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.
Material type is the most important element of a knitting needle. My favorites are metal, brass, and nickel, as they are the most comfortable in the hands and slide the yarn well from one needle to the other. While I find them a little clunky, bamboo needles can be great for beginners as it minimizes the number of dropped stitches because it holds onto the yarn very well. The Addi Turbo needles are made from nickel and brass, and really accellerate my knitting.
Some materials I do not recommend include acrylic, aluminum and plastic needles. Aluminum needles can be clumsy, and feel horrible when they scratch up against each other. Plastic and Acrylic needles don't slide as well, and are too bendable and lightweight for 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.
If this is something that intrigues you, a set of interchangeable needles will help you out immensely. They come with a variety of needle and cord sizes, so you always have the tools for your projects. Addi makes three types of interchangeable needle sets, the Addi Turbo made of nickel and brass, the Addi Natura made of Bamboo, and the Addi Lace needles made all of brass. All of these sets are called Addi "Clicks."
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.
Knit with every type of needle to see what is right for you. I find metal, nickel, and brass to be of the highest quality, but some people just prefer to knit with bamboo. Addi knitting needles come in many different types, so you are sure to find the needle that brings you the most pleasure and comfort. The process of making something beautiful should bring you joy, and knitting needles are a huge part of that!
Material type is the most important element of a knitting needle. My favorites are metal, brass, and nickel, as they are the most comfortable in the hands and slide the yarn well from one needle to the other. While I find them a little clunky, bamboo needles can be great for beginners as it minimizes the number of dropped stitches because it holds onto the yarn very well. The Addi Turbo needles are made from nickel and brass, and really accellerate my knitting.
Some materials I do not recommend include acrylic, aluminum and plastic needles. Aluminum needles can be clumsy, and feel horrible when they scratch up against each other. Plastic and Acrylic needles don't slide as well, and are too bendable and lightweight for 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.
If this is something that intrigues you, a set of interchangeable needles will help you out immensely. They come with a variety of needle and cord sizes, so you always have the tools for your projects. Addi makes three types of interchangeable needle sets, the Addi Turbo made of nickel and brass, the Addi Natura made of Bamboo, and the Addi Lace needles made all of brass. All of these sets are called Addi "Clicks."
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.
Knit with every type of needle to see what is right for you. I find metal, nickel, and brass to be of the highest quality, but some people just prefer to knit with bamboo. Addi knitting needles come in many different types, so you are sure to find the needle that brings you the most pleasure and comfort. The process of making something beautiful should bring you joy, and knitting needles are a huge part of that!
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.
