I am going to learn to knit and want suggestions on what brand needles to buy. I will be only knitting shawls and lap robes once I learn.
Help with beginning to knit
Welcome!
If you are going to be knitting shawls and lap robes, then your best bet is to get circular needles. You won’t be knitting in the round, but the extra length will come in handy to hold the stitches and spread out the weight of the work.
What type you buy really depends on your budget and how many sizes you need. If I was starting out, I’d probably invest in the Knitpicks Options interchangeables. They look like a nice needle, and the reviews from people around here have been good.
If you only want a few sizes, I personally like Addi Turbo, but some people find them expensive.
I personally like the bamboo needles for some things, and the metal for others. You really have to just experiment. The metal needles tend to slide a little easier which is a good thing and a bad thing sometimes 
Just starting out I just bought whatever Wal Mart had. Remember, a needle is a needle and beyond that it’s just what you like.
I started out with bamboo needles as well. I have really long ones and some normal sized ones.
Knitting_guy <~~ gentoo users.
I started out with bamboo needles as well. I have really long ones and some normal sized ones.
Knitting_guy <~~ gentoo users.
I started out with boye metal needles and I’m not just a metal needle person. For one they’re allllways cold, and the slippery thing is good for the stitches slipping off easily when they’re supposed to, but half the time mine slip off when they’re not supposed to. :teehee: So I’d suggest just going to your local yarn shop/hobby lobby/michael’s whatever you have, and just feel around to see what you like.
Ah yes, good old Gentoo. “If it moves, compile it!” 