What is the best type of knitting needle?

Question

Which kind is nicer to use? Metal or Bamboo? I don't think plastic would be very nice, but if you prefer those, feel free to argue your case! :p

So far I've only used metal needles, but whenever I've seen people posting pictures of their WIPs it seems like most people use bamboo? I'd imagine they're lighter, but are there any other advantages?

I really like knitting in the round with 4 needles, so it seems like bamboo might be better for that (especially on the first couple of rows metal ones fall out so much!) but perhaps metal would be better for straight projects- how tight I knit varies greatly depending on my mood! Either way, I'm bidding on a couple of pairs of cheap bamboo needles on eBay, just to give myself an idea- thanks to everyone for your help! :)

Answer 1

Ive used metal all the time, but it does depend on how tight of a knitter you are and what kind of yarn you are working with.

the bamboo needles are quite expensive, they bend quite easy, the smaller the needles are the easier they will break, and they are not at all slippery like the metal ones on certain brands.

bamboo needles are more for beginners it helps them to not drop as many stitches compared to metal.

if your a tight knitter like myself, bamboo wont do you any good. you would be better off with the metal needles they are also alot cheaper, stronger, and you knit faster with them.

overall take a look at this site. it ll help you know about the metal and bamboo needles and help you understand the difference between the two. other than that it more of a preference of bamboo or metal.

http://www.woodlandwoolworks.com/Knitting/Tools/Needles/knitNeedles.html

Answer 2

Types Of Knitting Needles

Answer 3

Sigh, that's like asking which sports team is better, it's a matter, generally, of personal preference.

All types of needles have their uses and people prefer different ones.

Plastic needles, including casein needles (which, btw, if you try these, never, NEVER, put them in your mouth unless you really like the taste of rotten milk which is basically what they are made of), tend to have the ability to slip through the stitches easily, they warm to the hands, and, yes, they can end up permanently curved to the way your hand holds them. Their minuses, though, are that they really don't have sharp tips and there are types of yarn and types of knitting where a sharp point is important, plus, with some yarns, noticeably the man-made fibers, they squeak in use which some people find annoying.

Metal needles are smooth, can be found in both sharp and blunt tips, and are wonderful for yarns that otherwise tend to stick, but can be used with all yarns. Some people complain that they *click* in use, which is not the needle, it's bad knitting technique, but it happens. They are not really recommended for very slippery yarns, and some people find that they have allergic reactions to some of the alloys used in some needles. Personally, I find that aluminum needles aggravated the arthritis in my hands to a point where I stopped using them altogether.

Wood and bamboo needles are also available in sharp and blunter points. They work well on all yarns, but are preferable for the very slippery yarns, cottons, and other bast fibers, alpaca, llama, quiviut, cashmere, and fine yarns like sock yarn where metal needles and some plastic ones will just slide out of the stitches. They flex which can be a positive for tight places that need to be knitted and the tooth on them will hold onto the yarn. The minuses, they can break or splinter, which means that they must be replaced. This said, I have bamboo and birch needles in constant use and they have been in use for over 8 years with never a break, including the size 1's and 0's in double points that I use for socks.

My suggestion would be to buy a pair of each type in a size you will use and decide for yourself. I have found after all these years of knitting that I prefer Addi Turbos and Naturas for circulars and Brittany Birch DPN for socks and small circular projects where a circular needle may be too long, or conversely the needle tips may be too short, for comfort.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best type of knitting needle?
Which kind is nicer to use? Metal or Bamboo? I don't think plastic would be very nice, but if you prefer those, feel free to argue your case! :p

So far I've only used metal needles, but whenever I've seen people posting pictures of their WIPs it seems like most people use bamboo?...

Answer 5

I have all 3 types of needles. I don't really prefer any one of them. I do use the bamboo in the truck because they don't slip out of the work as easily. The plastic or nylon needles are nice for some other things. They are for sure less $$$ than the bamboo.

I guess my point is it all depends on your wallet and how much you really wish to spend on equipment!

Answer 6

I recently bought a pair of bamboo circular needles and I really like them. The stitches stay put instead of sliding off the needles, and I like the way they feel when moving the stitches. It's probably personal preference, but if you get a chance, try someone else's bamboo needles and see what you think.

Answer 7

all are nice but sometimes you can only find the half sizes in steel. I do prefer working with bamboo for small round projects that take double pointed needles, they are less sippery. the plastic ones are nice for this too. aluminium is also light but i usually only use it for straight projects. an actually about yuor comment plastic is realy good to used for needle and less expensive.

http://pages.e-yarn.com/6030/InventoryPage/1694537/1.html

look at this great sale at lionbrand for plastic needles and bamboo. they are having a 78% off sale right now.

Answer 8

I have used all three. Bamboo is definitely my favorite. Much quieter than metal and the bamboo warms in your hand. The stitches also stay on the needle much better than on metal. You mentioned the weight and that also is a big plus.

Answer 9

I personally prefer metal because I live in an area that is hot and the bamboo needles tend to get sticky when my hands sweat. It makes the yarn harder to slide off.

Answer 10

i use the turbo needle because it seems to work nicer and you can control your stiches alot easier and they make for much nicer finished projects and they are much lighter because there aluminum.and their pretty.