How do I choose a knitting needle?

A simple guideline: Add the measurements (in millimeters) of the suggested needle size for each yarn and then use the needle that is closest in size to that number. For example, for a swatch of two strands of Wool-Ease Chunky, we added 6.5 mm plus 6.5 mm to get 13 mm. The closest needle size is 12 mm, which is a US 17.

What size needle should I get for knitting?

The most common knitting needle size is US size 8, or 5mm. These needles are most common because they match up with worsted-weight yarn, which is the most common type of yarn for most knitting patterns. These needles are generally considered a normal size for beginners to start knitting with, too.

Does it matter what knitting needles you use?

Most knitting patterns specify what size knitting needles you will need. This makes sense because the designer wants you to be able to recreate the project successfully. However, knitting needle sizes can change based on what country they're from, so you'll want to confirm you have the right pair for your project.

What is the difference in knitting needles?

The very brief summary is that straight needles are for working in rows, dpns for working in the round, and circular needles can do both. Circular needles are the most versatile and tend to be the option of choice for many knitters so as a beginner that might be where you'd like to start.

How do you match knitting needles with yarn?

In general, a basic rule of thumb is: the finer the yarn, the smaller the needle. Most patterns will specify the yarn that they used to make the project. If you didn't want to use the exact same yarn, you could substitute for something which is the same weight yarn.

Choosing Your Knitting Needle: Sizes of Needles

Are wooden or plastic knitting needles better?

If your stitches keep slipping of, try plastic or wooden knitting needles. They will definitely help you keep everything in place, especially when you are knitting with four or five double pointed needles. Make sure the plastic needles are made of one piece and the wooden needles are of good smooth quality.

What does DK mean in yarn?

DK (Double Knit) is a light yarn, for example of 50 grams. DK yarns are thinner than Aran yarns and are often used for projects that require lightweight yarns, such as a summer sweater, cap, accessories or children's clothing.

Can I use 5mm needles instead of 4mm?

Depends on your tension. If you're a tight knitter you'll be fine but if your tension is loose it might it over the edge into not being quite right- the 4s would be better if that's the case for you. The size of the needle on the pattern is only a suggestion of what you'll need to get gauge.

What needle do you use for wool?

9. Use the Right Needle. A ball-point needle is usually the best option for a woollen fabric. It has a rounded tip that easily slips through the fibers without snagging or cutting them.

Which is better bamboo or metal knitting needles?

Bamboo needles are warm and smooth to the touch, making them ideal for those who don't like the cold feel and clicking noise of metal needles. For beginner knitters, bamboo is our top choice. Bamboo needles are easier to handle than metal or other woods, because the stitches don't slip off the needles.

What is a 90 14 needle used for?

Quilting Machine quilting 75/11 and 90/14 Quilting needles feature a sharp, tapered point and are designed to stitch through thick layers and intersecting seams. Use them for piecing quilts and machine quilting the layers together.

Are ballpoint and jersey needles the same?

Ballpoint needles have an even more rounded tip designed to avoid breaking fibers in knits and fabrics with spandex. Jersey needles are even more rounded than stretch needles, and are more indicated for knits than for stretch wovens.

What size needles for chunky wool?

The thicker the yarn, the larger the needle size you will need to use with it. For example most DK yarns recommend 4mm needles, whereas chunky yarns use size 6-7mm.

What problem will occur if you will use the wrong size of the needle?

Using the wrong needle for your machine, fabric, or thread can result in a substantial amount of damage. Using the wrong needle can damage your machine's timing, your fabric, shred the thread, and destroy your bobbin hook.

Which is thicker 4 ply or DK?

Structure of a 4 ply yarn

ply (lace weight), DK was known as 10 ply and 4 ply lies somewhere in between. This was great and you could easily see that 2 strands of 4 ply are about the same thickness as DK, 2 strands of lace weight are about the same as 4 ply.

What are the 3 major yarn categories?

What is the most important tool in knitting?

Yarn and knitting needles are by far the most important tools for any knitter, but you do need a couple more things if your knitting project is going to be successful.

Are bamboo knitting needles any good?

Bamboo Knitting Needles

They have a grippy surface which keeps stitches from sliding off the needle. They're also perfect for knitters who like to work at a slower, even speed. Bamboo knitting needles are great for beginners or for anyone who wants to learn to knit.

When would you use a jersey needle?

Stretch and Jersey needles have a medium ballpoint. Rule of Thumb Use Stretch needles on stretchy fabrics especially those with elastic, Lycra^®, Spandex. Use Jersey needles on knits. Sometimes, but not always, Stretch & Jersey needles are interchangeable.

What is a jersey needle used for?

The Jersey Needle

Knitted fabrics that contain no spandex can be sewn with a Jersey Needle. The tip of the Jersey Needle (SUK) is rounded so that it can push the fibers of the fabric to the side, penetrating the gaps in between. The needle therefore prevents the loop from getting damaged.

What are 80 12 needles used for?

Knits/Jersey (80/12 Ball Point and Polyester or All-Purpose Thread) Ball point needles are made especially for sewing on knits, such as T-shirt fabric and jersey. The ball point won't damage or break the fibers as it pierces the fabric.