In my last two blog posts, I talked about the anatomy of a sock in Part 1 and the option of knitting socks using double pointed or a circular knitting needle in Part 2.
Once you decide what type of knitting needles to use for your socks, you need to select the material they are made from. Some of the most common materials for knitting needles include:
Bamboo: Bamboo needles are similar to wooden needles, but are lighter and more durable. They are also environmentally friendly, as bamboo is a renewable resource. Chiaogoo's bamboo knitting needles are made of Moso bamboo, which is the largest and strongest bamboo out of over 1,000 different species.
Plastic: Prym Ergonomics Double Point Knitting Needles are another option for knitting in the round. The patented teardrop shaped tips and triangle body made from high-performance plastic make these needles ideal for both beginners and advanced knitter.
Aluminium: Aluminium needles are lightweight, durable, and have a smooth surface. They are a good option for knitters who prefer a lightweight needle that is still strong and long-lasting. Knitter's Pride Zing Knitting Needles are one of our bestsellers in this category.
A number of needle manufacturers have tried to find the ‘sweet spot’ between DPNs and circulars. Flexiflips from Addi are a great example, as they offer a set of needles with two tips and a flexible cable for the ‘perfect knit’ and are designed for small needle sizes as well as one end of the needle is slightly pointier than the other end. Their unique shape allows for narrow in-the-round projects like socks, sleeves, or cuffs to be knit with just 3 needles.
The type of material you choose for your knitting needles will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and needs. Some knitters may prefer the feel of wooden needles, while others may prefer the strength and versatility of steel or carbon fibre needles. Try out a few different materials to see which one works best for you. I like to keep a number of different knitting needles on hand, so I can easily switch if one type is not working for a given project. Keep in mind that the needle material can also affect the final look and feel of the finished sock, so choose the one that works best for you and your specific project.
I would love to hear which type of sock knitting needles you prefer and why. Please share below in the comments.
Happy Knitting! Yvonne
PS. To get you started on your sock knitting journey, I created an easy sock knitting pattern for you to try. Email me at info@joeriaknits.com and ask for a free copy.