Choosing the Right Size Knitting Needles
One of the most important things when starting a new knitting project is selecting the right size knitting needles. The size of needles you use determines the gauge (stitches per inch) of your finished project. Using the wrong size can lead to a piece that is too small, too large, or has the wrong drape and texture.
How Knitting Needle Sizes Work
Knitting needles come in a range of sizes, usually ranging from 0 to 15. The higher the number, the thicker the needles. Needles sizes are based on the diameter of the needles, measured in millimeters or inches.
- Metric needle sizes range from 2mm to 10mm, going up in intervals of .5mm or 1mm.
- US needle sizes range from 000 (2mm) to 36 (10mm) and are indicated by a number plus a letter for the material type (wood, aluminum, etc.)
For example, a US 7 aluminum circular needle is 4.5mm in diameter. As the numbers increase, so does the thickness of the needle.
Checking the Recommended Needle Size
The knitting pattern you are using should specify the recommended needle size. This is the size you should use to achieve the intended gauge. The needle size may be listed as:
- A numbered size like US 8, 6mm, etc.
- A range like US 6-8
- A notation like "size needed to obtain gauge"
If a range is given, start with the middle number first. Be sure to knit up a gauge swatch with the recommended needles before starting your project.
Modifying Needle Size to Get Gauge
After knitting a gauge swatch, count the number of stitches per inch. If your stitch count is lower than the pattern gauge, switch to smaller needles. If your stitch count is higher, switch to larger needles. Keep swatching with different sized needles until you match the stitch gauge in the pattern.
Don't be afraid to use needle sizes outside the recommended range. Matching gauge is more important for getting the right finished measurements.
Tips for Choosing Needles
- Heavier weight yarns need thicker needle sizes to maintain proper gauge.
- For knitting flat, choose needles no more than 1 size smaller or larger than recommended.
- For knitting in the round, go down 1-2 sizes from the size recommended for flat knitting.
- Fibers like wool and alpaca are stretchier, so using smaller needles is okay.
- Less stretchy fibers like cotton may require larger needles to get gauge.
Choosing the right knitting needle size for your project and achieving the proper gauge takes some trial and error. Follow the guidelines on the yarn label and pattern, swatch your gauge, and don't be afraid to adjust your needles up or down until your swatch matches.
Another interesting products
Different Knitting Needle Materials - Pros and Cons
Knitting needles come in a variety of materials, each with their own characteristics. Needle material affects properties like slipperiness, flexibility, grip, and weight. Here is an overview of common knitting needle materials and their pros and cons.
Metal Needles
Metal needles like aluminum, stainless steel, nickel-plated, and brass offer a very smooth, slick surface. They are durable and long-lasting.
Pros:- Very smooth, excellent stitch glide
- Provide consistent stitches/gauge
- Lightweight
- Won't warp or crack over time
- Can be slippery and difficult to hold
- Cold to the touch
- May "cling" to stitches, less flexible
Wood Needles
Wood needles like bamboo, birch, and maple have a bit more friction than metal. They also tend to be thicker and have more weight.
Pros:- Provide good grip and control
- Warmer feel than metal
- Lightweight
- Resilient and flexible
- Heavy use can ding/dent tips over time
- Natural materials may warp with humidity changes
Plastic/Acrylic Needles
Plastic/acrylic needles provide a toothier, grabbier surface than metal or wood. They are inexpensive but durable.
Pros:- Very inexpensive
- Good for beginners - less slippery
- Lightweight
- Too "grabby" - stitches don't slide easily
- Can bend/warp if overloaded
- Not as smooth as metal/wood
Consider your knitting style, fiber choice, and project when selecting needle material. Many knitters like to have a variety on hand to suit different purposes.
How to Read Knitting Needle Sizes
With knitting needles coming in so many sizes, it can be confusing trying to figure out what size you need for a project. Here's a guide to understanding the different knitting needle size systems and how to read size information on a knitting pattern or yarn label.
Metric Needle Sizes
The most common metric needle sizes range from 2mm to 10mm in diameter. The sizes increase in increments of .5mm or 1mm (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, etc). Metric sizes are indicated by the millimeter measurement.
- 2.5mm needles
- 4mm needles
- 6mm needles
US Needle Sizes
US needle sizes range from 000 (2mm) up to 36 (10mm). The sizes increase in seemingly random increments.
US sizes are indicated by:
- Number + letter for needle material (7 US stainless steel)
- Just the number (US 7)
| US Size | Millimeter Diameter |
|---|---|
| 000 | 2mm |
| 1 | 2.25mm |
| 7 | 4.5mm |
UK/Canadian Needle Sizes
The UK/Canadian system is almost identical to the US system, except the sizes are indicated by a single number without a letter (7 instead of US 7).
Reading a Pattern
Needle sizes on a pattern may be listed as:
- US 7 needles
- 4mm needles
- Size to obtain gauge (with a gauge swatch listed)
For ranges like US 6-8, start with the middle size given. Check your gauge swatch and adjust up or down in needle size as needed to match pattern gauge.
Needle Size Conversion
If you need to substitute between US and metric sizes, you can find conversion charts online. Having a printout handy can be useful when shopping for needles or yarn.
With practice reading needle sizes, you'll be able to shop for and select the right size needles for your knitting projects with confidence!
Knitting Needle Tips - What You Need to Know
The tips of your knitting needles have an important job - they guide your stitches and help form even, consistent fabric. Choosing needles with the right tips for your project and knitting style will make your stitching experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Tip Shapes
The most common knitting needle tip shapes are:
- Pointed - A sharp, narrow point for easy stitch insertion. Good for most knitting.
- Blunt/Rounded - A blunt, rounded end. Prevents stitches from slipping off easily.
- Tapered - Gradual taper from shaft to tip. Allows loose knitting.
Tip Lengths
Longer needle tips provide more control over stitches, while shorter tips give more maneuverability.
- Regular tips - About 1.5 inches long. Balances control and flexibility.
- Short tips - Under 1 inch long. Excellent for small circumferences like sock knitting.
- Extra long tips - 2 inches or longer. Give maximum control for beginners.
Tip Materials
Tip coatings reduce friction and enhance durability:
- Nickel-plated - Smooth finish prevents snags.
- Enameled - Provides a glossy, colorful finish.
- Plastic-dipped - Soft cushioned feel, durable.
Choosing Tips for Your Project
- Pointed tips work for most flat and circular knitting.
- Blunt tips are good for new knitters or projects using slippery yarn.
- Shorter tips provide greater control on small circumferences like hat crowns or sock toes.
- Extra long tips are nice for beginners learning stitches.
- Slick nickel plating helps yarn glide smoothly for lace or colorwork.
- Plastic dipped tips provide more grip if you knit tightly.
Consider whether you want more glide or more grip when selecting your tips. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of needle tips for different projects until you find your favorites!
Caring for Your Needle Tips
To keep your knitting needle tips in the best shape:
- Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces which can dent or bend the tips.
- Store them carefully in a needle case to prevent damage.
- Smooth any burrs gently with an emery board.
- Clean tips occasionally with a damp cloth to remove grime buildup.
With proper care and the right choice of needle tips, your knitting experience will be more productive and pleasurable!
Caring For Your Knitting Needles
Knitting needles are your main tools as a knitter, so it's important to properly care for them. With some simple maintenance, you can keep your needles in great shape for years of knitting enjoyment.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning keeps your needles free of dirt, oil, and yarn fuzz:
- Wipe wood and plastic needles with a damp cloth.
- Use mild soap and water on metal needles.
- Avoid soaking - can damage wood finishes.
- Massage sockets of interchangeable needles to remove yarn lint.
Storing
Safe storage protects your needles from damage:
- Cases - Roll-up, zippered pouches, books.
- Cushioned - Fold needles in towels, place in padded boxes.
- Vertical - Store tips-up in mugs, vases, or jars.
- Unbent - Don't bundle or wrap tightly.
Protecting Tips
Prevent needle tips from becoming damaged or blunted:
- Avoid counter tops, floors.
- Push on tips gently when inserting into work.
- Use end caps or point protectors.
- Fix bent tips with needle smoothers or fine grit sandpaper.
Preventing Warping
Keep wood and plastic needles from warping:
- Store flat or vertically, not upright resting on tips.
- Avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes.
- Loosen tight needle joins on circulars when not in use.
- reshape gently if warping occurs.
Lubricating
Reduce friction and fiber buildup:
- Wax polish wooden needles 1-2 times per year.
- Apply silicone lubricant to slippery metal needles.
- Run plastic needles through hair to add lubrication.
Knitting needles are an investment for knitters. With proper care and maintenance, your needles can stay usable and last for many years of enjoyable knitting!
Similar products
Best Knitting Needles for Beginners
When learning to knit, using the right needles will make a big difference in helping you create even, consistent stitches. Here are some great knitting needle options for beginners.
Wooden Needles
Wood needles provide nice friction to keep stitches from slipping off easily. The warmer feel of wood is also comforting for beginners. Good woods for beginner needles include:
- Bamboo - Smooth and sturdy
- Maple - Hard and resilient
- Birch - Lightweight
Plastic/Acrylic Needles
Plastic or acrylic needles tend to have more grip and "grab" to prevent stitches from sliding off the ends. They are also very inexpensive, making them ideal for beginners. The downside is they can sometimes split or crack if pushed too hard.
Smooth Aluminum Needles
Smooth aluminum needles provide excellent glide and durability. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to manage. The metal surface helps stitches slide off the ends easily, which can be difficult at first for new knitters. Using point protectors is recommended.
Size 8-10 (5-6mm) Needles
Mid-sized needles in the US size 8-10 or 5-6mm range allow you to comfortably hold both needle and yarn while learning stitches. Larger sizes make practicing basic techniques like casting on easier. You can decrease needle size later for actual projects.
Straight or Circular Needles
Straight needles are traditional, but circular needles offer more versatility. A good beginner option is an interchangeable needle set with both straight and circular needles in a variety of sizes and lengths.
Extra Long Needle Tips
Needles with extra long tips around 2 inches provide greater control over stitches for beginners. Long tapered tips make it easier to grab and manipulate stitches off the needle ends.
Non-Slippery Yarn
When learning, choose a yarn with some grip like wool or cotton blended with acrylic. Soft, fuzzy yarns make practicing stitches easier. Stay away from slippery silk or synthetic yarns which can frustrate new knitters.
Light Colored Yarn
Sticking with light solid colors or pastels allows you to clearly see stitches while learning. Avoid dark yarns which obscure stitch detail.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different needle types and sizes in that first learning phase. Having the right needles suited to your knitting style will make the experience much more enjoyable as a beginner!
Tips for Knitting With Circular Needles
Circular needles are a knitting game-changer, allowing you to create tubes and circles without seaming. But knitting with the loops and cables can take some getting used to. Here are handy tips for handling circular needles like a pro.
Choose the Right Length
Circular needle length should suit your project:
- 16-24” for hats
- 24-32” for sleeves
- 32-40” for sweaters
- 40-47” for blankets and shawls
Too long causes work to stretch and sag. Too short bunches stitches and creates excess tension.
Join Your Stitches
Cast on to both ends of the circular needle, then join your cast on row using your preferred method such as:
- Twist join
- Overlap join
- Bump join
This creates a continuous circle so you can work stitches in the round.
Manage the Cable
The key is keeping an even, slightly loose cable:
- Don’t let cable get overtwisted.
- Let out any tension built up in the cable.
- Use a cable needle grip if needed.
Mind the Needle Tips
Be careful not to drop slippery needle tips!
- Place stoppers on ends when not knitting.
- Keep ends tucked in your elbows or under arms when in use.
Try the Magic Loop
For small circumferences like socks, use the Magic Loop method:
- Use a longer circular needle, 36” or greater.
- Divide stitches between two looped ends.
- Slide stitches back and forth as you knit.
Store Properly
Avoid kinks and damage by:
- Hanging cords loose when not knitting.
- Storing in a padded case or cover.
- Not wrapping cable tightly.
With a little practice, circular needles can expand your knitting possibilities!
Essential Knitting Needle Types For Beginners
For beginners, it is recommended to start with large, straight knitting needles. Wooden needles, such as bamboo, birch, ebony, and rosewood, are a popular choice due to their warm feel. Circular needles are also versatile and preferred by many knitters. The Knitter's Pride Karbonz is a popular choice for double-pointed needles. Stitch markers are a handy tool for keeping track of stitches. Gauge swatch rulers are also useful for ensuring consistent stitch count.
