This is the first article of our new way of doing things. We’ll publish a tutorial once per week leading up to the end of the month.
Then, at the end of the month we’ll have one or more patterns and several more tutorials! This month’s pattern is designed by Mary E. Rose! You’re gonna love it.
You’ll be able buy everything – all the tutorials plus the pattern(s) as a big PDF! And of course, some of it may be available only to subscribers.
Without further ado, here’s the first article for our first month – Knitting 101.
Knitting 101 – Needle Materials
Some materials will hug and grab the yarn, while others will slide it smoothly (and even slide it off).
We’ll give you more information on a couple common types, including some pros and cons for each.
Wood and Bamboo
Needles made of these materials will be a bit grabbier. Some knitters rely on it. Others may actually dislike it.
Often though, people who are strongly in the Metal camp may use these needles for specific types of projects, such as lace knitting (with thinner yarn) or colorwork and even with a slippier yarn.
Metal
Fans of metal needles tend to like the sleekness of the way they work. You’ll also tend to find that pointier needles are made of metal. Metal needles don’t need to be pointy, but pointy needles will almost-always be made of metal.
Needle Material and Gauge
If you’re struggling to match a certain gauge, you can often get in between by switching materials. In general, you’ll knit fewer stitches per inch on a grabbier needle than a smooth one. This is because of your natural tendency to wrap stitches a bit looser when working with a wood/bamboo needle (so they can move) and to wrap them a bit tighter when working with a metal needle (so they don’t slip off).
Switching needle materials can be a way for you to fine tune your gauge. Give it a try if you’re struggling to hit a specific gauge.
I love metal needles, but ever since I had cataract surgery two years ago I am no longer able to knit with metal needles due to the glare that bounces off of that material. With some fibers and patterns, knitting with wooden needles is less pleasurable, and slows down my knitting. I haven’t tried acrylic needles yet. If only there were knitting needles made from a larger variety of materials for those of us who are visually challenged.
I honestly hadn’t thought of this perspective. It makes sense though. I think it would be helpful to be the squeaky wheel in this case.
It’s annoying though. I’m often in a similar situation given that I have MS. Although there are lots of people with MS, as a percentage it’s not huge. That makes for less research and less medicines. It also (although I hate to admit it) makes me less motivated to make a stink about things.
I’m clearly not the poster child here.
I think the new format will be great!
Regarding needle materials, I also find that the fiber content of the yarn can affect how well I knit with a certain needle type. If I am struggling with one type, I switch to another.
Thanks – that’s a GREAT suggestion.
You’re absolutely correct – different types of needles can work better with different types of fibers.
Looking forward to the new format. Techniques and new stitches are my favorites.
Would love to see more small projects to demonstrate them. Shawls are lovely but they take considerable time and at least for me, are not worn as often as hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters etc.
Thanks Charlotte!
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to the new format 🙂
And great suggestion about smaller projects too. We’ll def keep that in mind (and it’s just confirming something that I already suspected).