Which type of knitting needles should I use?

Choosing the right knitting needles is a crucial prerequisite for having success with your knitting project.

You can find many different types of knitting needles and there are several materials to choose from. What type of knitting needle you should use depends on a number of different factors.

Your particular knitting project will also influence what size and length your needles should have.

Below, you can learn more about which type of knitting needles you need for your creations.

These are the factors you should take into account when choosing knitting needles

If you are a beginner, you will benefit from spending some time getting acquainted with the different types of needles. Once you become more informed about your different options, you will be able to select the best knitting needles for your project.

You choose your knitting needles according to the following specifications:

• Type
• Length
• Size/thickness
• Materials

The market for knitting needles is categorized by the different types. There are cable needles, circular needles, single-point needles, double-pointed needles and interchangeable circular needles. You will typically use circular needles or the classic and familiar double-pointed needles.

Many people choose circular needles as they offer great versatility and flexibility for your knitting. If you want the opportunity to work with different yarns, then the interchangeable circular needles may be the right choice for you. With these, you can replace the tips and adjust the length. This allows you to use the same pair of knitting needles whether you are making a pair of socks or a large jumper.

The tension of your knit is determined by the knitting tension as well as the size of the knitting needles. The thinner the needles, the tighter the knit.

Pay special attention to the material of the knitting needles

The material has a big influence on how smooth the knitting will be. If you are new to knitting, it may be a good idea to choose bamboo or wooden needles. These natural materials have a rougher surface compared to the needles made of either metal, aluminium or plastic. If you are an experienced knitter, you may benefit more from choosing smoother knitting needles. As the stitches move more effortlessly on the needle, you get more flexibility.