Knitting Needles

Knitting needles: What do I have to watch out for?

Knitting is a popular leisure activity that is not only relaxing but also produces great results. Before starting the knitting project, it is important to choose the right knitting needles to make knitting fun.

There are many different types of knitting needles:

• Circular Knitting Needles - for rounds and rows
• Double-Pointed Needles - for small rounds
• Straight knitting needles - for knitting rows

Be sure to choose the thickness of the circular knitting needle to match the yarn. The thinner the yarn or the tighter the knitting pattern, the thinner the needle size should be. For airy patterns and thick wool, choose larger diameters. Each yarn has information on the appropriate needle size on the band. If you knit very tightly, choose a larger needle size - if you knit loosely, choose a smaller size.

What are circular knitting needles used for?

Circular knitting needles have two tips that are connected to each other by a rope of different lengths. You can use them to knit in back and forth rows or in rounds. The needle can therefore be used flexibly for knitting projects in rounds, such as hats, jumpers and jackets, as well as for objects knitted in rows, such as scarves, shawls and blankets.

Circular Knitting Needles are more popular in Germany than straightneedles (25-40 cm) because of their shorter points (8.5-12.5 cm). The weight of the knitted piece rests on the cord (or cable) rather than on the needle. This is more comfortable and can be an advantage if you have health problems, because it does not put so much strain on your wrists.

What are straight needles used for?

The classic straight knitting needles, also known as jacket knitting needles, are one of the most familiar forms of knitting needles. They are two straight needles that are about 25 to 40 cm long. Each needle has a point as well as an escapement at the other end to prevent the knitted piece from slipping down. Their straight shape makes them suitable Straight Knitting Needles especially for making smaller pieces knitted in rows, such as scarves, dishcloths or even cushions.

The classic: The double-pointed needles

If you have always wanted to start knitting socks or other knitting projects with small diameters, then Double-Pointed Needles are just the thing for you.

What are double-pointed needles used for?

The classic set of double-pointed needles consists of five individual needles, each between 10 and 23 cm long with two points, allowing you to knit in particularly small diameters. You cast on the stitches onto four needles, and use the fifth to knit them off. Besides socks, double-pointed needles are also suitable for cuffs/leg warmers, gloves, hats, sleeves, and turtlenecks.

addiCraSyTrio: knit rounds with only three flexible needles

It is even easier (especially for beginners) with the addiCraSyTrio. It consists of only three needles that are flexible in the middle. On two needles you pick up the stitches, with the third needle you knit off. With only two needle changes in the round, this makes even the smallest diameters easy to knit and the needles do not slip out of the knitted piece.

The shorter versions are ideal for smaller hands... the longer versions are perfect for larger hands. and small projects such as socks and cuffs, the long versions are just right for larger hands and are perfect for hats, sleeves or even baby clothes.

What does needle size mean? And which ones are there?

Needle size in knitting refers to the thickness or diameter of the knitting needles. Depending on the yarns used and the knitting project, different needle sizes are needed to achieve a beautiful knitting result.

The thickness of the needle determines how dense or loose the knitted piece will be. The thicker the yarn or wool, the larger the needle size should be so that the knitted piece does not become too tight. Conversely, thinner yarns or wool should be worked with a smaller needle size so that the knitted piece does not become too loose. The needle size is usually indicated on the banderole of the wool or on the packaging and can be from 1.5 mm up to 20 mm or more.

You can see how thick a needle is by looking at the label on the needle. If no imprint can be found, a Needle gauge will provide clarity.

Knitting Needles made from high-quality materials – Made in Germany

Would you like to start knitting or expand your knitting utensils? An important decision concerns the material of your knitting needles. Whether wood, metal, plastic or bamboo - each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about which material suits you and your project best.

Wooden knitting needles

Knitting needles made of wood are very popular in the knitting scene. Even people who are sensitive to cold will quickly make friends with wooden needles, because the material is pleasantly warm in the hand and is almost silent when knitting. Our recommendation: addiNature Olive Wood - naturally beautiful Olive Wood Knitting Needles

They combine the positive properties of high-quality wood with beautiful design. The tips of the knitting needles are particularly pointed due to the hard wood, have a beautiful grain and are therefore absolutely unique. The needles are refined with a natural, vegetable oil. Naturally "Made in Germany".

Sustainable bamboo knitting needles

Bamboo is a particularly light material and just as warm as wood. Our particularly Extra robust and slow growing bamboo from a specific region in Japan is particularly stable and smooth. Finished with a wax surface, our bamboo needles are particularly durable.

When is it best to use bamboo knitting needles?

Comparable to wood, wet hands are no problem with bamboo needles. They are slightly flexible and provide a pleasantly warm hand feeling.

Tip: With bamboo needles it is worth investing a little more money. The quality of these needles differs greatly and is clearly noticeable! Bamboo Knitting Needles with poor quality bend easily and break more quickly.

Plastic knitting needles - light and sturdy

Our addiChampagner knitting needles made of plastic are very light and inexpensive, especially in the large sizes (available in 8 to 25 mm). They have a perfectly smooth surface, feel warm to the touch and are very sturdy. The gold coloured plastic knitting needles with champagne glitter for that special look and with super-smooth surfaces for maximum knitting comfort. A good alternative to a metal knitting needle.

Metal knitting needles

Metal knitting needles are sturdy and durable, making them good for everyday use. They have an extremely smooth surface, making knitting more comfortable and faster.

They are available in all thicknesses and lengths - from extremely thin diameters (from 1.5 mm), to particularly short needles, extra fine tips (lace) and very thick diameters (up to 15 mm) in many variations.

Whether with structure like addiNovel or addiUnicorn, made of white-bronzed brass, steel or anodised aluminium- metal needles are very durable companions with perfectly smooth surfaces for fast knitting.