When starting a new project, I always make sure that my needles are of good quality. This is because I really treasure the process of knitting, and want to enjoy it as much as I enjoy the product of my work. Working in a local yarn store has really opened my eyes to what a difference your knitting needles can make in your whole experience. Knitting with my favorite needles, the Addi Turbo needles, always makes my projects more enjoyable.
The first component I look for in a great knitting needle is the material that it is made out of. The type of material you want to use really depends upon your skill level. Bamboo is a great choice for beginners, as it really hugs the yarn when you're knitting, so you will not drop as many stitches. For advanced beginners through very advanced knitters, I recommend needles made out of metal, nickel or brass. The Addi Turbo needle is my favorite, because it is made from nickel and brass, so the yarn to slide very easily from one needle to the other. This can dramatically improve the speed of your knitting.
I would not recommend certain materials in knitting needles, like plastic and aluminum. Acrylic needles and plastic needles feel too light and overly pliable for knitting. Aluminum needles feel like they're scraping against each other while you're knitting.
Many knitters I know (including myself) prefer to work on circular needles rather than straight needles, even when knitting flat pieces. This is because knitting with circular needles makes your knitting more manageable, as the ends don't hit your arms while you're knitting! It also gives more room for your project to hang, and makes storage very simple.
Because of this, I recommend using an interchangeable needle set. These sets come with needles of many different sizes and different lengths of cord. Choose the needle size you want, and then twist it into the correct cord size for your project. Addi carries a three sets of interchangeable needles called Addi Clicks. You can get Clicks in the the traditional Addi Turbo needle, lace needles (made completely from brass), and bamboo. You never have to go and find a needle size again when you have a set. It also makes finding your gauge that much easier.
In circular needles, the cord should be very pliable, with a smooth join between the end of the needle and the cord. In interchangeable sets, the cord should not be able to untwist while you're knitting your project.
If you need to find the right needle size for a project, consult your pattern. Needle size is usually found in the "Materials" section of your pattern, at the beginning of the page. Look at the tag on your ball of yarn if you're not knitting from a pattern for a general size to use.
While I prefer metal needles, my advice would be to try as many types as possible. You might agree with what I have to say, or you may find yourself preferring to knit with bamboo. No matter what you prefer, Addi has a great quality needle for you. The Addi Turbos are my favorite, and a great place for advanced beginners to start. Remember to find yourself quality needles, as you want to enjoy the process of knitting as much as you enjoy whatever you're making!
The first component I look for in a great knitting needle is the material that it is made out of. The type of material you want to use really depends upon your skill level. Bamboo is a great choice for beginners, as it really hugs the yarn when you're knitting, so you will not drop as many stitches. For advanced beginners through very advanced knitters, I recommend needles made out of metal, nickel or brass. The Addi Turbo needle is my favorite, because it is made from nickel and brass, so the yarn to slide very easily from one needle to the other. This can dramatically improve the speed of your knitting.
I would not recommend certain materials in knitting needles, like plastic and aluminum. Acrylic needles and plastic needles feel too light and overly pliable for knitting. Aluminum needles feel like they're scraping against each other while you're knitting.
Many knitters I know (including myself) prefer to work on circular needles rather than straight needles, even when knitting flat pieces. This is because knitting with circular needles makes your knitting more manageable, as the ends don't hit your arms while you're knitting! It also gives more room for your project to hang, and makes storage very simple.
Because of this, I recommend using an interchangeable needle set. These sets come with needles of many different sizes and different lengths of cord. Choose the needle size you want, and then twist it into the correct cord size for your project. Addi carries a three sets of interchangeable needles called Addi Clicks. You can get Clicks in the the traditional Addi Turbo needle, lace needles (made completely from brass), and bamboo. You never have to go and find a needle size again when you have a set. It also makes finding your gauge that much easier.
In circular needles, the cord should be very pliable, with a smooth join between the end of the needle and the cord. In interchangeable sets, the cord should not be able to untwist while you're knitting your project.
If you need to find the right needle size for a project, consult your pattern. Needle size is usually found in the "Materials" section of your pattern, at the beginning of the page. Look at the tag on your ball of yarn if you're not knitting from a pattern for a general size to use.
While I prefer metal needles, my advice would be to try as many types as possible. You might agree with what I have to say, or you may find yourself preferring to knit with bamboo. No matter what you prefer, Addi has a great quality needle for you. The Addi Turbos are my favorite, and a great place for advanced beginners to start. Remember to find yourself quality needles, as you want to enjoy the process of knitting as much as you enjoy whatever you're making!
About the Author:
Interested in the Addi Clicks collections? Purchase a set at my website, and find out about the classic Addi Turbo Knitting needle for all of your knitting projects.
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