How to Choose Knitting Needles

Knitting really is one of the most relaxing hobbies. It's a hobby suited to both women and men and for some, it is not only a hobby but a livelihood. It is easy to knit a scarf, a hat or even a cute little toy sweater. The portability of knitting makes it extremely attractive - you can knit on a park bench, on a train, waiting for someone, on vacation or as the comfort of your home.

Selecting a proper needle is very important, as it could be the difference between enjoying to knit, or sheer frustration. Beginners especially need to choose needles that will not be too slippery so to cause the yarn to slip while learning the many knitting stitches. A more experienced knitter, on the other hand, prefers a smooth a needle surface to allow the stitches to move easily and quickly.
1.
Learn that Knitting Needles are made from a variety of materials and the choice is up to you and your personal preference. Traditionally, knitting needles are made from aluminium with a pearl grey finish and are sometimes nickel plated. Other needles are made from natural materials like bamboo or wood. Needles made from natural materials are very popular, as they feel good to hold and warm up as you knit. Larger size needles are often made from plastic to reduce their weight.
2.
Learn that knitting needles have number sizes printed directly on the tops or sides of the needles, making it easy to select the size needed. The lower the number, the smaller the needle's diameter, which may differ depending on brand. Beginners should use only the brand and size suggested in the pattern itself, as a change in needle brand might also change the gauge, or stitches per inch of the pattern. Knitting needles might change your knitting gauge (the number of knitted stitches and knitted rows per inch in a garment or swatch). This change will alter the look and size of the garment.
3.
Understand that knitting needles come in many different sizes and widths (expressed in millimeters(mm). The width determines the finished size and look of your finished piece. The thicker the needle, the larger the stitch. There are basically three types of knitting needles, and each is used for a different function. Single point knitting needles are used in pairs to knit flat pieces. Straight and rigid, they are considered the standard needles.
4.
Double point needles have points at both ends and are used in sets of four or five. They knit seamless, circular items such as hats.
5.
Circular needles are two straight needles connected with a flexible plastic cord. They are used to knit round, seamless garments like socks. Circular knitting uses only the knit stitch for stockinette and increases your speed as knitting is faster than purling. This is not recommended for the beginner user.
6.
Examine the points on your needles to see if they are damaged or are bent. If so, then it's time to throw them out and buy some new ones.
7. Needles are made from a variety of materials

* Bamboo needles highly polished, warm to the touch, strong, great for arthritic hands and much lighter than aluminum needles. Since the stitches remain in place, they are excellent beginner needles. While Bamboo needles are more flexible than metal, they are less flexible than casein or plastic needles.
* Metal needles are the heaviest needles, but are stronger types and do not easily bend. Metal needles are cold to the touch and slippery

o Aluminum needles are sturdy, often coated, and make a clicking sound when knitting.
o Chrome or nickel-plated needles have a slick surface, and also make a clicky sound when used. More experienced knitters prefer them, because the stitches move quickly on the highly polished surface. These are not good needles for beginning knitters, because stitches will quickly slip off the needle's tip

* Plastic needles used to be readily available and very popular. They are smooth and sleek, and stitches move quickly. Plastic needles are very flexible.
* Wooden needles are smooth but not slippery, making them a great choice for beginning knitters and when using slippery yarns. The finish is different on each brand, so check them out prior to purchasing.


[edit] Tips

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Knitting needles are a good investment. They can last forever, and can be passed on for generations. Never throw the needles away, unless they are damaged or bent so badly that they cannot be used.


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If your yarn has a great deal of texture, you would need a smoother needle whereas if you use a slippery or a smoother yarn, it would be advisable to choose needles that have more grip. Get the feel of the needles before you buy and think of the yarn you are going to use, to determine which will be best.
* Select your needles based on three things, your knitting ability, the feel of the yarn, and your style of knitting.
* The knitting gauge will also differ by your style of knitting, (if you pull the stitches too tightly or too loosely) on the needle.
* Always buy and use the size needle that is on the knitting instructions. Do not think that what you will have will do, because it will mess up the sizing in the directions.
* Keep your needles in a safe place. Stand them by their ends, not their tips in a tall can, but the best way is to buy or make a Knitting Needle Case.
Straight needles can also kept in decorative buckets or pencil cups. Needles, like socks, have a habit of getting separated, so put a rubber band around matching pairs or sets.
* If you are just getting started with circular knitting, but plan on doing it in different sizes, the Denise Interchangeable knitting needles are a good place to start. These are a resin needle which come in sizes 5-13 with interchangeable cords to make different size circular needles. They are somewhat expensive, but are a great deal compared to buying circular needles in every size.