How To Choose the Right Needles For a Knitting Project

Consider the width of the needles you’ll need. European needles use millimeters sizing and American needles range from size 000 to 50—thin needles are used for tighter knits and finer thread, and fat needles are for chunky yarn and larger loops. A pair of 8 or 9 needles are a good, average size for beginners.

Decide your required length for needles. If you’re working on a large project, like a blanket, you may need long needles to fit on lots of stitches. Otherwise, choose a length that feels manageable and comfortable in your hands.

Pay attention to the material that the needles are made of, like aluminum, wood, or plastic. Needles with a slick surface, especially metal, can be slippery—and difficult for beginners.

Consider the style of the needles you’ll need. There are single-point, double-point, and circular needles, but single-point are best for beginners and simple projects.

Shop at a knitting or craft store, looking for a pair of needles of the width, length, material, and style that you need. Hold them to get a feel for whether they’ll be comfortable.