Knitting is possibly one of the most beneficial hobbies. Especially during the winter and holiday season, knitting can bring a touch of personal love into gifts made with care.
However, for the perfect knitting, you need to have the best knitting equipment.
When you first start knitting, a lot of questions might arise in your mind. But the first dilemma is “Which type of knitting needles are best?” and “Which knitting needles should I get?”
You don’t have to worry about your queries anymore, as we have got them covered for you in this article.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to consider when buying a knitting needle.
Let’s get started.
Essential Factors to Consider for Choosing Needles
Selecting knitting needles always depends on your priorities. None of the knitting needle categories are inadequate or useless, as they each have their functions. However, there are a few factors which you’ll need to consider;
- Length
For the best speed and best long stitched yarn like knitting – the lengthier the needle, the better.
The length of your needle is the space from the start to the end of the needle. And the number of stitches you plan to stitch plays a role in what length you should be getting. You can opt for either long or circular length needles.
Generally, the best length for knitting large blankets, sweaters, and so is 35 cm. The best knitting size for smaller projects such as DIY crafts, or for kids is 15-20 cm. Both sizes are readily available in markets.
- Tip
Of no doubt, tips are an essential thing to look at when you’re choosing needles to buy. Tips can come in two forms, which are mainly round and pointed.
The rule is simple – when you’re knitting detailed and delicate work, you should opt for sharp knitting needles. On the other hand, when you’re working on a big project, you should use round or blunt knitting needles.
When you’re using a pointed tip needle, you can get to your work’s intricate details. For example, you can use cobwebs, fingering, and even lace with your sharp needle.
All the twitches and round-ups here and there make it easier for the sharp needle to work.
Furthermore, you can use soft material yarn such as cotton and lose yarns to make sweaters or blankets with a blunt end needle. Although pointed tip needles are faster, you’ll find it more comfortable to work with a blunt one once you get the hang of it.
- Material
Knitting needles can be of different materials. Whatever the material is, be it wood, carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum, bamboo, or stainless steel, all of them can get the job done correctly. The material you pick is absolutely up to your preference and comfort.
However, each material has its perks. Bamboo needle’s flexibility, the way plastic knitting needles knit bigger yarns quickly, the feel of metallic pointed needles for the details are what makes them unique.
You’ll have to feel this one by yourself when you’re picking the best knitting needle.
Which Type of Knitting Needles Are Best
Different knitting needles have pros, cons, perks, and features of their own. To determine the kind of needle that suits you the best, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about which types of needles are best in brief;
- Straight Needles
In simple words, straight knitting needles are the best for flat knitting. You can sew one piece at a time, and later knit them together.
Also, you can use your straight needle’s hooks to attach to your wool, chunky yarn, etc. Straight needles are heavier in comparison to circular needles.
- Circular Needles
We’re all used to seeing knitters in TV shows and tutorials using two straight, long needles. However, in the conventional world, you can also use an easy-to-use circular knitting needle.
You can use circular needles for flat knitting as well as knitting rounds of yarn, such as for big woolen blankets.
Circular needles are much more comfortable for people with arthritis to hold and knit. You can make beautiful tapestry and craft different garments easily with this needle.
- Interchangeable Needles
The best knitting needle, in our opinion, is the interchangeable knitting needle. Not only does this needle provide versatility, but also it gives you ample options to knit. The functions of this needle are similar to those of the circular needle.
For starters, interchangeable knitting needles have multiple sizes and lengths, which gives you full control of knitting. They’re straightforward to attach and glide. It’s great for anyone who likes circular needles.
- DPN Knitting
Double pointed needles are also a type of needle that has modernized knitting. They’re similar to pointed lengthier needles.
Also, they’re double-pointed & need a protractor to work. They’re mainly used for shorter knitting, such as socks, gloves, baby clothes, etc.
If you’re new to using double-pointed needles, then carbon fiber DPN will offer you the best of both worlds – a double point without the slipperiness of stainless steel.
In order to prevent stitches from slipping off the needles, beginners might want to use tip protectors. By skipping the protectors and switching rapidly from needle to needle, experimental knitters gain momentum.
Final Verdict
Judging overall, circular needles and interchangeable needles are the best knitting needles. You can try using the CLOVER Takumi combo interchangeable circular knitting needles set for the easiest and most convenient knitting.
We hope our article has helped you to gain knowledge of which type of knitting needles are best. Make sure to try out every knitting needle type as your progress more into your knitting hobby. Till the next time, happy knitting!