About wooden needles

#1

Well, i’d like to ask you experienced knitters about wooden needles.

What characteristics make a ‘good’ wooden needle? I’m asking that because i’m thinking on having a pair done for me - at the moment i knit on plastic needles - useful, but i already snapped one, and they’re not very cute :teehee: .

I should know how to answer that question - because needles are a matter of personal choice - but since i’m a beggining knitter i don’t have a ‘style’ set yet.

Plus, i live in Brazil and have easy access to a number of good local woods (i live practically inside Amazon rainforest - yep, we have internet here).

I’m planning on asking about strenght - so it won’t break easily…

#2

Well, I’m very fond of bamboo because they are a) very durable and strong b) fairly inexpensive and c) come from a renewable sustainable source.

#3

Yeah, bamboo pretty much rocks.
Good needles are soooo smooth, and they get even smoother the more you use them. They kind of warm up in your palms and they are very durable. I can’t remember how many times I’ve sat on my Clover 2.25mms and they, miraculously, haven’t broken.
So go fo’ da boo.

#4

IMHO,good needles have nice sharp points, all the better for speedy knitting.

#5

any wood with a tight hard cell structure, Pine os so soft, and pits easily, Birch is harder tighter. Cherry works well, but these are all northern woods. you live in a part of the world that could make making knitting needles a WONDERFUL hobby in and of itself (of course you would have to do a LOT of Quality control)
the trick is to get the tips smooth and dense enough that there are not rough edges to catch on the yarn.
good luck, and by all means HAVE fun

ecb

#6

Living were you do, teak or mohagony should be good choices as would rosewood such as Cocobolo. Any Local wood that can be fashioned into tools can also be used for Knitting Needles. Flex is not so much an issue as tight grain and strength.

Getting a true straight grained piece to work from is essential, careful tapering of the working ends with sufficient pointyness is particular important if you work with different types of wool some will almost require a long very tapered end, the butt end can be finished with a knob or bead I have sets of older needles that were made both ways and good smooth finish and TaDa you have knitting needles.

I have a couple of sets of Japanese chop sticks that are made from Rosewood and except that there is not butt end to keep the yarn from slipping off they would be perfectly suitable for knitting :x:

#7

Thanks for all your answers! After Christmas i might ask dad about it!