitting.

 

Material: knitting needles are made from aluminium, alloys, bamboo, wood and plastic. However the larger gauges (i.e. sizes) are usually only available in plastic. Modern knitting needles are smooth, rigid and lightweight.

 

Choice of material for your knitting needle is generally a matter of personal preference. Some knitting needle materials are more expensive e.g. bamboo and rosewood, so try the different materials and see which you like and which you can afford..