New Knitter trying to find the right needles

#1

Hi all,

I have been knitting for only 2 weeks now. I have been learning on regular metal knitting needles found at my LYS. They seemed a little slippery at first because I am learning, but I seemed to have gotten the hang of it now. I seem to be a tight knitter. Today I received a set of Birch Wood Knitting needles I had ordered online. I know it’s only my first day using them but so far ~ I don’t like them :frowning: . My stitches do not slide at all. I am having to move them to the end and my stitches are tighter than ever! Any suggestions as to what kind of needles would work for me? Or should I keep trying them and see if I grow to like them?

Please help

Esmy

#2

I tend to be a tight knitter as well, and have simply found that I have to use metal needles. I started out learning on bamboo and it just didn’t flow for me. My knitting isn’t outrageously tight, but tight enough that metal helps. Anyways, I’d like to point you towards this article which describes techniques to help you loosen up your stitches. I hope it helps.

http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATloosenup.html

#3

I think ALL new knitters are tight knitters. Using wood needles may FORCE you to loosen your gauge. That would be a good thing! In any case, that article above is a GREAT one…talks alot about the fact that yarn will create its OWN tension if you let it.

#4

I like Addi Turbos if at all possible now- they are quite slippery which helps me with speed. I started on the basic metal Susan Bates needles. They were fine, but I decided to try a set of bamboo. I think they did force me to loosen up a bit, so that was a good thing, but they did take some getting used to. The thing I do like about the bamboos is the weight. I just like the feel in my hand. I have found that above all- I like circular needles due to the length of the needle being shorter then my straight needles.

#5

I too was a very tight knitter when I first started-each stitch was VERY difficult, even on aluminum needles!! I agree with Kelly, I think all new knitters knit tightly.

I think you just have to force yourself to loosen up-it really will not make your stitches look sloppy! That article is a really good one. Now I knit about a regular (if there is such a thing, lol!) tension :?? whatever that is! It’s much more relaxing and natural, and I think the more you practice, obviously, the easier it will become and your tension should naturally loosen up.

I know what you mean about the bamboo needles-I like the way they feel in my hands, but I always like the quickness of the metal needles-especially my Addi Turbos :wink:

Circulars are wonderful even for flat knitting! I really love my Denise interchanchables-you get sizes 5 thru 15 with varying cable lengths to make any size you want. I find them very easy to put together and the cables are nice and flexible. Its a very good bargain too, considering how many combinations you can make, at about $45.

Good luck!

#6

Thank you so much everyone. I will read the article and see if I can learn to loosen up. I will also give my wooden needles a fair chance. I’d say at least a week or two. :thumbsup:

#7

I think it is also common to like different needles for different yarns. I like my bamboos if I am working with really slippery yarn that slides too easily on the metals.

#8

also, check out my site for inexpensive needles - this way you can find out the type you really like without paying an arm and a leg!

www.taraknit.com

:smiley:

#9

I really liked that article–and hadn’t seen it!! I knit too tightly, then too LOOSELY, I feel. Sometimes I knit so tightly, my shoulders feel like they’re scrunched over my head!! And I really have to make a real effort to loosen up. And I’ve been at this for around 2 years!! Gee!! No wonder I never have many FO’s to show! :frowning:

#10

I would strongly suggest you pick up some needles from Carole to try some different types.

In my vast year of knitting experience, I have learned that I like different types of needles for different projects. Don’t throw out those wood ones just yet - as you get more experienced, you will find the perfect use for them!