needle sizes

Ronda · 07-26-2008, 12:19 PM

I need to order some fixed circs from KnitPicks for socks on 2 circs. I was going to order 0, 1, and 3 (already have 2), but I see that there are two sizes of some. For example, there are two size 1 needles - one being 2.25 mm and the other being 2.5 mm. The same thing goes on with the size 2.
I'm just wondering why they do this and if it really makes a difference in the gauge or what. I just made my first sock on 2 circs. It was basically just a learning process for me, but I found that on size 2 needles, my length was perfect, but my circumference was too big. (No I didn't check gauge first. I just wanted to see if I could follow Silver's instructions and knit a sock.)

Crycket · 07-26-2008, 06:14 PM

because US sizing is stupid! *smiles*

Jax3303 · 07-26-2008, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Crycket

because US sizing is stupid! *smiles*

ITA

Ronda · 07-27-2008, 02:28 PM

I agree!

Knitting_Guy · 07-27-2008, 04:03 PM

I agree about our sizing system being a bit dumb. We Americans simply refuse to go to the metric measurement system. I'll never understand why as it makes so much more sense.

Crycket · 07-27-2008, 04:56 PM

The sizing system is dumb...I don't think that about Americans *smiles*

I just don't understand a system that doubles up some, but glosses over others. There is no 7mm needle on the US sizing chart...And now that Lewiscraft is gone...it is hard to get a 7 mm needle from places like Michaels and Walmart (not that walmart has an amazing selection anyway). I have a pair, and I know I can hunt them down online, but you just can't get them walking into a store anymore.

Metric is way more precise, for a lot of things...even though I find myself interchangably using both metric and imperial...

(Yes I am 5'7", but it is 25 degrees out today....balmy!)

To be fair, I didn't find the old Canadian sizing any better....it was slightly weird to...

kristaj · 07-27-2008, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Knitting_Guy

I agree about our sizing system being a bit dumb. We Americans simply refuse to go to the metric measurement system. I'll never understand why as it makes so much more sense.

Amen! And what is even crazier is any American student now has to use metric for just about any science class they take, so you would think that instead of using two systems everyone would want to go to just one. Believe me the science world is not going to stop using metric. I'm married to a junior high science teacher, you should hear him get on his soap box about metric.

Knitting_Guy · 07-28-2008, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by kristaj

Amen! And what is even crazier is any American student now has to use metric for just about any science class they take, so you would think that instead of using two systems everyone would want to go to just one. Believe me the science world is not going to stop using metric. I'm married to a junior high science teacher, you should hear him get on his soap box about metric.

As a former electronics engineer, metric measurements are second nature for me and our archaic system tends to drive me a bit nuts. Well, ok, more nuts than I already am.

tokmom · 07-28-2008, 02:21 AM

I have wondered this as well and never know what size I really should get.

kaidyddd · 07-28-2008, 02:19 PM

I think you should have all of the small sizes in your bag. I know it's a wee bit more expensive, but when you are knitting with small yarn on tiny needles and want a good fit--say for socks or glove fingers, it's nice having different sizes available. I've found that the fingering wt. yarn isn't alway consistent--and thus having the different needle sizes helps to knit a desired gauge. Personally, I'm a fan of 2.5mm needles for sock cuffs, but I like knit fabric a bit sturdier for heels and toes and will drop to a 2.0mm there.

Kaidy