Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks

Knitting Needles

Got nothing to do and the winter gets you down? Why not take up a new hobby of knitting? You will be able to pass the time and create beautiful garments and accessories that everyone will admire. The first thing that you'll need is some knitting needles.  A great way to start is to buy a few different types of standard needles and then to test each of them out on a small project. This way, you'll be able to learn which ones that you like best. Consider trying one in plastic, one in metal, and one in wood, each in different sizes varying from 0 to 15. Don't think that buying more than one is a waste of money. Knitting needles last forever, so each one will make a great investment if you're serious about your knitting.

The most beginner pair of needles would be a straight metal set, in a medium size, usually between 6 to 9. Choose a light colored yarn (not black) that contrasts the needles.

After you get some practice, you will probably want to upgrade to needles with more specific purposes. Your choices will mostly depend on what you're going to be making, as well as the pattern you're working with and the type of yarn. You'll need to look at the 'gauge' on both the patterns  and the yarn to make sure that they match up. The needle size, number of stitches and rows and the number of stitches that a specific gauge will produce will all be listed. You may have to test the yarn on a few different sized needles to make sure that you are getting it right. 

Below is a chart which outlines some advanced types of needles. If you've been knitting for a while, then consider investing in some of them. If you're just a beginner, leave these up to the professionals out there.

Standard Knitting Needles  These needles are used for all different types of vertically aligned projects-a good place to start for beginners.	Double Pointed Needles  These needles are ideal for fashioning  circular openings with small circumferences-think socks, stuffed animals, beanie hats, etc. They are not a necessity, but its always good to have them around.	Circular Needles  Circular needles are great for making throws and afghans, as well as seamless sweaters, shirts, and hats. They can serve as an alternative circumference method to the double pointed needles.	Cable Stitch Needles  These are double pointed needles specially designed for making cable stitches.	Interchangeable Knitting Needle Sets  If you are going to be working with many different types of stitches, then this is the way to go. Interchangable tips make this set versatile and easy.

Crochet Hooks

Knitting can be great, but if it's not for you, you might want to try crocheting. Similar to a needle when it comes to knitting, a crochet hook  is an absolute must. There are many different types out there, such as steel,  aluminum,  wood,  and plastic  hooks. These are all usually sold in sets or by the unit. Yarn projects are best carried out with either a plastic or aluminum hook-the standards. Steel hooks are bests for fine yarn and thread projects. Metal and wooden hooks are the most sturdy and long lasting, while plastic ones can bend over time. However, there is no limit to the amount of hooks you can have and you might consider purchasing more than one-you never know what you will want to make next.

Sizes can be confusing when it comes to crochet hooks, since there is no standardized measuring scale. Here are some important guidelines to make it easier:

• Afghan hooks are big, usually running from I to Q, with Q being the largest.
• Basic patterns can implement a D through I sized hook.
• Sizes 12 to 0 are usually found on steel hooks, with 12 being the smallest.
• Depending on your skill, as well as how tightly you hook, you may need a larger or smaller one.
• You should always do a test swatch before you begin on a major project to make sure that the hook and the yarn coincide.

Other Needle Types

Wool and Embroidery Needles	Yarn Needles	Coarse Stitch Weaving Needles

Knitting Tools

Needle Gauges	Needle Point Protectors	T-Pins	Textile Shears

Skein Winders	Ball Winders	Fringe Twisters	Magnifiers

Mohair Brush	Wool Comb	Stitch Markers	Stitch Counters