About The Basics Needle Types: It’s not really certain when the art of knitting originated, but some artifacts have been found that it dates back to the 11th century. These items originated in Egypt and are dated between the 11th and 14th century. They bear a striking resemblance to socks; these are some of the most common comments in history which points & references to the craft. One thing is for sure, with the variety of knitting needles available today, knitting has been perfected and has evolved to a creative art all around the world! Knitting needles have developed from simple sticks to the diverse assortment available on the market today. Knitting needles are made in a variety of materials: , , bamboo, metal, acrylic & even glass today. Which type you use comes down to personal preference as you develop your style. The easiest way I can explain that one is when I started learning I was doing chunky projects with big needles & big wool. Today I use my wooden Symfonie & bamboo throughout winter, as I prefer my hands to ache less, my wool to stick to what I’m creating so I make less mistakes. Then again I tend to use wood, steal or acrylic through summer . I’ve also found it depends on what wool I’m using & the project. For face washers in merino I use wooden needles as I want speed & the wool to slip easily. Cotton I use my wooden symphonies as I want a combination of speed and not too many mistakes so I there I like my cotton to slip easily along my needles. With socks I tend to use bamboo 5 piece sets of double pointed knitting needles and hats I tend to use Circular or Single Pointed knitting needles. With merino, cotton or bamboo fibres, the wool sticks to the needles but moves easily as I knit with the bamboo needles & of course circulars keep everything circular however occasionally I will to find a flat knit pattern I like & then I would use Single Pointed knitting needles. Are You Confused Yet? Don’t worry I was to when I first started. However, all these factors come into play as you progress from learning to being an experienced knitter & you to will develop your own knitting style & preferences with and needles to use. These are the main styles of needles available today to knit your knitting projects with. Different projects/styles require different needles it does though come down to personal preference & use for your knitting needles and your knitting project.

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Single Point Needles These needles have a point at one end and a cap at the other, which keeps the stitches from falling off. They are great for making flat items, such as scarves, shawls, table runners, and afghans. The cap allows multiple stitches to be worked at the same time on large knits without the fear of stitches falling off the end. Different materials they are made from include bamboo, aluminium, steel, wood, acrylic & glass.

Double Point Needles Double point needles are used to make small circular garments such as socks, mittens, the sleeves on jackets or sweaters, and other items that benefit from a seamless finish. The garments are worked with a set of five needles. The stitches remain permanently on three or four of the needles. The fifth needle is used to knit into the stitches, transferring them to the 4th needle as they are worked. In patterns and most online media today you will usually see them referred to as “dpn’s” needles.

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Circular Needles Circular needles are not created as a full circle. They are two needles connected by a nylon fiber cord. They allow a larger circular garment, such as a large sweater, to be worked as a seamless product. The connector cord will hold many stitches, without the bulk that would normally occur when using double pointed needles. They also come in handy when transporting your unfinished items, as the stitches won’t fall off the needles as easily. Circular needles can also be used to make large blankets, which would otherwise need to be completed in sections and then sewn together. The circular needles allow a great number of stitches to be cast on. The item can then be knitted back and forth in much the same manner as flat needles.

Cable Stitch Needles Cable stitch needles have a curved section in them, so the stitches can settle in the indentation as cable stitch is worked. The stitches need to be moved from side to side when working cables. The indentation allows easy identification of the stitches being manipulated to produce the cables. There are quite a few different types of cable needles that you can buy.

I do though hope you enjoy learning the skill of knitting and the wondrous luxuriously soft creations you can make!

After all It’s also good relaxation therapy! Happy Knitting!

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