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Original poster

Knitting - beginner questions

21 replies

calrabbit · 30/01/2011 09:10

Hello
I am taking up knitting, there is lots of great advice on here about websites etc but I wondered about needles? I plan to start with a something easy eg. scarf but are there particular brands of needles that are good or do I just pick up any type?
thanks

Cal R. :-)

OP posts:
pinxminx · 30/01/2011 09:14

I'd say just try any sort to start. When I began I picked up a lot from charity shops- when I got a bit more serious I got a proper set.
I really recommend the website ravelry, loads of free patterns and tons of inspiration.
Have fun, it is highly addictive!

purpleknittingmum · 30/01/2011 09:14

Hello!

I think all the brands are the same really

I prefer metal needles but I know lots prefer bamboo. The reason I don't like them is they feel too bendy for me and I just know I would break them! Some of my metal needles are a bit bent from being sat on!

I think people prefer bamboo as they are lighter and perhaps they like the bendiness!

LatteLady · 30/01/2011 09:34

Bamboo or other wooden needles are easier on the wrists if you do a lot of knitting but in all honesty it is what you are used to.

If you are going to knit a scarf all you need is one pair of needles and whether it is any of the wooden needles or metal, it is not going to be that expensive. Try metal for one project and wooden for another and see which one suits you.

bigTillyMint · 30/01/2011 09:38

I prefer bog-standard metal, but my old mum likes bamboo!

feedme · 30/01/2011 10:54

I got a whole lot of brightly-coloured plastic ones from a charity shop for 10p a pair. Just for nostalgia really, as I remember them being around when I was young. However, I find that, if I knit for a longish period of time, my hands start to feel odd, almost as though the needles are building up some kind of static.

trice · 30/01/2011 10:58

I have knit pro harmonys and addi lace turbos Grin but you don't need a porche as your first car IYKWIM.

PacificDogwood · 30/01/2011 11:01

I like short metal ones connected by a bit of plastic - I'll see if I can find a link (mine are so ancient I have no idea where they came from)

It means that the weight of whatever you are knitting is sitting on your lap and does not have to be moved by your wrists for every stitch - much much more comfortable IMO

PacificDogwood · 30/01/2011 11:04

This kind of thing

I've just learnt you can get interchangeable cable needles - well I never!

Have fun knitting Smile

purpleknittingmum · 30/01/2011 11:07

I use circular needles when doing something like the button band on cardigans, or I do a baby blanket that is big and use it then

I have recently, well last year, learnt how to do 'proper' circular knitting and do socks and hats! So much easier than I thought!

interchangable cable needle? What's that?!

PacificDogwood · 30/01/2011 11:10

Scroll down a bit and you too shall be educated, purple Grin

I used to knit lots, but life full-time job, 4 kids and all that goes with that has put a stop to knitting Sad. Maybe one day....

purpleknittingmum · 30/01/2011 11:17

Oh I thought you meant a little short cable needle but do you meant interchangable circular needles?

I hadn't knitted for about 8 or 9 years and then I knew 3 people that were due babies so I decided to do little cardigans and that was just over 3 years ago and I haven't stopped since!!

PacificDogwood · 30/01/2011 11:22

Oh yes, I am already planning what I will knit for grandchildren - DS1 is almost 8... Grin

Original poster
calrabbit · 30/01/2011 12:54

Thanks all for the very speedy responses and the ideas, much appreciated.

Cal R.

OP posts:
DutchOma · 30/01/2011 15:33

Just one other thing: if you are new to knitting a scarf is not such a great idea, because it takes forever and you will get bored with it.
Have a look on Ravelry for a purse, a mobile phone cover, or even a dishcloth, rather than a scarf.

For the last suggestion you need some dish cloth cotton which you can find on the market or Hobbycraft, rather than double knit acrylic. Cotton is not so slippery as acrylic, which helps if your stitches are not under quite the control you will gain with experience.

woollyideas · 30/01/2011 19:05

I'd recommend you find a local knit and natter group, too. They are usually very welcoming and there will be usually be some expert knitters there who can give you lots of advice and help if you get stuck!

Niecie · 30/01/2011 20:13

The latest thing in needles is square needles according to one of the knitting mags. I showed them to my mother who bought some last week because they are supposed be to good for arthritis and she says feel really good. She can't explain it but her hands aren't getting as tired. The only problem is that they seem to come in one length and aren't particularly long but that won't be a problem is you are starting out on small projects. These are the ones

I personally wouldn't bother with a scarf either. Just get a simplish pattern for a child's jumper or a plain adult one and jump right in. You won't learn much by knitting a scarf. Or you could do a hat which is quick and relatively easy.

DutchOma · 30/01/2011 22:03

Those needles are very expensive, I don't think I would buy that, being a beginner. There are bound to be some knitting needles in a charity shop. We sell ours for 20p a pair.

Niecie · 30/01/2011 23:50

They are expensive, that is true but they seem to do a lovely job - my mum is very impressed.

I don't know about getting any old needles though - if you don't have ones you are comfortable with in the beginning you might not bother. I would go for wood or bamboo from the off. They don't have to be expensive if you don't buy a brand. I got some for £1.50 last year and they are fine.

Pleiades45 · 05/02/2011 18:47

Bamboo & plastic can break
Metal can bend

Another difference that I don't think has been mentioned is heat transfer. Bamboo don't get hot in your hands and the stitches continue to glide along the needle. Metal can get clammy and then the stitches don't glide. However, you'd have to be sat knitting for a few hours for this to happen.

I have a pair from years ago which are metal but coated with PVC, they have a bit of spring to them so don't bend as easily and won't snap. I love working with them but I don't know if they are still available to purchase. There's no brand name on them.

To start with, I would get 'standard' needles. Maybe choose to do something in a heavy yarn such as a chunky as the needles and stitches will be bigger which will make it easier for you. A scarf will also knit up quite quickly in a chunky yarn. Stay way from the fashion wools which have pompoms or wispy threads hanging off them, these will only complicate things for you.

Make sure you get your tension right and change needles if need be.

If the scarf is a success then check out the quick knits which are very popular at the moment, clothes made in chunky yarn and big needles. If you've a good wool shop nearby they should be able to advise you about patterns for beginners.

Also, I discovered a site just recently called knitting brain. Check it out, it has lots of valuable information.

Dingle · 06/02/2011 17:32

I need to treat myself to some new needles....I dug out some knitting, haven't done anything crafty for aaaaages...but it took me so long to find a pattern, the wool (which I had stashed away somewhere safe!) then when I eventually found one set of knitting needles (the other set is still lost!) I only had one 5mm needle and had to run over to my mum to borrow a set!Grin

I much prefer plain metal ones too but fancy trying a set of those squares needles!

DutchOma · 06/02/2011 17:39

What would we do without mums Smile

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