Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 47 - Beginner knitting needles

The supplies needed to start knitting are relatively simple: yarn and knitting needles. However, how do you know what needles to pick? There are so many options out there and it can be hard to know what will work for you. I’ve got a few basic concepts to consider that will help you decide what to buy.

The first main question is: What do you want to knit? If you are more likely to knit things like scarves or dishcloths or headbands, then straight needles are a good fit. If you are more likely to knit hats or blankets or socks, then circular needles would work better.

The next question is about grip. Bamboo needles offer a little more grip and the stitches are less likely to slip off, but metal needles are generally provide a faster knitting speed. This one is massively up to personal preference, but I recommend that beginners start with a bamboo needle for the first session and then make their decision from there.

As far as size goes, for beginners I will always recommend a US 7. The most common yarn weight is worsted weight and US 7 is a good match for that weight. You may find out over time that for worsted weight a US 6 or 8 is better for you, but you won’t necessarily know that right away.

If you decide that a circular needle is the way to go, the length is pretty straightforward. For hats, you will want a 16” circular needle. It also functions similarly to a set of straight needles in a pinch. For blankets or larger wraps or shawls, a 40” length is a good option.

Regarding brands, a lot of that is up to your personal budget and preference. I personally use a Chiaogoo interchangeable set, but I also own a couple Clover needles and have used Knit Picks needles extensively in the past.

There are a few more considerations to take into account, such as double pointed needles and the magic loop technique, but that will be saved for an “adventurous beginner” discussion.

Shawl pattern is Lisette by Libby Jonson.