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A knitter’s stash has a variety of knitting needles, sizes and materials all serving different purposes. Stainless steel knitting needles have been growing as a popular choice among knitters. The smooth and durable surface of steel with anti-allergic properties makes it suited for multiple knitting projects. And, the best part is the knitting needles come in variants of single-pointed, double-pointed, fixed circulars as well as interchangeable circular needles.
So whether you want to knit lace patterns, a hat, a pair of socks, a shawl, or a blanket, you can choose stainless steel needles for your project. Working with them means a smooth flow of yarn and needles hence neat stitches. The melodious clacking of needles is soothing to the soul and the entire process of knitting with them is mindful. So, here are the four popular knitting needles to have in your stash.
Single Pointed Needles (STNs)
Best for: Flat Knitting
The classic knitting needle comes in a pair with a point at one end and a stopper at the other. They are great for beginners in fact most have learned knitting on them. They work best for flat knitting projects like blankets and some sweaters. They come in all standard sizes.
Double Pointed Needles (DPNs)
Best for: Knitting in the Round
Just as the name suggests, double-pointed knitting needles have points on both ends. They are shorter than straight needles (usually between 4 and 8 inches in length) and come in sets of 4 or 5.
DPNs are only used to knit in the round, especially the small circumference knitting projects. Though knitting with them seems fiddly, it is the old and trusted way to knit in the round. DPNs are handy tools to knit even when circular needles can’t accommodate the smallest knitting projects such as fingers of gloves or the top of hats, etc.
Circular Knitting Needles
Best for: Knitting flat in the Round
Circular knitting needles consist of two straight points in this case stainless steel tips connected with a flexible cable of varying lengths. They work both for knitting flat and round. Most knitters find circular needles more comfortable to work with as the cable holds the stitches instead of needles. This also means even distribution of stitches hence less fatigue.
Fixed circulars (FCNs) come in the standard range of sizes with a fixed cable length varying from approximately 16 inches to 48 inches depending on your needs. FCNs also come in sets in a range of sizes combining the benefits of stainless steel needles and cables.
Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles (ICNs)
Best for: Flat Knitting Knitting in the Round
Interchangeable needles like fixed circular needles consist of two straight needles and a flexible cord. However, interchangeable needles allow the changing of the needles from the cable to combine different lengths and sizes according to a project or knitter’s comfort.
IntercThe 4 Types of Stainless Steel Knitting Needles to have in your stashhangeable circular knitting needle sets present the flexibility of having lots of different needle sizes and lengths in one. This prevents you from having to buy dozens of different pairs and having to invest in one prized collection.
Stainless steel knitting needles hardly have any risk of becoming scratched, dented, or bent. They are fabulous for delicate knitting, which requires a smaller needle size. And, above all the best choice for mindful knitting. So, are you ready to switch to stainless steel needles?
