| So you want to pick up knitting? Congratulations, | | | | metal needles. If you knit super tight stitches, |
| you have great fun ahead. Let's start off right by | | | | they won't slide along the needles well at all. Then |
| choosing which knitting needles are best for | | | | again, super tight knitters can make stitches |
| beginners. Also pick a yarn you can see | | | | strangle metal needles too. |
| easily--NOT eyelash yarn or one all lumpy-bumpy, | | | | What About Circulars? |
| loopy or a yarn made like railroad tracks. You'll go | | | | Circular knitting needles can be used as straights |
| wacky learning how to knit if you use wacky | | | | or for knitting in the round. Some beginners may |
| yarn. | | | | enjoy them more than straights because there's |
| Best Beginner Knitting Needles--Size Matters | | | | no chance you can lose a needle and be unable to |
| If you feel awkward making the unfamiliar | | | | knit at all. Also there's no catching in sleeves or |
| maneuvers and nervous your stitches will fall off | | | | poking neighbors. Just remember you'll always |
| your needles, you may seize your needles with a | | | | begin a knit row on the edge where the yarn is |
| death grip. This can cause hand cramps and | | | | attached. |
| knitting your stitches so tight you can barely | | | | What About Double Pointed Needles? |
| work them at all. Let's avoid skinny needles that | | | | NOT for beginners unless you're the kind who |
| increase hand cramps or gargantuan needles that | | | | would tackle Mount Everest before you've even |
| are more awkward. | | | | climbed the hill behind your house. |
| Choose a medium size needle you can see and | | | | Best Yarn for Beginner Knitters |
| feel more easily. I suggest using U.S. size 7, 8 or 9 | | | | Yarn marked worsted, afghan or aran weight will |
| knitting needles or the metric equivalent, 4.5, 5.0 | | | | work well with the 7, 8 and 9 needles. No matter |
| or 5.5 mm. | | | | what yarn you use, if you hear the stitches |
| Best Knitting Needles for Beginners--Shape | | | | squeak in protest as you knit each one or slide |
| Pick straight knitting needles for your first learning | | | | them along the needles, it's a sign you're knitting |
| project. If you're a small person, go for short | | | | too tight. Relax. Breathe. It'll go better. |
| ones versus long ones that will catch on your | | | | Congratulations on your important first step in |
| sleeves, your chair arms or your neighbors. | | | | picking up knitting. Armed with knitting needles |
| One More Factor--The Best Material for Beginner | | | | that are best for a beginner and smooth yarn, |
| Knitting Needles | | | | you're more assured of successful, satisfying fun. |
| Most needles are made of wood, plastic or metal. | | | | Welcome to the world of knitting needles, yarn |
| I suggest wooden needles for a beginner because | | | | and magic. |
| the yarn won't offer to slip off as it would with | | | | |