Knitting Needles

[Shandeh]

What kind of knitting needles do you like to use?

Do you have a set of interchangeable needles?

Have you tried using double pointed needles?

What kind of circular needles do you prefer?

[Shandeh]

What kind of knitting needles do you like to use? I have a LOT of different needles, and I like having a good variety....because when I'm knitting with some yarns, I have to try different kinds of needles to make the yarn flow correctly. For example, with acrylic yarns, I prefer using metal needles. For cotton, I use plastic needles. I can't use wooden needles, because I'm a tight knitter, and the yarn doesn't flow well on the wooden surface. But, I keep a good variety of every type of knitting needle, so I will have some extras on hand for teaching.

Do you have a set of interchangeable needles? Yes. I have two sets of Denise needles, and one set of Boye needles. I use all of them!

Have you tried using double pointed needles? Yes. I love using dpns! Especially for socks.

What kind of circular needles do you prefer? I prefer using fixed circs - especially Addi Turbo. But, I don't mind using interchangeables for small projects. If I'm making a large project, though....I stick with fixed. Once, I had a cable come loose on an interchangeable needle, when I was knitting a heavy blanket. What a pain! Ever since then, I stick to fixed circulars on heavy or large projects.

[Kaleigh]

Bamboo (fixed) circulars! I find they don't clang or slip as much as metal or plastic needles. I've used DPNs a couple of times - the first time I did it for socks, the second for... more socks (but worsted this time) and a hat. The first socks were a pain because they could slip everywhere, but I think if I had bamboo DPNs and those tip caps I'd be much more open to it.

I've never used interchangeable needles because a lot use nickel in the join, and I'm allergic But I'll survive!

[zhanie]

I use circulars whenever possible because then I can just throw the knitting down without being careful and I don't lose any stitches.

[missdarling22]

I mostly use metal needles.
I have 2 sets of Boye interchangables. LOVE them!
I love knitting with circular for the same reason that I can drop it at a moments notice and not worry about losing a stitch.
I just started using DPN's and I am in love!! I love using these little guys. I feel like I can knit anything now. I have done 2 hats and 2 pair of mittens in less than 2 weeks. I would love to try socks but they really scare me! Anyone have a good pattern for Easy first timer socks?

[Shandeh]

I would love to try socks but they really scare me! Anyone have a good pattern for Easy first timer socks?

Bernat has a pattern for a basic sock here: http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=3013

You will find lots of free tutorials and videos online by searching for "sock tutorial".
You can do it!

[pinon]

I use a wide variety of needles depending on the yarn and size of the project. I am currently looking for a 12 mm (size 17 US) pair of wooden 9 inch knitting needles to use for purse handles. My sister wants me to make this purse for her and if I can find these needles, I will be all set. any ideas for a source would be appriciated.

[karenarp]

For this KAl I have used all the same yarn (Waverly) and tried 4 different needles.
The Bamboo stuck, the Plastic clung, The Aluminium (Boye) also clung/stuck to the yarn. They all hurt my hands terribly, were difficult to hold and since the yarn would not move on the needles it was taking longer than I wanted to knit.
So my husband spoiled me rotten and did some research, found a set of needles that claimed to solve all my previous problems. It also solved my lack of circular needle problem!
So I am now the proud owner and user of Addi Turbo Click. OMG! After using the other 3 brands these are a dream! I was able to knit nearly 3 squares in 2 days. Waverly glides over these needles, my thumb is not working overtime trying to move the yarn up my needles so it is less sore. Since they are shorter, cuz they are circulars, they fit in my hands much nicer. I can hold my hands closer to my body allowing my shoulders to relax a bit better.
The only problem I have is one that can be solved as soon as I write to them and let them know about. The one cable has a snag in it. the other two cables are super smooth.
LOL Before I got circulars I always wondered how you would know what end to work on if you put your work down. Was I a dumbo! lol You work with the end that has a yarn coming out of it! Teehee
I am glad my hubby is a crafter too, he has always believed you should invest in the best tools you can afford.

[laceyj1204]

I bought a basket of various yarn at a yard sale for 50 cents a couple years ago and in the bottom there were 3 sets of Boye knitting needles. Those are the ones I learned to knit on and are the ones that I still use. I would love to give circular needles and dpns a whirl though. I'm always up for learning new stuff. Since I'm a self taught knitter and crocheter I tend to hold the needles and the yarn a little differently than other people that I've talked to, but it works for me and I end up with a result that looks the same so I don't guess it really matters. Maybe if I'm really good the Easter Bunny will bring me a set of dpns or cirular needles!!

[LuckyRainbow]

I love using DPNs for making baby hats in the round. Quick, easy, mindless knitting. But, it gives a nice professional finished look. If you are adapting a pattern, be sure to decrease stitch count by two.