Understanding Knitting Needles
The size of your knitting needles is crucial when knitting a project requires fitting and sizing. Many new knitters don't fully understand this and make the wrong choice when choosing knitting needles. Understand the "why" and "how" of needle sizing and how it affects your projects.
Knitting needles and width
Many new knitters make the mistake of thinking "any 'ol knitting needle" works when starting a new project. Close in size to what the pattern suggests, means close enough -- right?
Um...not really. If knitting a baby blanket for charity or an afghan for a friend, sure, go ahead and choose whatever needles you want. If, however, you're knitting a project that requires fitting, pay attention to your knitting needle size and choose the needles the pattern suggests. Here's why.
The diameter or width of the needles determines the look and feel of the fabric you knit. Use small needles to make tighter fabric and large needles to make more lacy and open fabric.
In the United States, knitting needles range from size 0000 to 50. The size most often used by knitters is in the 0 to 15 range with 0000 and 50 being pretty extreme. The most basic needle size available is size 8. Size 8 is just a good middle of the road needle. Most projects use this size and perfect for a beginner.
Now, what makes size so important? Because the thickness of the knitting needles you choose makes a huge difference in the gauge of your knitting. This means the difference between a sweater that actually fits and one that fits a professional linebacker.
Keep this information in mind when starting your next project. As you knit more and more, you will gradually build up a good knitting needle set so whatever size the pattern recommends you have it. Start with the recommended size; stitch a swatch to check your gauge, and your knitting needles will be clicking away.
