How to Pick the Right Knitting Needle

The hobby of knitting  is relaxing and enjoyable that you should pursue during spring and summer time.  It is a portable and creative hobby that will require you to choose the best kinds of yarns and needles. The proper materials could mean the difference between an enjoyable pastime and sheer frustration. This article will guide you in picking the right kind of needle so you will be able to enjoy knitting more than you thought you’d do.

There are various needle shapes to accommodate different projects, and they come in various sizes and materials. The following are some important considerations in choosing your needle.

1.  Consider the type of item you are knitting.

First, you need to identify the particular project that you want to come up with. You may think that knitting needles essentially perform the same action but there are actually different kinds of styles that you can choose from. There are some needles that are specific to a certain type of knitting like knitting in the round or cabling. Others can also create a variety of knitted items that are perfect gifts for your loved ones.

2.  Consider the size of the needle.

You have to choose the size of the needle that you should use correctly. As knitting needles come in fluctuating diameters and lengths, this factor should be considered when choosing knitting needles that you should use. The thickness of the needle defines the finished size and look of your finished piece so you really have to do well in picking your needle. Aside from the diameter, you also have to consider the length of the needle.

3.  Select the material.

You may think that it is just needles but needles are actually made from many types of materials. Bamboo, plastic, and aluminum are among the most popular. You need to consider your skill level and the yarn that you are going to use when choosing a needle material. If you are at the beginner’s stage,you need to choose needles that are not so slippery so they will not cause the yarn to slip off. A more experienced knitter, on the other hand, may prefer a smooth needle surface to allow the stitches to move effortlessly and quickly. With the right needle that you should pick, you can make knitting more fun and remember to keep them away from the children. They are shrill and if they play with them, someone may get hurt.Also, remember to choose fabulous yarns and learn to knit with confidence!

Fabulous Types of Yarns for Knitting

If you love knitting, you are certainty familiar with the different kinds of yarns. Playing with fabulous yarns is just the best thing to do on a hot summer and doing it with friends make the activity all the more fun. Different fibers of yarn will result in completely different results in your piece or garment so you need to make sure that you choose your yarn very well. You may know some interesting kinds of yarns but you might also want to be familiar with the following.

Synthetic Fibers
Nylon, rayon, acrylic, viscose, and polyester are all good examples of synthetic fibers that can make up a yarn.The 100 % acrylic yarn is a common choice as it is the most low-priced yarn. If you are only beginning to learn how to knit, this type of yarn is advisable to use since it is cheap compared to the other types.

Natural Fibers
The following are types of yarns that can be categorized as natural fibers.

 Cotton
Cotton is made from plants and they are usually preserved so that they will become more durable. Cotton yarns are also treated so that they will be mildew resistant and able to accept dyes better.

 Wool
The best thing about wool is that it is able to accept color really well. Merino wool yarn is a famous choice in making garments.Many diverse kinds of wool exist and are spun into yarns with different weights and textures that you will surely love.

 Cashmere
 Cashmere is from the soft undercoats of cashmere goats. It is a very smooth type of yarn but it can be very expensive.

 Alpaca/Llama
Llama wool yarn is less soft and larger. For those that have allergies to lamb’s wool, this is a better option. Alpaca and llama wool are non-allergenic because they do not contain lanolin. This yarn does not accept color as well as wool though.

 Mohair
This is a thick yarn from the Angora goat with an especially ambiguous look.

 Angora
Angora is a particularly soft rabbit fur yarn which has a vague appearance.

 Linen
Linen yarn is made from the flax plant. This is a lightweight yarn which makes it absolutely perfect if you are planning to come up with summer garments.

 Silk
 Silk is from silkworm larvae and is very flat and light. It is usually combined with other yarns, often cashmere for a truly-luxurious yarn.

Knitting in Time

Looking at some old knitted relics, we can conclude that humans by nature creative. Even before the birth of modernized civilization, knitting is already a passion for many people. Check out for more fun facts at The Ball of Yarn.

Knitting: A Health Ritual

Health is wealth. This is one thing proven in knitting. During the activity, you become healthy as your are able to relax and develop the sense of fulfillment and happiness. You also become productive by creating stuffs that can be a good source of income.