Knitting Needle Basics

Unlike other forms of embroidery or sewing, knitting requires at least two needles to make a project. There are basically three types of knitting needles. The type of needle you choose is based on the knitting instructions and gauge of the finished project.

Straight Knitting Needles

Straight knitting needles are used on projects where rows are knitted back and forth and the knitting is turned at the end of each row. They have a point on one end and a knob on the other, and are made of plastic, aluminum or bamboo. Straight Knitting Needles are sold in pairs in lengths of 10” and 14” in sizes ranging from 0 to 15 depending on the material (plastic, aluminum or bamboo). For extremely bulky projects and yarns, Jiffy Knitting Needles can be used. These needles are made of plastic, are 14” long and come in sizes 17, 19, 35 and 50.

Double Pointed Knitting Needles are sometimes called sock needles and are usually about 7” or 10 inches long. They come in sets of four or five and are made of steel, plastic, aluminum or bamboo. Use these needles for knitting a tubular, seamless piece in small areas like for socks and mittens.

Circular Knitting Needles come in 16 to 36-inch lengths and are made of nylon with two points that taper into a thin flexible cable. Good quality ones are made in one piece construction to avoid breaking or snagging. Circular Knitting Needles are used for seamless knitting. Stitches are joined to form a circle after casting on, and worked round and round to form a tube. Sometimes Circular Knitting Needles are used when straight needles are not long enough to hold the required number of stitches. In this case the stitches are not joined after cast on; but worked back and forth as for straight needles.

Knitting needles last for years; so for best results, invest in the best quality knitting needles you can afford. Try out different lengths and materials and choose based on personal preference.