Knitting Needles Guide: From Wooden to Changeable Options for Every Project

Do you want to express your imagination and creativity to the world? Knitting, through which every stitch and row is made by the tools you hold in your hand. Yarn creates an impact with its vibrant colors and texture; the Knitting Needles quietly work to make a beautiful project for you. As you know, not all the knitting tools are the same; some are long, straight, others are short, curved, and even a few needles are connected to a cable cord. In this blog, we will explore each knitting needle type, when to use it, and what kind of projects you can create with them.

Refer this: A GUIDE TO KNITTING NEEDLE SIZES AND LENGTHS

Right Knitting Needle- Why is it Crucial?

Choosing the right knitting needle and starting a design with it, you might think these are just two sticks that hold the yarn to create a project. But as soon as you switch the needle, you will understand the difference:

1. How comfortable are you while holding the needle? When you hold a Wooden Knitting Needle, you get warmth in your hands; however, with the metal one, you will feel cold in your hands, but it knits fast.
2. Keep in mind, the stitch sizes matter a lot in your knitting; for example, needles that are larger create bigger stitches, while the thinner ones give you tighter but cleaner stitches.
3. Each project is different from the others; you can't use the same needle for a sweater and for socks, too. The right Knitting Needle Size will influence what you are looking to create.

Read More: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KNITTING NEEDLE FOR YOUR PROJECTS

Explore Multiple Knitting Needles

Let's learn about different needles that you can use in your creation:

1. Single-Pointed Knitting Needle

When you first began your knitting project, you might have started with these long and straight needles, a needle point on one end and a stopper on the other end. Scarves, blankets, and dishcloths are perfect examples to knit with these needles.

Why use them

1. The needles are easy to use and straightforward, ideal for creating flat projects.
2. Worry about dropping stitches? In this, you won't face these challenges because these needles have a stopper at the end.
3. You can easily learn to knit and purl basic stitches with straight knitting needles, which is especially helpful for beginners.

2. Double-Pointed Knitting Needles

Now, let's discuss the DPNs, which are short, pointy on both sides, available in a set of 4 or 5, and have no stopper at the end. These are mostly used for knitting small circumference projects, for example, socks, mittens, or hats.

Why Use Them

1. You can easily knit flats or in the round.
2. With double-pointed knitting needles, you can knit tubes without seams.

3. Fixed Circular Knitting Needles

These needles are called multitaskers because you can use them for flat knitting, along with round ones. Circular needles are permanently attached to a cable cord. You can make shawls, sweaters, or blankets.

Why Use Them:

1. The cable of these needles holds the weight, reducing wrist and hand pain.
2. Create back-and-forth projects easily with this type of needle.
3. Versatility is the key factor; hence, many knitters enjoy working with them due to comfort and practicality.

4. Interchangeable Needles

This is the one knitting tool that every knitter must have- a set of interchangeable knitting needles. This set includes needle tips and cables, which you can mix and match, and make socks, hats, or sweaters. Lantern Moon has a variety of options like Heirloom, Legacy, Glory, Charm Interchangeable Needle Sets, and many more.

Why Use Them:

1. One set of interchangeable needles replaces dozens of fixed circular ones.
2. You can easily switch between projects without looking for the right length.

You will get multiple options with Lantern Moon, which are handcrafted by skilled artisans and made of premium ebony wood.

Choosing the Right Needle for Your Project

Check out the simple guide:

See this: TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR KNITTING NEEDLES

Knitting Needle Sizes: Old Vs New

The needles used to be sized differently in the UK/Canada, and the US, which can sometimes be confusing when reading older patterns.

1. UK/Canada system (old): Higher needle number = thinner needle.
2. US System (old):  Higher number = thicker needle.
3. Metric system Method (new): This is used to measure the real diameter of the needle in millimeters (mm). This is now the international standard and easiest to follow.

A Quick Conversion Chart at a Glance

In stores, you will get knitting needles in many shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. The single-pointed needles provide comfort, and you can enjoy the versatility of fixed circular ones. The flexibility of Interchangeable sets and traditional double-pointed knitting needles means knitters can make multiple projects. Adding tools like wool needles helps in finishing your projects smoothly.

At Lantern Moon, your needle is more than a tool; it’s designed with an aim to make knitting not only easier but also more beautiful. Because when your tools inspire you, every stitch carries that inspiration into the project you create.