So I just learnt to knit and I bought these metal needles from Walmart and one of them has become a lot more dull then the second one which is really causing some issues…has this happened to anyone else? Should I just buy new needles? If so what kind would you recommend? Thank you
Do you mean the tip is dulled?
I have never had this happen to me.
When you think about it both needles should get even wear because you are always going backwards and forwards.
I would be inclined to take them back to the shop if they are really causing you problems because that shouldn’t be. Were they ever so cheap?
Knitting should be enjoyable and relaxing so if those needles are getting on your nerves…
Besides needles can last a lifetime. You need to be able to ‘get on with them’.
I know it is just a personal opinion but I prefer plastic to metal or bamboo.
Metal seems to ‘grind’ and bamboo seems to be too ‘sticky’. I know a lot of people like bamboo. I love the look of them I know they are an environmentally friendly product but I was disappointed when I came to use them.
They were pretty cheap…I’m not sure it’s only the one though? The second one seems fine. It’s irritating just because it’s become fairly difficult to get into the stitch(?)…I don’t know all the terms yet…anyways maybe I’ll try plastic see if that works better thanks for the help
Needles with burrs or cables that don’t let the sts slide make knittign a misery. Time to move on to something new.
Trying different brands of needles and different compositions is a good idea. I love the Addi Turbo. They tend to be expensive but they’ve lasted through lots of knitting. I’ve also got some plastic that I like. Expertimenting with needles and yarn is part of the fun.
You’re welcome dillybar.
I know when you are trying out a new hobby you don’t want to invest too much in equipment until you know you are going to like it but I think it would be worth trying some different needles.
Because they will be the same size as the ones you have been using it will be easy to transfer your knitting over and not waste what you have done so far.
(Remember that you shouldn’t leave knitting on needles for a long time otherwise you will get a ridge across your work which is very disheartening [I don’t mean just for a few days] so it might be worth investing in a stitch holder as well if you are not frequently picking up your knitting to work on.)
Let us know how you are getting on anyway.
Moving stitches onto waste yarn makes a great stitch holder. I have purchased stitch holders that I’ve never use. If you need to take the stitches off the needles use a yarn/tapestry/darning needle threaded with yarn and slip them onto the needle and then onto the yarn.
The needle shouldn’t be rough. You could take them back to the store to return as defective and use the money toward another set of needles. I’m guessing your needles are Boye’s and I have their aluminum needles that have been used and rough finish has never been a problem. Walmart IME is easy about returns and you shouldn’t have a problem. At some point I suggest you consider a set of interchangeables, they will cover just about any knitting need you’ll encounter. Click the Shop button at the top of the page and you can see what the sets are like.
Another thing to consider is how tightly you are knitting. If you are pulling the stitches too tightly that will make it hard to pick up the stitches whether you have pointy needles or not. Not uncommon for new knitters to be really tight. I’ve been knitting for years and still have to watch my tension. If I’m working on a new pattern or after a frustrating day I have a tendency to be super tight.
I personally like Addi Turbo needles but they are an investment and I use circulars for most everything. I knit find for years on Boye and Crystal Palace needles.
Yeah, cheap needles will have problems crop up with them. More so than the more expensive ones. I have a set of Knitter’s Pride Dreamz circs and I love them. Can’t complain about them yet and have had no issues thus far (fingers crossed).
I do agree that when starting something, you shouldn’t just buy the most expensive stuff to use, as you don’t know if you’ll like it enough to get serious with it.
[COLOR=“DarkGreen”][QUOTE=GrumpyGramma;1400260]Moving stitches onto waste yarn makes a great stitch holder. I have purchased stitch holders that I’ve never use. If you need to take the stitches off the needles use a yarn/tapestry/darning needle threaded with yarn and slip them onto the needle and then onto the yarn.[/COLOR]
I use a knitting needle smaller than the one I am supposed to be using as a stitch holder because then the stitches can slip easily back onto the needles I should be using - but I am lucky enough to have a large range of needles to choose from.
[COLOR=“darkgreen”]The needle shouldn’t be rough. You could take them back to the store to return as defective and use the money toward another set of needles. [/COLOR]
I agree.
Personally I can’t get on with circular needles; I often use really long needles and hold the end of the right one in my armpit - this is how I learnt to pick up tremendous speed! 