Bamboo needles

kristinw · 04-23-2007, 08:13 AM

I used bamboo dpns for my first pair of socks and it went well. So I figured I'd start my next pair with some KP metal ones. Boy are they slippery! I decided I am not ready for those yet. But I did LOVE the pointiness of them. I use Clover Bamboo and was wondering if there are any others out there that are more pointy. After switching back to them I realized just how dull they are. Makes it tough for all the k2tog, ssk, and psso that I am doing.

Limey · 04-23-2007, 01:23 PM

Hi Kristin

I can't buy KP over here but if they are very slick and you are now looking for something that has decent points yet won't make off over the hills with your stitches, you could go to ebay and look under DPNs.

The sort I mean are made by Aero, Milwards; there's always alot for sale, they will cost you very little and were the type of needle people kept and used for years.

You might find that there are a bunch of different sizes for sale and you could end up with a stash for very little money.

Hope this helps.

Limey

kblue · 04-23-2007, 01:29 PM

I have some SP clover bamboo needle but i was also wondering about more "pointy" bamboo/wood ones. I like that they are light weight but i don't like the slightly dull points.

dreamsherl · 04-23-2007, 04:22 PM

I have had very good experiences with Lantern Moon, Crystal Palace, and Brittany Birch.

cheesiesmom · 04-23-2007, 04:56 PM

I bought an entire set of Options sock needles (0, 1, 2, 3,) cuz they were so cheap, but I can't cast on with them cuz they're so slippery. So, particularly if I'm doing a lacy pattern with yo's and such, I cast on with my birch needles and then after 1 or 2 rounds switch to the options. After I've knitted a couple of rows, the needles don't fall out as they do on the first couple of rounds. And I get to use those nice option points for all the fussier work. Just a suggestion for having your cake and eating it too.

kblue · 04-24-2007, 11:43 PM

Ok so i searched and searched but could not find any bamboo/wood needles SP DP or Circular that are as pointy as the metal ones i like. I would really like to use bamboo/wood because its light. So i did something that some people might think is drastic but for me personally i didn't really care if i screwed up because i wasn't using them anyways due to its lack of pointness.... I sharpened (using sandpaper) the piont of my clover bamboo needles

. I looked at Amy's video for making your own wood needles and i basicly did the end part were you smooth out the tip with a very fine grade sandpaper. It worked out nicely. Wow now i can go on Ebay buy those large lots of bamboo needles (SP DP & C) and sharpen them all to my liking ha ha ha.

I'll post a picture as soon as i figure out how to get my camera to take a very very up close picture of the tip.

redwitch · 04-25-2007, 05:15 AM

Yes, I'd encourage anyone to modify their needles unless they just happen to be at your ideal, perfect pointiness and shape for that particular use. Fast, cheap, easy.
Sarah

cheesiesmom · 04-25-2007, 02:42 PM

If it works for you, that's all that matters. Smart girl. I would have hesitated to "personalize" my needles. But I tend to be way overly cautious.

kblue · 04-27-2007, 04:44 AM

so heres that picture of my slightly altered clover bamboos. I just gave it more of a point. In doing so i looked up making your own circular needles and i made myself a pair it's in the Whatcha Knitting folder.