Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks

Knitting Needles

So you want to be a knitter? Well, you have to start with some knitting needles.  That means begin with some basic straight needles in a couple different sizes. You don't need to go overboard, but you should really experiment with a few different types to get a feel for what you might like best. You might want to try one pair in wood, one in plastic, and another in metal, all in different sizes (0 to 15). Then you can try something simple, like a pot holder or scarf with each of the three needles. Once you get a feel for the needles and how you stitch, you'll have a better idea of what you'll want for future investments. Plus, knitting needles will last you, so down the road you might find that the needles you bought are just perfect for the new shawl you want to make.

For those who just want to start with one pair of needles and don't want to get fancy until they KNOW that they enjoy knitting, I would recommend purchasing a pair of straight, metal needles from size 6 to 9. Choose yarn of a light color (not black) and make sure that it contrasts the knitting needles.

Once you become more advanced, you might want to invest in other types of needles for performing different projects. When you cross that bridge, choosing needles has a lot to do with the type of yarn and pattern that you're going to use. You'll need to look at the "gauge" on patterns  and yarn so that they match. They'll list needle size (let's say 10), number of stitches and rows (let's say 12 by 18), and the number of inches that this particular gauge will produce (4 inches). That means that this yarn will yield four square inches of knitting comprised of 12 stitches and 18 rows. However, everyone knits a little differently (tighter or looser). You may have to test the yarn you plan to use on a few sizes of needles to make sure that you get it right. You may also opt to switch the yarn instead of the needles. If your test swatch is falling short of the gauge requirements by a pattern, try a heavier gauge yarn.

Below you'll see several different types of needles, each with a particular purpose. If you become a skilled knitter, you may eventually invest in some of these items. Otherwise, leave them to the pros.

Standard Knitting Needles  Used for all vertically aligned projects (scarves, blankets, or items that can be pieced together). Good starter set.	Double Pointed Needles  These specialized needles are not a necessity for most people, unless you are knitting socks (or small circumference items, such as the top of a beanie hat, sweater-sleeve, or stuffed animal)  The sets come as four or five  used simultaneously to create seamless, circular items.	Circular Needles  Perfect for making throws or afghans as well as seamless sweaters, shirts, and hats. Essential for the "magic loop" method (small circumference knitting without double pointed needles).  Made of wood, plastic, or metal tips connected by a nylon cable.	Cable Stitch Needles  These are double pointed needles made specifically to create cable stitches. The hook is meant to keep the cable from slipping off.	Interchangeable Knitting Needle Sets  These are perfect if you want versatility without clutter. Several tips swap to get the perfect size every time.

Crochet Hooks

Knitting is fun, but not for everyone. Crocheting on the other hand, may be just up your alley. But how does a beginner choose the right type of crochet hook?  This is the first issue to overcome when getting into "hooking". Let's start with the types of materials available. There are steel,  aluminum,  wood,  and plastic  hooks which come in sets or by the unit. Standard hooks are plastic and aluminum, best used for yarn projects. Steel hooks, which are much smaller, are best suited for use with threads and fine yarn. Metal hooks and wooden hooks are by far the most sturdy and can potentially last a lifetime. Plastic hooks have the potential to bend and warp over time, which makes them less desirable. However, keep in mind that there is no limitation to the numbers of hooks you can purchase. In fact, having a few around on hand is helpful, preferably when they are of different sizes and types.

This brings us to choosing sizes, which is perhaps the more daunting question with which most beginning hookers are faced. The bottom line is that you want to have a hook that comfortably holds the yarn. As mentioned above, you should choose a steel hook only if working with thread or thin yarn due to it's small size (five inches long with a .75 mm to 3.5 mm diameter). Standard hooks are longer and thicker (2.5 mm to 19 mm). When shopping you'll see three basic sizing measurements from the US, UK, and Australia. For example, check out this conversion chart. What makes it even more difficult to wrap your mind around is that manufacturers do not adhere to one specific sizing scale. Take a look at this comparison chart for Bates and Boye hooks. Numbers, letters, metric system -- it's a lot to handle. Here is a basic idea of what to look for:

• Afghan needles are big, usually sized from I to Q, Q being the largest.
• Basic knitting patterns for standard projects is a D through I sized hook.
• Sizes 12 to 0 (12 being smallest) are typically found on steel needles, which are best for thread and thin yarn.
• Depending on how tightly you hook, you may need a larger or smaller needle.
• Do a test swatch before embarking on a project to see if the needle size you are using is big enough.

Go to KarpStyles.com to learn about crochet hook brands and a little about each one.

Other Needle Types

Wool and Embroidery Needles	Yarn Needles	Coarse Stitch Weaving Needles

Knitting Tools

Needle Gauges	Needle Point Protectors	T-Pins	Textile Shears

Skein Winders	Ball Winders	Fringe Twisters	Magnifiers

Mohair Brush	Wool Comb	Stitch Markers	Stitch Counters