If you want to successfully complete a knitting project, you need to pick the right needle for the job. In selecting knitting needles, you should give some consideration to their; size, length, fabrication and style. To start knitting all you need is a ball of yarn and a pair of needles, therefore needles are a crucial component in the knitting tool box.
Size
The size of the needle has a direct affect on the size of the finished stitch. Put simply if you use a larger needle you will create a larger piece of work and vice versa. If you are following a pattern you should be advised on the appropriate needle size, but in other instances you may need to determine this yourself. In this case the band on the ball of wool usually suggests the recommended needle size. As a general guide a fine yarn requires a small sized needle and a thick yarn requires a larger needle. Large needles with fine yarn create a very open weave texture and a small needle with a thick yarn will create a very tight and chunky knit.
When purchasing knitting needles for a particular assignment take care to check that the pattern and needle size are from the same knitting system. There are three different needle sizing systems; US, Metric, and old U.K. For example, a size 3 needle in the US system is a size 3.25 in the metric system and a 10 in the old U.K system. You can buy knitting needle gauge sheets that have the different sized holes in them to test what is what.
Length
Knitting needles also come in varying lengths; typically they range between 18cm to 40cm, and in the case of circular knitting up to 90cm. The appropriate length is governed by your project. If you need to knit a long length, choose a long needle. If you are creating a smaller item like a scarf, you may find it easier to maneuver shorter needles. If you are knitting a fine yarn with a thin needle, it is beneficial to select a pair of knitting needles that possess long points, otherwise you will be pushing stitches up constantly, which can be time consuming and tedious.
Fabrication
Knitting needles are made from a wide range of different materials. The most common and their benefits are listed below:
Aluminum-The majority of knitting needles are made from aluminum. They are typically grey in color, readily available and affordable. They offer a very smooth surface which allows for fast, snag free knitting. They are generally preferred by experienced knitters, but they can get cold during cold weather and will conduct warmth in warm weather
Nickel plated- you will find some metal needles are nickel plated. They offer many of the same benefits as aluminum needles, but those with allergies may suffer from a reaction with use.
Bamboo-if you are a beginner, you might like to try bamboo knitting needles-the stitches don't slide off the end as willingly as they do with metal based needles. They are also very light to hold and remain at a fairly constant temperature. People who suffer from nickel allergies are better suited to this fabrication. After repeated use these needles can start to splinter at the tip and catch the yarn.
Plastic-large needles are often made out of plastic because this ensures that they don't become too heavy to hold and work with. They offer smoothness, flexibility and are best suited to knitting large items like sweaters. They are also far less noisy then metal needles to knit with.
Wooden-wooden knitting needles are typically made from birch, ebony, rosewood or walnut. They offer the same benefits as bamboo needles.
Style
For regular flat knitting you need straight knitting needles with a single point. They possess one end with a knob that holds your work on the needle. For tubular knitting in the round you need either a set of double pointed needles, or a circular knitting needle. Double pointed needles have a working point on each end and they are positioned together to perform knitting in the round. Circular knitting needle consists of two short straight needle heads and then a length of flexible plastic or nylon cord. If you intend on creating cables, you will need a cable knitting needle.
Knitting is a great hobby to take up because all you need to start is a set of needles and a ball of yarn. Just make sure you select the appropriate needle type. Always check that the needles are smooth all over to ensure that the yarn won't catch anywhere as you knit and do not continue to use needles that have developed a bend, or have any damage on the tip.