Choosing Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks

Jumpers, scarves, blankets or mittens - with the right tools you can turn yarn into almost anything!

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• How to choose the correct needles?
• How to choose the correct hook?
• Other knitting and crochet accessories

Knitting Needles

When choosing your knitting needles, make sure you know what size and type will work for your yarn, your pattern, and your personal taste.

Materials

Knitting needles can be made from a range of materials, each with their own merits.

• Plastic needles are the most economical variety, so they're great for beginners who are trying knitting for the first time. Often colourful, and always found in the widest range of sizes, you can experiment with these needles as you try new ideas and techniques.
• Metal needles, most often made of aluminium, are smooth and light, making the knitting process quicker for experienced knitters.
• Wooden needles are generally more expensive than others, but they feel particularly nice in the hand, so prolific knitters often favour them. Yarn doesn't usually slide over them as easily as metal or plastic, so while progress might be slightly slower, you're less likely to drop stitches when using wooden needles.
• Bamboo needles are a cheaper alternative to wooden ones, and have similar qualities.

Size

• A knitting needle's size is determined by its diameter. Small needles create small stitches, and large needles create large ones.
• In Australia, a needle's diameter is measured in millimetres, but U.S. and UK needles are assigned size numbers.

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• The ratio of yarn thickness to needle size will change the gauge of the knitted fabric you produce. For example, fine yarn knitted on large needles will produce a loose knit, and vice versa. When knitting a fitted garment, gauge will affect the finished measurements. It is recommended to knit a 'gauge swatch' before starting your project to ensure you have the right yarn/needle combination. Gauge measurements are provided in patterns and on most yarn.
• Many knitting projects require a combination of needles. For example when knitting a hat, you may use circular needles for the wider portion, and switch to double pointed needles as you work towards the crown. Make sure you read the pattern carefully to ensure you have everything you need.
• The pattern will indicate the type of needles and yarn required for a project.
• Similarly, the packaging of most yarns will also suggest a needle size for use as a guide.

Crochet Hooks

Just like with knitting needles, there are several important variables to consider when choosing crochet hooks.

Materials

• Crochet hooks come in the same range of materials as knitting needles, and have the same pros and cons.
• Some crochet hooks have shafts made of one material, and handles made of another. For example the shaft and hook might be made of aluminium for ease and speed of working, while the handle is made of wood for greater comfort in the hand.

Hook shape

• Some hooks have pointier ends than others. Sharper points make it easier to guide the hook through stitches.
• The depth and sharpness of the crook of the hook will make a difference to how easily the yarn slips over the hook as you work. If you're working with slippery yarn like silk, it's a good idea to work with a sharper and deeper crook.
• The shape of a crochet hooks handle will have an effect on how easy it is to work with. Most of the time this will come down to personal preference. Try holding a hook in your hand, or even having a little practise with it before you buy, so you can decide what feels best for you.
• The length of the hooks shaft will determine how many stitches you are able to fit on it. If you're working a particularly large project, consider using a longer hook.

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Size

• Just as with knitting needles, the size of crochet hook required for a project will be indicated on the pattern. The packaging of most yarns will also suggest a hook size for use as a guide. Varying either yarn or hook size will result in a tighter or looser gauge in the fabric you produce.
• In Australia, hook sizes are measured in millimeters, in the U.S. they are assigned a letter/number combination, and in the UK they are assigned a number.

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