Choosing the right knitting needles for your project is essential, be it your hundredth or your first project. Before you get hold of every knitting needle available or get overwhelmed with the options, take a peek at three tips that help you choose the best knitting needles for your project.
Whether your project is a pair of socks or a heavy-weight blanket or a pillow cover, these points work for all knitting projects.
The Right Needle Size
All knitting needles have a standard measurement size in US sizes and mm. The rule of the thumb for knitting needle sizes is - bigger needle size = bigger the stitches and small sizes = small stitches. If you are starting with a pattern, you will have the details of knitting needle size. Yarn labels also mention the right size so you can follow accordingly. For the range of circular knitting needles, keep in mind that the needle size is different than the needle length as the length is measured from one tip to the other. Even single-point and double pointed needles come in different lengths.
The Right Needle Type
You can knit with any knitting needle but the type depends on the project and the knitter’s comfort. Single-pointed knitting needles (STNs) and the circular ones are tools to knit back and forth. The double-pointed needles are specialty tools that work for knitting in the round, especially small circumferences. Circular knitting needles are versatile as the same pair of needle knit flat as well as in a circle. An interchangeable circular knitting needle set is a good investment as the set contains multiple needle sizes and cord lengths for any knitting project.
If you want to knit a hat, you can choose any knitting needle. If you choose the single-pointed ones, you can knit a rectangle and later seam the ends together to make a tube. Or, you could simply knit a tube on the double-points or the circulars. The choice of the knitting needle is yours and the way you would like to knit the project.
Knitting Gauge
Gauge is very important in knitting. It is a count of rows and stitches in a specific size, say for example a 6-inch square. The gauge gives an idea of how your knitted fabric will look and how much yarn you’ll need to successfully complete a project. Almost all knitting pattern has details about the gauge. Say for instance, Gauge = DK yarn with US 8 (5mm) needles, knit 5 sts/inch. This means that you need to knit a swatch with DK yarn and US 8 needle size. After you bind off the swatch, wash and block it. Measure an inch and mark it. With the pointy of the knitting needle see the stitches and count.
If you have the same number as the swatch, then you have the right gauge. If you find lesser stitches then you can choose a smaller size of the knitting needles. For example, if you have used US 8, go for the smaller size, US 7. If there are more stitches than mentioned in the gauge, you need to go for a sizeup, like US 9.
So now you the things to consider to choose the right knitting needles, and you’re all set to start. Explore the Lantern Moon collection for handcrafted knitting needles. The premium knitting needles crafted from smooth ebony wood has a liquid silk finish that serve to knit comfortably and serve you for years.
Source by- https://theomnibuzz.com/tips-to-choose-right-knitting-needles-for-your-project/