Which knitting needles should I choose?

The choice of needles is crucial for succeeding with your creative projects. When you follow a pattern, there will always be information about the gauge. You need to make a swatch before you commence the project. It may be necessary to go up or down in needle size depending on whether you are working too loose or too tight.

Knitting needles come in different types and materials.

Below, you find answers to which needles to choose for your project.

Overview of the different types of knitting needles

Before you choose the needles for your knitting project, it can be advantageous to get acquainted with the different types of knitting needles to choose from.

•         Double-pointed needles: Double-pointed needles are well-known knitting needles. They come in a set of five needles with points at both ends and can be used for a multitude of different knitting projects. Double-pointed needles are available in materials like wood, bamboo, aluminium and metal, and you can choose from many different widths and lengths.
•         Cable needles: Once you have some knitting experience, you will need special needles to assist you in your projects. Cable needles are essential when working cables. They hold the stitches for the cable in front of or behind the work. Cable needles give you the freedom to work the cables.
•         Jumper needles: If a project is worked in the flat, jumper needles are a good choice. Jumper needles come in a set where one needle is for casting on and the other needle ensures that the stitches stay on the needle.
•         Circular needles: Would you like to knit a sweater without seaming - or knit your own warm socks? Circular needles are (as the name implies) intended for working in the round. The needle consists of two classic knitting needles connected by a thin nylon cable. You can also use circular needles to work in the flat. Circular needles provide great versatility and control over your project and are therefore very popular among knitting enthusiasts.
•         Interchangeable circular needles: Knitting and crocheting are popular hobbies, and new equipment providing higher flexibility in your projects is constantly brought to market.

The newest knitting needles on the market are interchangeable circular needles. With these needles, you can remove the needles and replace them with longer/shorter or thicker/thinner ones. If you have big knitting ambitions, it may be a great help to choose interchangeable knitting needles.

Be aware of widths and lengths

The width and length of your knitting needles depend on your project. The width affects the look of the finished project.

A rule of thumb is, the thicker the needles, the looser and airier the finished project will be. With thinner needles, on the other hand, you get a denser look.

The length of the needles has to fit with your knitting project. The choice of length is also determined by the type of yarn you use. If the yarn is thick, longer needles are needed, because the yarn takes up more space on the needles when stitches are cast on.

Choice of needle material

Today, you can choose between needles made of plastic, aluminium, bamboo and metal. With knitting experience comes a preference for one or more of the materials. If you have many years of experience, you may choose needles with smooth surfaces. The stitches move more on needles made of metal and plastic.

If you are a beginner, it may be a good idea to choose needles made of either wood or bamboo. Many choose bamboo because of its durability and because the needles are suitable for basically all types of yarn. Furthermore, they are comfortable to hold and easy to work with and they ensure that the stitches stay in place on the needles.