Complete beginner, what needles?
 

I know nuthin bout knitting but want to learn. What kind of needles are best to start with? I have plastic ones that came in a kit, but I am thinking I might rather have metal, since I seem to be bending these. What size, etc.? I told you I was a beginner! :)

Kathi

Welcome to the addictive world of knitting!

I think plastic needles are hard to use, myself. I'd go with metal needles around a size 8 to start with for practice, with some worsted weight yarn. Just keep knitting and purling and you'll get the hang of it quickly.

Needles come in sizes from teeny tiny to big and fat, straight, circular, and double pointed. As you find things you want to knit, you'll see your needle collection growing.

Re: Complete beginner, what needles?
 

While you are buying needles, I would suggest you purchase circulars. Susan Bates are my favorites. Wish I had started on circulars to begin with. When learning to knit in Home Ec class years ago, my mother simply purchased the 14 inch straights. Never tried circulars until this past fall when I decided to knit a dog sweater that called for circulars. You can use the circulars for flat knitting as well. If you MUST use straights, get the 10 inch ones. They're much easier to work with than the 14s. My arms are short and the 10s are more comfortable.

Thank you both! I'm glad it's not just me with the plastic needles. It seems like it is hard to push them through the yarn, like they aren't sharp enough or smooth enough. I am going out to get some size 8's now.

Kathi :XX:

I bought some metal needles and some bamboo, and also a circular needle to try all of them. I also found lots of great yarns on sale 60% off--they must have known I was coming, and needing to fuel the addiction!

Kathi

Drug dealers often give customers a free 'taste' to get them hooked. Your store must have seen you coming. Just a warning--when you get to the point where you acknowledge that you're hooked, don't come here for help. We'll just tell you to buy more. ;)