by Frances Stanford

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: January 24, 2010

The type of knitting needles you choose make the difference in any knitting project. If you choose ones that are too large for the size of the yarn, the knitting will look loose and will turn out larger than you need. If you choose needles that are too small, you will end up with a completed project that is not the right size for your needs. This article will explain the need for choosing needles that are of the correct size for both the project and the size of yarn.

When you pick up a knitting pattern for any project, an important aspect of the directions includes the size of the knitting needles. Along with this there is a tension gauge for the number of stitches and rows you should have to equal an inch or a few centimetres. This is one of the guides knitters use to help them choose the right knitting needles. Experienced knitters who are well aware of their style of knitting can adjust this recommendation to use larger or smaller than the recommended needle size in order to achive the correct tension for the size of the project they want to make.

Straight needles

These are needles that have a point on only one end. They are used for knitting flat pieces, such as in a sweater where you knit all the pieces (front, back and sleeves) separately and then sew them together. You can also use these needles for making smaller item, such as dish cloths, scarves and caps. They come in all sizes as two in a package. Knitters prefer this style because they can hold the weight of a large project much better, thus putting less strain on your wrists.

Double Pointed needles

Double pointed needles come in sets of four. They have points on both ends and are mainly used for knitting smaller projects that do not need to be sewn up for completion. The most common use of double pointed needles is for knitting socks and hats.

Circular needles

A circular needle is one long needle with the points separated by a length of very thing plastic. They are used in creating larger projects that do not need to be sewn completely, such as sweater (especially Fair Isle sweaters or those with a colored pattern) and afghans.

Cable needles

These are very short double pointed needles used for making cables in the work. You use them to hold the required number of stitches at the front or the back of the work while you knit the stitches from the main needle. Therefore, you have less chance of dropping stitches and ruining the pattern.

There are other aspects involved in the choice of knitting needles, though. Some knitters find that their fingers and hands get tired and cramped when they knit with needles of a particular material. There are three main classifications of knitting needles in this respect - wood, plastic and metal. All have advantages and disadvantages and as beginning knitters gain more experience, they will likely choose different needles for different projects.

Wooden needles

These are the most expensive knitting needles and can be made from various types of wood - bamboo and rosewood being the most common. They are smooth and lightweight. They do not make the clacking noise that you get when using metal needles, but they are the most likely type to break, perhaps causing you to lose stitches.

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