If you’re new to the world of knitting, you probably have a ton of questions about the weight of the yarn, the best project to start with, the right pattern, and even the correct size of needle. Just remember, everyone feels apprehensive initially. But one of the main questions from newcomers to the activity is what size knitting needles for beginners?Although it takes a little time to become proficient, if you stick with it, you’ll soon be creating magnificent projects. In fact, as you hone your skills, you can make a broad range of things for yourself, as well as gifts for the people in your life.
Even if tempted, thinking it might be easier, avoid buying the largest knitting needles available. Also, you’ll discover that needles come in both US and European sizes. Remember, in the US, the smaller the number, the smaller the needle. For European sizes, however, the opposite is true. This means the higher the number, the smaller the needle. Therefore, pay close attention when making your selection.
If you are just learning to knit, use size eight needles that measure ten inches long. Not only will the needles feel comfortable in your hands, but you can also easily see the stitches.
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One additional thing to consider, you should stick with light to medium weight yarns and easy projects as a beginner. As you gain confidence and improve your knitting skills, you can experiment with different sized needles, yarn, and stitches.
As a beginner, more than likely your first project will come from a pattern with the recommended needle size right on the package. If not, you’ll need to consider several factors to help you select the correct size, including the weight of the yarn, and the stitches required.
The following are the different sized knitting needles available in the US.
| US Sizes | UK / Canadian Sizes | Metric (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 14 | 2 |
| 1 | 13 | 2.25 |
| 2 | 12 | 2.75 |
| N/A | 11 | 3 |
| 3 | 10 | 3.25 |
| 4 | N/A | 3.5 |
| 5 | 9 | 3.75 |
| 6 | 8 | 4 |
| 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
| 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 9 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 10 | 4 | 6 |
| 10.5 | 3 | 6.5 |
| N/A | 2 | 7 |
| N/A | 1 | 7.5 |
| 11 | 0 | 8 |
| 13 | 0 | 9 |
| 15 | 0 | 10 |
| 17 | N/A | 12 |
| 19 | N/A | 16 |
| 35 | N/A | 19 |
| 50 | N/A | 25 |
Sizes 000 to 1
Needles sized 000 to 1 are the smallest available. As a new knitter, you should avoid tiny sizes. Why? Most often, people use them for intricately detailed projects like lace that require extensive knitting experience.
Sizes 1 to 3
Needles size 1 to 3 are still quite small but they make a perfect choice for simple projects like shawls and socks.
Sizes 3 to 5
Knitters use these sized needles primarily for making baby blankets, sweaters, and other similar items out of sport-weight yarn.
Sizes 5 to 7
The great thing about needle sizes from 5 to 7 is you can use to them create just about anything. Especially when working with double knit-weight yarn, these needles are ideal for gloves, hats, sweaters, scarves, and much more.
Sizes 7 to 9
Used with worsted-weight yarn, you can accomplish all types of projects with ease using these sizes.
Sizes 9 to 11
As larger sized needles, you’ll need some time to master these. However, when working with chunky-weight yarn, they are a perfect choice.
Sizes 11 to 17
Now we’re really talking about big knitting needles. Although not a good idea for a beginner, as you become increasingly more skilled, you would use these sizes for making bulky items.
Sizes 17 and Up
As you can imagine, this size requires some serious experience. Once you hone your skills, and when working with jumbo-weight yarn, you can come up with some amazing projects.
Circular, DPNs, and Straight Knitting Needles
Finally, there’s yet another category for knitting needles that you should know about – circular, double-pointed, and straight. Of the three, you can do about anything with a circular needle.