Bamboo Needles - Thanks for recommending!

[okckwilter]

When I posted earlier asking for needle recommendations, bamboo needles were mentioned several times. The snow has finally melted enough that I could get out yesterday to both Hobby Lobby and another Michael's store. Hobby Lobby had no bamboo needles but lots of wonderful yarns to drool over! But the Michael's closest to where we live does (as opposed to the one close to work which does NOT have bamboo needles)! So, in the middle of my dishcloth, I changed to the bamboo. I like them, a LOT! I still struggle with purl stitches but the bamboo makes it so much easier!

The only downside is that my liking of the bamboo needles doesn't do much to help me resist the full set of Harmony needles I'm lusting after though... I just have to keep reminding myself, wait a bit until you see where this new obsession is going!

[Wanda Witch]

I've never knitted with bamboo needles, but should you break down and buy the Harmony needles you will truly be hooked. I am slowly replacing my Knit Picks metal ones for the Harmony. Same point but so much easier to use. Good luck with your knitting. Hey, knitting is a great obsession IMHO.

[Jan in CA]

By the TRY IT! set first to see which one you like.

I used bamboo when I first started and it is good for beginners because it isn't slippery.

[okckwilter]

By the TRY IT! set first to see which one you like.

Done! I finally caved and ordered the Try It set from KnitPicks. Part of my procrastination was deciding what else to order. I finally decided on a couple of afghan patterns I really like, both call for the same size needle which is not included in the Try It set, so I ordered that size needle tip, as well as a kit for a scarf and hat, and the needle tip for those items as well. So I should be set for a while!

[crazykntter83]

lol Gotta love knitpicks and hobby stores in general. You can never get away with getting JUST ONE THING. You go in, intending to just get this one thing, but then you see this pretty yarn, or this super cool pattern, and then next thing ya know, you came out with more than you meant to! Lol oh well. Hope you have fun with your knitting purchases.

[kittykins]

Hi Judy! I just got the TRY IT set last week and couldn't be happier with the needles and cables! Now I'm so tempted to splurge and order the whole Harmony set, but will be strong and hold off for at least a little bit. Enjoy! Jeanie

[drache]

I use aluminium needles personally, and love them because they are a lot cheaper than the bamboo ones and my yarn doesn't "stick" to them when I'm speed-knitting.

Could someone explain (or direct me to the previous thread that explains) why bamboo needles are so highly recommended? Every knitter who uses them that I've spoken with just gushes about them, but they never say exactly why they are so wonderful, just that they are.

Is it simply a matter of user preference; favouring sliding of the yarn vs. the lack of?

[suzeeq]

They're lighter weight, sts 'stick' easier and are less prone to sliding off, especially with using slippery or thin yarn. If you have 'grabby' yarn though, they're not always preferred.

[Jan in CA]

Drache- needle material is a matter of preference. I prefer nickel plated for most things.

[Sheri]

I think alot of new knitters start with bamboo because yarn doesn't slip off as easily and they are afraid of not knowing how to fix mistakes, but if the yarn is not slippery they aren't fun to use. I graduated pretty quickly to addi turbos. I love them for any kind of yarn.