So many knitting needles, which are right for me?

By / / Knitting / 4 min read

All crafts have so much choice and knitting is no different, whether it be colours of yarn, materials or even knitting needles. Knitting needles come in all shapes and sizes. In this post we will have a look at the pros and cons of different needle materials. The type of needle you use can make all the difference in the final product. From carbon fibre to beech wood, birch wood to aluminium, each material offers its own unique set of pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each one.

Carbon Fibre (KnitPro Karbonz) 

Pros:

  • Lightweight: Carbon fibre needles are lightweight, making them comfortable to work with for extended periods of time.
  • Fast knitting: The smooth surface of carbon fibre needles allows for a faster knitting experience.
  • Durable: Carbon fibre is a strong and durable material, making these needles a long-lasting option.
  • Temperature Neutral: Carbon fibre does not absorb moisture or heat, making it a great option for those who suffer from hand fatigue.

Cons:

  • Slippery: The smooth surface of carbon fibre needles can make the yarn slippery, leading to dropped stitches.
  • Price: Carbon fibre needles can be more expensive compared to other materials.

Beech Wood (KnitPro Symfonie)

Pros:

  • Warm to the Touch: Beech wood has a warm feel, making it a great option for those who suffer from hand fatigue.
  • Lightweight: Beech wood is a lightweight material, making it comfortable to work with for extended periods of time.
  • Affordable: Beech wood needles are an affordable option compared to other materials.
  • Eco-Friendly: Beech wood is a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable option.

Cons:

  • Slippery: Like carbon fibre, the smooth surface of beech wood needles can make the yarn slippery, leading to dropped stitches.
  • Not as Durable: Beech wood being a hardwood is quite durable compared to softwood, but it is not as durable as some other materials and can be prone to splitting. 

Birch Wood (KnitPro Basix)

Pros:

  • Warm to the Touch: Birch wood has a warm feel, making it a great option for those who suffer from hand fatigue.
  • Lightweight: Birch wood is a lightweight material, making it comfortable to work with for extended periods of time.
  • Eco-Friendly: Birch wood is a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable option.
  • Good grip: The texture of birch wood needles provides a good grip on the yarn, making it less likely for the yarn to slip.

Cons:

  • Not as Durable: Birch wood is not as durable as some other materials and can be prone to warping.
  • Wear and Tear: As Birch wood is a semi-hard wood it can wear quicker than some alternatives and you may notice the ends of your needles wear with repeated use.
  • Prone to Splitting: Birch wood can be prone to splitting, making it a less durable option.

Aluminium (KnitPro Zings)

Pros:

  • Lightweight: Aluminium needles are lightweight, making them comfortable to work with for extended periods of time.
  • Fast Knitting: The smooth surface of aluminium needles allows for a faster knitting experience.
  • Durable: Aluminium is a strong and durable material, making these needles a long-lasting option.
  • Affordable: Aluminium needles are an affordable option compared to other materials.

Cons:

  • Slippery: The smooth surface of aluminium needles can make the yarn slippery, leading to dropped stitches.
  • Cold to the Touch: Aluminium can be cold to the touch, making it less comfortable for those who suffer from hand fatigue.

In conclusion, the type of needle you choose will depend on your personal preferences and needs as a knitter. Your needle choice may also depend upon what yarn you are using, if you are using a very slippery alpaca fibre you will want grippy needles.

If you are looking for a fast and durable option, carbon fibre or aluminium may be the best choice for you. If you are looking for a warm and eco-friendly option, beech wood or birch wood may be the way to go.

And in case you need an excuse to buy more crafting materials, give them all a try! For the science!

 

Happy Crafting!