Complete Guide to Selecting and Using Knitting Needles for Every Project

Yarn Length on 100 g and Needle Gauge

Yarn length on 100 g:

• 50 m and less on 100 g – 9 - 15 mm
• 100 m on 100 g – 6 – 8 mm
• 150 m on 100 g – 5 – 6 mm
• 200 m on 100 g – 4 - 5 mm
• 300 m on 100 g – 3 - 4.5 mm
• 400 m on 100 g – 2 - 3.5 mm
• 800 m on 100 g – 1.5 - 3 mm

Knitting Your Work

You can choose straight knitting needles 35 cm long or circular (on the fishing line) 80-100 cm long. It all depends on personal preferences. Among the shortcomings of straight knitting needles, one can note the inconvenience of knitting in public transport or other similar conditions, as well as a limited length (35 cm or less) - it will be inconvenient to try on knitting, because it is difficult to expand the canvas in full width.

In circular knitting needles, knitters note an uneven transition from knitting needles to fishing line and twisting of the fishing line, which makes knitting difficult. But quality knitting needles, like Addi, don't have these flaws. Knitting moves on knitting needles freely and does not twist. Also, there is no breaking of the fishing line at the junctions with the spoke.

Knitting Styles and Recommended Needle Types

Knitting Styles of Yoke or One-Piece Items

Select circular knitting needles 100-150 cm long. You can cast on a large number of sts, knit large parts of products, and also knit in a circle.

Knitting in a Circle for Small Sized Products (Hats, Sleeves)

Choose hosiery or circular knitting needles 40-60 cm long.

Knitting Socks, Gloves, and Mittens

Choose stocking knitting needles. On such knitting needles, it is convenient to knit even the smallest details, such as fingers on gloves, in a circle.

Choosing the Material of Knitting Needles

When choosing a material for knitting needles, first of all, you need to start from the type of yarn. For woolen, not very smooth yarn, choose metal knitting needles. Loops on them slide freely and nothing complicates knitting. For smooth, slippery yarn, it is recommended to use wooden (bamboo) knitting needles. The loops will not jump off them. This is especially important for beginner knitters.

When knitting delicate things, many knitters recommend using wooden (bamboo) knitting needles, as with a large number of yarn, they will not jump off the knitting needles.

Additionally, wooden knitting needles are lighter than metal, and they can be taken with you on a plane, while metal needles may be selected during security checks.