Comments on: Choosing the Right Needle or Hook for Your Yarncrafting

By: Livingforjesus

Livingforjesus — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:20:00 +0000

I like the metal needles because they don’t break like the plastic ones. I haven’t really tried the wood needles. I also like the metal beacuse they click. I like the sound.

By: Ewilson

Ewilson — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:34:00 +0000

As for the metal needles “clicking”, I was knitting in my daughter’s hospital room at night waiting for my 2nd grandson’s arrival. She was turned on her side with her back to me and she asked if I was knitting-she could hear something clicking. I said yes I was, was it bothering her? I could stop if it was. She said no, its a comforting sound, to know I was there. And Baby Logan got a little present out of it, too!:)

By: Brandyce

Brandyce — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Thanks GailBresser, I agree, it just takes some time and practice for new yarncrafters to figure out what they prefer – but I like that you mentioned you prefer metal needles with circs for the easier movement along the cord, makes perfect sense

By: Toadmier15

Toadmier15 — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:29:00 +0000

For crochet, I almost always use metal, as it allows me the speed and smoothness I need, and I just like the feel. However, I do have a fun, colorful plastic set that I use when in government buildings, such as serving on Jury Duty (LOTS of waiting around – great time to work on a project!). Most government places will not allow the metal, but have no problem with the plastic. I’m just learning to knit and was recommended to use bamboo needles because they have better grip. I got discouraged so many times trying to learn on metal needles, but will probably make the transition as I get more confident in my knitting.

By: Teresa Tripicchio LaMorte

Teresa Tripicchio LaMorte — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Thank you for so clearly laying it out. I use mainly metal, mainly because I do not want to pay the higher cost of wood. I also have some plastic, which date back from my early days in crochet, or if metal was not available for a particular hook size.

By: GailBresser

GailBresser — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:54:00 +0000

I have hooks and needle of all materials. Which type I use depends on the yarn. For circular knitting needles prefer metal because I want it to be easy to slip around the cord and needles ; also, I find metal needles are easier on my hands because the yarn slips easily, less manipulation. The clicking doesn’t bother me. For smaller crochet hooks I like to use metal because plastic hooks bend in smaller sizes. I have to say, what you use depends on the project and the yarn. I don’t care for bamboo needles because they are too grippy and the yarn has to be scooted up the needle. Everyone has their personal preference and new knitters/crocheters need to see what works best for them.

By: Brandyce

Brandyce — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:08:00 +0000

Hi Meagan, thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I understand the anti-plastic sentiment, but – think about how strong the hook is and how long it will last, you’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it. I didn’t go into shapes; but you’re absolutely right, the shape of the hook head (as well as needles, some are blunt tips and some are more sharp) can definitely affect how you yarncraft!

By: Meagan

Meagan — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:40:00 +0000

I find sound/feel to be particularly noticeable in an aluminum hook-acrylic yarn combination. There’s no clicking (being one single hook), but I can actually hear the aluminum and acrylic rubbing together. This tends to go away within 5 minutes (maybe because the hook gets warmed up?) but it’s still a bit nails-on-a-chalkboard to me. I do love my plastic hooks and really need to get more. They’re light and smooth and great (I just feel bad about using them since I’m a bit anti-plastic in general). I’ve only just started working with wood hooks, since I invested in a knooking kit. Mine don’t seem to be well-made, as at least one of them has needed filing because of it catching the yarn, but in general I do like the feel of them for more slippery yarns.

Another thing to note is shape (at least for hooks; I’m not so knowledgeable in the needle department). I have both the flat-head hooks and the pointier ones. The flat work much better for splitty yarns and the pointy-ended ones are great for quick, lacey projects.

My husband may say I have too many hooks, but like you I find value in all of them.