[Nfb-krafters-korner] {Disarmed} Which needle or hook should I choose

Mon May 19 16:05:51 UTC 2014

This column by Barbara Breiter <http://www.knittingonthenet.com/> , author
of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting & Crocheting, originally appeared
in The Weekly Stitch newsletter
<http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/newsletters.cgi> . 

  <http://blog.lionbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hooks.jpg> Knitting
needles and crochet hooks are as varied as the crafters who utilize them.
There is no right or wrong when you select a one. Needles and hooks have
specific attributes based on the material they are made from and the
manufacturers specifications. Only you can decide what type of needle or
hook you like best and you may find that, depending upon the yarn you are
using, you'll reach for a different type than you used for your last
project.

If you can afford it, buy several different types so that you can experiment
and find your favorite.

Not All the Same

Some needles have very blunt tips while others have sharper tips. Some hooks
have rounded heads and others have pointier heads. The shank (the smaller
part of the needle or hook prior to where the sized portion begins) varies
in length. You may never find these factors of much importance, or you may
find it's the difference between a tool that allows you to work swiftly and
one that just seems to hang you up.

Tip: If you find your yarn to be "splitty" with a hook or needles that have
sharper tips, try tools with more blunt tips.

  <http://blog.lionbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/needles.jpg> These
tools are made in a wide variety of materials. You'll find them available in
plastic, aluminum, bamboo, rosewood, ebony, and much more. When selecting
the tools for a project, you should consider three factors based on
materials: weight, temperature, and how slippery they are.

Weight

Plastic and bamboo is lighter while aluminum is heavier. This is more of a
factor in knitting than crocheting because you have two needles you are
using and they are longer than hooks. You might prefer aluminum overall, and
if you are knitting something light such as booties, the weight of the
needles will probably be of little or no consequence. However, with a larger
project, you may choose to use a different set of needles.

Temperature

Bamboo and wood remain at a fairly constant temperature. They will not feel
cold to the touch on a cold winter night. Aluminum conducts heat and cold so
they might feel hot if you are knitting in the sun or cold if it's cool
wherever you may be knitting.

Slippery vs. Non-Slip

Yarns can vary in terms of how "sticky" or "slippery" they are. You may find
your slippery yarn sliding right off aluminum needles, which tend to be
quite slick. Bamboo, which has more grip, would be a better choice here. On
the other hand, if you are knitting with a yarn that tends to stick, you
might want to use a more slippery needle. Tip: If your needles or hook is
too sticky and you don't have others to select from, rub some wax paper over
it and the yarn will glide much easier.

Other Types of Needles and Hooks

In addition to the above, circular needles and some Tunisian hooks (also
called Afghan hooks) may pose yet another factor to consider. The joins,
where the needles or hook meet the cable, are different depending upon the
brand. Some may catch the yarn while others are much smoother. Some swivel,
making the tool more flexible.

Tip: To straighten the cables, put them in hot water for a minute. The kinks
will come out of the cable.

Editor's Note: If you're finding that you're having trouble achieving the
gauge in a pattern and you're between hook or needle sizes, try a
hook/needles made of a different material, as the "stickiness" or
"slipperiness" may affect how tightly or loosely you knit or crochet.
Remember, an accurate gauge is the key to getting an accurately sized
garment!

--

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Becky Frankeberger

Butterfly Knitting

-           Ponchos

-           Afghans

-           Shawls

-           Custom Knitting

360-426-8389

becky at butterflyknitting.com