Buy knitting needles - what is the right size?
Which knitting needles are there?
Circular Needles are two needles that are connected by a flexible plastic rope. They allow a seamless knitting "in the round" and are especially suitable for the production of very large parts. The length of the needles should correspond to a maximum of the circumference of the knitted piece. Since the weight of the piece is in the lap when working with circular needles, they are particularly comfortable and gentle on the wrists. When buying, make sure that the transition between needles and rope is as smooth as possible, otherwise the stitches may get stuck.
Flex knitting needles are like circular needles connected by a plastic rope. However, it ends in a button, so you can not knit in the round, but can also put the weight of the work to relieve pressure in your lap. Flex knitting needles are a great advantage when making wide pieces.
For long-knitting needles These are two needles, each with a tip and a shaft and partially complete with a button. If the shaft of a long-knitting needle is uniformly thick, it is also called a Cardigan Needle.
If the needles thinner behind, is from Quick knit pins the speech. Knitting with them is pleasant as the stitches on them slide well back and forth. Long knitting needles are suitable for knitting flat pieces because of their size.
When knitting more elaborate patterns come in addition auxiliary needles for use. They allow you to close a course without losing the thread. So you can easily continue working on adjacent meshes. Needles are smaller than usual knitting needles and usually straight. Special forms like the Cable needles prevent with their kink in the middle the slipping down of the stitches.
The needle consists of five single, straight knitting needles, which are tapered at both ends, and with which you can also knit in rounds. As soon as you get the hang of it, smaller works like caps or socks are quickly done thanks to double-needle play.
Knitting needles of metal, wood and plastic
Knitting needles are made of many materials. The classic is out metal and has a pearl-gray or silver-colored coating. Metal needles are particularly smooth so that almost all yarns slide well on them. Especially hairy yarns such as mohair can be ideally processed with them. Metal needles are rather heavy and particularly unbreakable.
Knitting needles off plastic are easy. However, since they are very soft, the thinner versions bend faster and can break in the worst case. Their surface is somewhat dull, but still smooth enough for the stitches to remain flexible. Advantage: Not only for people with allergies, but also for people with arthritis plastic needles are suitable because their temperature remains stable.
Wooden knitting needles are characterized by good grip and are particularly suitable for slippery yarns thanks to their blunt surface. They are available in nobler varieties, for example of rose or ebony, and in simpler designs of birch or bamboo. They all feel pleasantly light and warm and are quieter in use than their conspecifics. Especially bamboo scores with flexibility and high resistance to breakage.
In general, the choice of material can have an influence on the process and the result of knitting, but which needles are ultimately best suited for you is individual and can best be found out by trial and error.
The size of your knitting project ultimately determines the length the necessary needles. When knitting garments such as pullovers, jackets or scarves, the needle should be correspondingly longer, for smaller projects such as socks or caps shorter needles are sufficient.
Which needle sizes are available?
The Strength The knitting needle is determined by the diameter and ranges from 1.25 to 20 millimeters. The thicker the needle, the thicker the stitches become. Thinner designs are suitable for fine and smaller knitwear such as socks or caps, for larger works such as sweaters or blankets you should choose thicker needles.
The needles are up to a thickness of 3 mm at a distance of 0.25 mm, from a diameter of 3 mm with a distance of 0.5 mm and the thicknesses 6 to 10 only one millimeter thicker. In addition, needles are available in thicknesses of 12, 15 and 20 mm.
In general, the strength is printed on the needle, but it can also be easily determined with a needle size. On the banderole of your wool, you can see what needle size you need.There are usually two possible strengths, of which you can choose one. All you have to do is decide if you prefer to knit loose or tight. If this is not clear to you at the beginning, you will find out at the latest at the mesh test.
For beginners usually stronger needles are recommended, as they are grippier and you will not lose track of the stitches so fast. The wool is also thicker, making it easier to work with and faster to get results.
In specialist shops or special online shops beginners, advanced and professionals quickly find the right equipment. With the purchase of a set that contains needles in different sizes and usually includes a matching case, you are well equipped on the go.
Knitting needles on the plane: may the needles be carried in hand luggage?
Attention! For safety reasons, knitting needles must not be carried in hand luggage when flying. In the checked baggage, taking along is not a problem. Be sure to pack your knitting needles in the baggage that you give up, otherwise you will have to hand in your (possibly expensive) needles. If you fly only with carry-on luggage, unfortunately, you can not take any needles with you.
