To a novice knitter, understanding the benefits of straight, double-pointed and circular knitting needles might be overwhelming. Each type of knitting needle has a time, a place and a perfect use.
Straight Knitting Needles
Straight needles are often what people imagine when they think of knitting needles. They are long and straight with one pointed end and have a stopper at the other end so that the yarn cannot slide off accidentally. For this reason, straight knitting needles are perfect for beginners.
Straights come in plastic, metal and wooden varieties. Wooden needles are typically the most expensive, and metal needles are commonly seen as the fastest and easiest to work with. For beginners, straight knitting needles made out of either wood or plastic are probably the best option.
Straight knitting needles will come in varying lengths and widths. Patterns will guide you through the appropriate choice of width (needle size). Longer needles are suited to bigger projects, shorter needles the reverse.
Double-Pointed Knitting Needles
Double-pointed knitting needles are similar to straight knitting needles, except that both ends are pointed. They are commonly sold in sets of four, five or six needles, and are used most often to knit things in the round. Knitting items in this manner allows the knitter to create a tube of their knitting, conducive to socks, mittens, hats or sleeves. It eliminates the need for seaming, the drawback to the flat knitting produced by straight knitting needles.
Double-pointed knitting needles come in various lengths and widths to suit your needs, and like straight needles, are made out of metal, plastic or wood. Small wooden knitting needles are prone to break, which is why metal double-pointed needles such as the Knit Picks brand have become popular. They are quick for knitting, though the needles don't offer as much give and warmth as a wooden needle might. Over time, knitters will develop a preference for the material, and even the brand, of their double-pointed needles.
Double-pointed knitting needles tend to frighten off new knitters, but they do become easier to maneuver with practice. Double-pointed knitting needle injuries are rare.
Circular Knitting Needles
Circular knitting needles are two double-pointed needles connected by a long cord. The needles themselves might be wooden, plastic or metal. Circular knitting needles can be used to accomplish circular knitting. Many sock knitters use two circular knitting needles to complete two socks simultaneously. They're also commonly used for pullover raglan sweaters.
Though circular knitting needles are commonly used for circular knitting, they can also be used in lieu of straight needles. Simply turn your needles at the end of the row as you would with straight needles, instead of knitting in the round. Knitters who prefer circular knitting needles to straights claim that it allows the weight of larger garments or projects to rest on the cord in their lap, instead of on a working needle. It takes up less room and can be less cumbersome than using straight needles. Many knitters progress to using a combination of circular knitting needles and double-pointed needles instead of straight needles as their knitting skills improve.
Whichever method of knitting you choose, the important thing is to find a needle that feels comfortable, is easy to maneuver and can be used to accomplish the task at hand. Straight knitting needles won't work for seamless socks, and double-pointed knitting needles aren't a good choice for a large blanket. Over time, knitters often develop a preference for one type of knitting needle over another. Depending on the task, these three types of knitting needles can meet your needs and help to complete any hand-knit item with ease.
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