When it comes to learning how to knit, it can be difficult to know which type of knitting needle to use, so here’s a handy guide to help.
What are the main differences between needles?
The most obvious difference is the size or diameter and this determines the gauge. But they also come with different points and lengths and are made from several materials which all have an effect on your knitted project. According to the UK Hand Knitting Association needles made from wood, bamboo and plastic are all-rounders, but may not be resilient. The strongest needles are made from carbon fibre, which still feels warm on the hands.
These are four of the most common types of knitting needles:
Straight
Most people imagine a knitting needle to be straight and these are a great choice if you are a beginner knitter as they are easy to use. If you are attempting knitting for the first time, you might want to try out one of the numerous knitting kits available online from suppliers such as https://www.stitchandstory.com/.
Straight needles usually measure 9-14 inches and each set has a pointed end, with a stopper or knob on the other. They are often best if you’re doing a smaller project.
Circular
Circular needles are best for large knitting projects in the round, as they come with a flexible cord that basically connects them so they almost feel like one long needle. They come either fixed, where the cord and ends are permanently joined, or can be formed with interchangeable pieces.
Double-Pointed
An alternative to circular needles for smaller knitting in the round projects, double-pointed needles, or DPNs, are straight needles which are shorter and have two points at the ends. They normally come in sets of four or six.
Cable
One of the most unusual-looking needles, these are double-pointed and in a bow shape, with a dent in the middle. As their name suggests, they are used for forming knitted cables and are helpful for keeping active stitches from slipping off when being moved around.