When we talk about the size of knitting needles, we are talking about two things: their length course and also their diameter. Rest assured, you don’t have to be an expert in math to be well equipped. It’s all more a matter of logic! We give you some tips so that your knitting … goes straight!
Choose knitting needles according to their length
A big wool sweater to keep warm in winter? Small slippers for a birth trousseau? A basket for decorative knitting? Crazy what can be done thanks to this creative hobby! This is perhaps why knitting is gaining more and more followers, even among young people or “ultra-urban” people. And to get started, you first need the right tools: balls of course, but also knitting needles of the right length. Essential!
There are 15cm as well as 60cm. And between the two, there are 17cm, 33cm … Come on, let’s keep it simple! The longer the needles, the more stitches you can put on them. Obviously, right? As a result, the larger ones are to be preferred when you want to knit a bulky piece such as a large poncho or a blanket. But if you want to make a scarf, a length of 20 cm is more than enough … and not too bulky! Yes, when you have to concentrate on not missing a stitch, it’s fun if the needles are easy to handle!
The extra tip: Are you a beginner? Use needles that roughly match the distance between your palm and your elbow. It will be easier to get the hang of it!
Choose knitting needles according to their diameter
No.3, No.4, No.5 … You’ve probably noticed it: the needles also have a number. It starts at 2 and can go up to 25. This is the dimension of the diameter in millimeters: 2 for 2mm, 25 for 2.5cm. Easy! And the smaller it is, the tighter the stitch. The higher it is, the looser the mesh. When we tell you that it all calls for logic! You can therefore choose the diameter according to the desired result: a thin or thick sweater.
That said, don’t panic: you won’t have to make up your mind either. In general, the labels of balls of wool and other knitting fibers give the appropriate diameter according to its origin, its thickness … Phew!
The extra tip: Make sure the needle numbers are in French measure, especially if you buy them on the internet! Our neighbors across the Atlantic use another rating system. In this case, refer to an equivalence table (you can easily find it on the web).
Material and circular: the other criteria for choosing your needles
Do you want to know everything about knitting needles? So be aware that in addition to size, another criterion may interest you when shopping: material!
Does the natural side of bamboo catch your eye? Does the clatter of metal remind you of your grandmother? It can indeed play … but that’s not all!
Metal needles: they make a nice noise that can take us back to childhood. But depending on their size, they can get quite heavy. And if the stitches slide well on it (which makes the gesture quite comfortable), they sometimes slide … too much! Be careful not to let any escape!
Plastic needles: lighter, less slippery, less expensive … Here is a great alternative, especially when you start!
Bamboo needles have the same strengths as plastic ones! They are light, and smooth … Without forgetting their natural origin which resists time and everything: stains, perspiration (yes, some stitches make you sweat well!). Small downside: the price is often higher.
Wooden needles: very similar to bamboo needles, they have another advantage: over time, the wood will patina. The stitches will tend to slide better. And hop!
Finally, while rummaging through the shelves, you may have discovered circular needles. What for? Circles! Again, this is obvious! We adopt them when we want to make round works. Like crochet knits!
We hope these tips help you get the point (knitting)!
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