Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are the basic tools necessary to cast and make stitches and actually knit any form of fabric in the first place. Less sharp than sewing needles, knitting needles are available in a variety of sizes, although most of them have a long shaft with a taper at the end. Two needles are normally used in regular knitting projects but sometimes more knitting needles are necessary: this often happens with hats and tubular structures in general. How does one know which needle size is the right one for a pattern or another? First of all, consider the fact that knitting needles are measured not diameter but in length.

The knitting needles size becomes important from the perspective of the required stitches: small stitches require thin needles, whereas large stitches depend on thick needles. The only case when several knitting needles sizes are necessary for the same project is in the case of uneven patterns. the sizing system covers variations from one producer to another, but alternatives to the traditional long, straight format also exist. Circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles are the two main exceptions from the standard mode.

Circular knitting needles are linked together by a piece of nylon cord that keeps the stitches together with the risk of falling and losing them. Differences of cord length and needle diameter are present with circular knitting needles as well. It is advisable that when you shop for circular knitting needles to check the size and make sure it is adequate for the project you have in mind. Double pointed knitting needles are the varieties with tapers at both sides that are designed particularly for sweater sleeves and socks. Such needles are usually available in sets of four or five depending on how you need the knit item to be.

Traditionally, knitting needles were made from metal and wood, but there were times when the nobility would also knit with ivory and tortoiseshell needles. Presently, such items are banned by law the extinction danger that threatens the species. Aluminum, steel, wood, plastic, glass and casein are the modern materials used for the manufacturing of knitting needles, and their features are usually indicated on the product packages. The price for a set is influenced by both material and size, yet, it is more than affordable.