Knitting needles: how to choose the right ones for successful knitting

The knitting needle is the essential tool for bringing every ball of yarn to life. However, when you're just starting out or looking to improve your knitting skills, you'll quickly find yourself faced with a huge selection: straight, circular, bamboo, metal, interchangeable... Each type of needle has its own unique characteristics, and choosing the right one for your needs can truly transform your knitting experience. Here's a guide to help you make the right choices, based on your project and your hand.

The different types of knitting needles

There are three main categories of knitting needles:

• Straight needles : classic, they are ideal for flat knitting such as scarves or simple pieces. Their length varies from 25 to 40 cm.
• Circular needles : These allow you to knit in the round or flat. These highly practical needles rest on a flexible cable between two points. Their lightweight design relieves strain on the wrists and is perfect for large projects.
• Double-pointed needles : used for knitting small diameters in the round (socks, gloves, etc.), they come in sets of 4 or 5.

You can find these different variations in the collection of circular or double-pointed needles offered by Torsades.

What needle material should I choose?

The needle material greatly influences the comfort and fluidity of the knitting. Here are the main materials available:

• Bamboo or wood : light and warm in the hand, ideal for beginners or slippery yarns.
• Metal : slippery and fast, perfect for experienced knitters and slightly sticky yarns.
• Plastic : flexible and economical, but less durable in the long term.

Quality brands offer well-crafted tips and pleasant finishes that prevent snags or hand pain.

Adapt your needles to your thread

The needle size is chosen according to the yarn you are knitting . The thicker the yarn, the larger the needle diameter will be. A ball label always indicates the recommended size: for example, a sport yarn requires 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm, while a chunky yarn will go up to 8 mm or more.

A swatch is always recommended to ensure the finish matches the pattern. Sometimes needle size adjustments are necessary to achieve the correct density.

Why invest in a good set of needles

A good set of interchangeable circular needles provides added comfort and flexibility. You can easily change the cable length or point size, making them a very economical tool in the long run.

Reliable brands like Addi and KnitPro offer popular modular systems. At Torsades, you can find several Click needle kits that cover every project's needs.

The small tools that make the difference

Besides needles, other accessories can greatly improve your knitting comfort:

• Point protectors to keep your work safe
• Row counters or gauges to track your project
• Replacement cables and connectors

These small tools are available in the knitting accessories section of the site, for well-organized knitting.

Choosing the right knitting needle ensures pleasure, fluidity, and precision. Whether you knit for fun, as a gift, or to fill your wardrobe, the right needles are your best allies.