Knitting needles are typically split into two categories: straight, and circular.
Straight needles are used for knitting flat portions that you can then sew together. They can be found in single point and double point. The single points are what usually comes to mind when one thinks of knitting (the two sticks). The double points are straight but have a point on either end, and are often used in a triangle for things like sleeves and socks. You can also get cable needles, which are double pointed with a curved body and used for cabling designs on things like jumpers.
Circular needles are used for knitting flat as well, but also for knitting in the round. They can be found in fixed and interchangeable. Fixed circular needles come with a needle attached to either end of a cable that cannot be detached. The interchangeable ones have detachable needles, so you can mix and match cable lengths and needle widths depending on your needs.
There is a variety of different materials available, such as: laminated birchwood needles; stainless steel needles; bamboo needles; aluminium needles; brass needles, etc. Which one to use depends on personal preference. Most needles are rounded through the shaft, but some have a square grip.
Each knitter has a different set of specifications they look for in knitting needles, from material, grip, style, colour, cost, glide, etc. Even professional knitters don’t agree on one superior needle. Some say that the Chiaogoo Twist stainless steel needles are the best because of smoothness and durability, while others prefer the Knit Pro Symfonie because the wood provides a great tactile feel for the long hours of knitting. It’s all very subjective - for every needle someone isn’t a fan of, someone else absolutely loves it!
For beginners, having a needle size where you can see all your stitches and develop your technique is best. Sizes 5mm and above may be the easiest to get used to.
The size of the needles you use is dependent on the yarn you’re using, and what kind of result you’re looking for. Most patterns will tell you exactly what yarn and needle size you’ll need, and most yarns will have a recommended needle size on the label.
When in doubt though, here is a general guide for working out what needle size to use:
2 ply - 2.25mm-3.25mm
4 ply - 2.75mm-3.5mm
8 ply - 3.75mm-4.5mm
10 ply - 4.5mm-5.5mm
12 ply - 5.5mm-8mm
14 ply - 8mm-12.75mm
15 ply - 12.75mm+
If you choose a needle size on the lower end of the recommended spectrum for your yarn’s ply, you’ll end up with tighter stitches. Choosing a needle size in the higher end will result in a wider fabric.
As a general rule, if we can remember that 8 ply is best with 4mm, then we can gauge what size of needle to use for other yarns in relation to that.
Chiaogoo, Addi, and Knit Pro are all very popular brands. Chiaogoo is known for its high quality, smooth finishes, and durability. Addi’s story dates back to 1829, so they have been well known and loved for quite a long time. Knit Pro has a huge range that has something for everyone.
The best knitting needle size for each project differs based on what specific yarn you’re using for that project and what “look” you’re going for (eg. lacey and airy vs tight and chunky). However, there are some general guidelines to consider. Sweaters that are designed to fit the body benefit from a 4mm needle and an 8 ply yarn, while bulkier fashion sweaters might suit a 12 ply with a 7mm needle. Scarves and hats can be made with any ply. A good starting point is 8 ply (4mm), but the thicker you’d like either, the larger needle you’ll need. Blankets are much the same, and things like baby blankets would work best in 4 ply (~3mm). Socks are typically made from 2-4 ply yarn so a 3mm would work quite well.
