Knitting needle question - idiot's guide!

[LucilleLeSueur]

Sorry for the inane question but I can't find the answer on google for the life of me.

I have a (hopefully super-easy) knitting kit as I'm only self-taught and still a bit rubbish.

It's supposed to be knit on 3-4mm needles but I only have size 5mm. Will that be ok? What will happen?!

[nythbran2]

it will be a bit bigger and more loosely knit than in the instructions. if you're a tense knitter it may be fine.

[Chottie]

Personally I would invest in the right size needles for the wool. If you look on the paper band on the wool there is lots of information including the recommended needle size.

You don't need to spend a fortune on new needles, most charity shops have knitting needles for sale at very reasonable prices. For obvious reasons they are often behind the counter and you need to ask the assistant.

[LucilleLeSueur]

Thank you both. I'm keen to improve so may be better off just picking up the correct needles. The pattern is age 3-4 and my dd is 2 so I don't want it far too big.

Appreciate the help! If I ever get it finished I'll update 😉

[firesidechat]

Get circular needles if you can. They are so much easier to knit with and I wouldn't use anything else now.

[Flossyfloof]

Get a job lot of needles from charity shops.
Circular needles are tricky, depending on what you are knitting. I don't think they are the best thing for beginners, unless you are knitting something with a lot of stitches.
Do a tension piece to make sure that your finished result is going to be the right size.

[Seeline]

I agree Flossy - circular needles can be very confusing. Start with a pair of needles until you get really confident.
I would also recommend using the correct needles, and the correct weight of wool for a pattern. It makes it easier to get the sizing right.