Friday, 21 September 2012

Knitting Needles: The Essential Guide

Knitting needles come in a wide variety of lengths, widths, colours and materials, but all serve the same purpose. You create knitted pieces of all descriptions by manipulating yarn or wool on these needles. There are four main types of knitting needles available today. They are the single point, the double point, the cable needle and the circular needle.


The Single Point: These are the most common type of knitting needle. They are long, thin sticks with a stopper at one end and a tapered point at the other. You use the needle to hold the stitches that have just been knitted and to work the ones that have yet to be knitted in order to form a fabric of sorts.


The Double Point: These needles are sold not in pairs like the single point needles are, but in sets of 4 or 5. They are shorter than their single point cousins and feature a point at either end. They are used to create circular items like hats or socks, while you use only two at a time, the others in the set will hold the stitches yet to be worked.


The Cable Needle: These are specialized needles and used only when working cables. They are in a U shape so the stitches do not fall off while other knitting is being worked. They are relatively short and will only be used for a short time in the cabling process.


The Circular Needle: These needles are great when you are working on a large and heavy project like a blanket. They feature two ends like regular knitting needles but these ends are joined by a long, flexible middle section that serves to hold the stitches that you have worked. The cable will evenly distribute the weight of the item so that the knitter's wrists and arms don't have the added stress of holding the weight while knitting the stitches. With these needles, you only have a minimal quantity of stitches on the ends at any given time.


Knitting needles have different widths that help determine how big or small the stitches are going to be in any given project. The smaller the width of the needles the smaller the stitches you will create. Each pattern will give specific widths and yarn recommendations so that you can achieve the right size of the item that you are making. Knitting needles also come in different lengths. Long needles will hold more stitches than shorter ones, but it is personal choice as to how long you want your needles to be. Some people are more comfortable knitting with shorter needles, no matter the project.


For more information, you can see examples of knitting needles or buy your knitting supplies online. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on sewing, brother sewing machines, adjustable beds and other sewing and related crafts information online.

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