I am a newbie here, just returning to knitting after several decades and having so much fun! But I need supplies and would appreciate your recommendations.
What I have so far is: one 16” 4mm circular needle size US6 with ends made of some kind of wood (I like the wood); a set of 5 metal DPNs US8 5mm; a pair of size 7 bamboo straight needles; and stitch markers that don’t close.
I plan to experiment with various techniques for knitting in the round – DPNs, two circulars, magic loop – and see what feels best. I’d also like to be able to work with a range of sizes of needles, so maybe should look for interchangeables? I’ve gotten a bit overwhelmed by all the options online. Could you share specifics about what you like best? Brands, materials, sets, sizes – all this would be helpful as I get set up. And who knows, maybe Santa will bring me something if I ask very nicely (and specifically)!
I like Knit Picks needles since they carry many types. I have several of their interchangeable needle sets. They also sell yarn under their brand that is Superwash wool
I started out (after several decades of not knitting and with no kit) with some budget bamboo needles off Amazon. They come in bundles which contain a whole bunch of sizes which was important to me as I wanted to be able to change needle size easily, not just have one or two sizes, whilst also not being sure if I wanted to invest in a more expensive set. I got a bundle of straights and a bundle of circulars, all bamboo. Both sets came with a bunch of extra bits and pieces, stitch markers, cable needles, tapestry needles, row counter, stitch holders, needle tip stoppers and other stuff. These needles were really great for about 2 years and they coped with a lot of knitting. About 18 sizes plus the extras for around £10. I have made many sweaters and tops with them and do still use them sometimes about 4 or 5 years later.
At the same time I bought a budget set of crochet hooks, again random make sold on Amazon, I knew I needed at least one hook to help with my knitting (for dropped stitches, provisional cast on) and a set was almost the same price as a single. These came in a nice wallet and with more bits and bobs, tape measure, markers, scissors, all sorts. Very useful. Around £7.
Eventually decided to get an upgraded set. I went for the short size lykke wood interchangeable. I thought I’d find working in the round easier with the shorties but it’s not for me so really I wish I’d got the full length size instead. Lykke is a nice make but I think they are the same company as knitpro and knitpicks (which are the same just different names in different countries) and lykke are probably more expensive. After another couple of years I’ve expanded by buying individual tips and cables, knitpro basix beech (wood), they fit the lykke cables and tips too so I don’t get frustrated or confused over which cable to use with which needle.
I much prefer to knit flat and I use my circulars for that. I might invest in a DPN bundle to see if it’s for me, l would probably go for the budget bundle again to get a whole bunch of sizes which I could try out for different gauges and yarn weights. For me getting gauge and a fabric i like the feel and drape of is important and for this I need to try different size needles for each yarn and each project, having a small number of sizes would frustrate me.
It is hard choosing when there are so many options.
I like ChiaoGoo interchangeables, because of their very flexible red cords, but you can’t pair them with any other needles/cords, because their connectors are reversed.
Lantern Moon now sells flexible cables that match many brands, like Lykke, KnitPicks, and others.
I personally prefer wood or bamboo–I find most metal needles too slippery.
Stitch markers that don’t close?? How do they stay in place?? I highly recommend getting some that open and close like safety pins. Sometimes you find you want to move them, or if you pull a lifeline through, you need it not to go through the markers.
Lykke is considered a clone of Knitter’s Pride (Knit Picks, Knit Pro are under that umbrella), but are a separate company. Lykke is produced in Kathmandu, Knitter’s Pride et al are now made in China. Parts are interchangeable among all of them, which is handy.
My advice is to wait with buying expensive gear until you really know what you like. There are all kind of expensive sets with interchangeable needles costing a fortune, and as a beginner you might throw away your money on something you will never like or even need. Buy instead inexpensive needles of just the size you need for your projects and find out what works best for you. When you have developed your own technique and you really know what you want, then maybe go for a set if you want.
Knitting is so much about preferences. Personally I prefer metal needles with a very good glide. Other hate it and prefer wooden needles. And personally I prefer dpns over circulars whenever the circumference is small enough for dpns. Other prefer circulars for all diameters.
Besides needles there are some things you could buy regardless: stitch markers and The Knitting Barber Silicone Cords. Those cords are so useful and there are a lot of tricks you could do with them.
The chord is actually hollow and soft, so it is very different from what your weed whacker is using.
Those cords can be pushed unto any needle tips, and then you can transfer all stitches to the chord. This means that if you temporary need your needles for another project, you can transfer the project to the chords. You can also use them as stitch holder, for example under the arms, when knitting a sweater, or if you need to do a provisional cast on, you can use it. Or if you need to try on yourself a project, then you could quickly put your stitches on such cord and you are no longer restricted by the (circular) needle length. And much more. On Youtube you will find all kind of uses.
( lot cheaper) and practical.