Knitting Needles-question

[Carols Clucks]

Knitters, what kind of needles do you like the best?

Plastic-metal-bamboo-wood and why?

Straight or round?



I have weak wrists so I tend to knit everything I can on a round needle so the weight of the project can sit in my lap, but I have a mess of straight needles and am debating reducing the numbers if I don't need them for anything.

 

[NanaKat]

Personally, I like my metal needles. I've used all sizes with different yarns and they are strong and trustworthy.

Plastic bends or breaks over time. Wood and bamboo have splintered with age.

I love ivory, but you can't get those anymore. The polished surface warms in your hand and seems to slide through the stitches.
I have two sets that were from my grandmother's and they are cherished.

 

[baustin]

I also prefer metal needles. I have some that were my mom's that she had back during WWII. I've never had occasion to us round but I have some that I haven't tried yet.

 

[Lostbody]

I'm a bamboo kinda gal. I love the feel and I've never had mine go splintery on me (yet).

I have some metal ones and some plastic that my grandmother left me, but I find them too slippery.
I still use Grandma's old knitting bag, though. I'm sentimental like that.

As for straight v. round... I use both, but have been leaning towards my rounds a lot more lately.

I didn't even know they made ivory knitting needles.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I have a lot of physical problems, so I also like to support the weight of heavier knitting. I usually use straight needles, though. I use a pillow in my lap to rest things on. It also elevates it, so I'm not bending over my work as much. That helps me, too. Sometimes I knit at my little adjustable craft table or at my desk, too.

I predate bamboo as a material for knitting needles.

The majority of my straights are aluminum, mostly bought back in the '70's. They are slick and very fast to knit on. I love them. I usually knit my sweaters in pieces and seam them.

My circulars are all synthetics. I didn't really have a choice in materials back when I bought them, but I do like it that they are one smooth piece. Some of the other materials can have joins that are lumpy or come apart. I've mainly used them for neckline ribbing on sweaters.

For double points, I like wood, because it has more grip. I'm a loose knitter and usually use a needle one size smaller to get the gauge right. That increases the chances of a double point slipping right out of the knitting. Which I've had happen!

I also have aluminum DPs, but I don't use them often. I think they were the ones that slipped right out.

I'm thinking about trying the method of using a pair of circular needles to knit socks sometime. I think that would be a good fit for my looser knitting style. I also have a puppy that's getting into everything. It's good to have something I can toss aside in an emergency and still stay on the needles!

I've also thought about trying some sweaters in the round. I'm not really sure what I would choose for new circulars, but I would love any suggestions anyone has.

I inherited my great-grandmothers wood knitting needles and wood crochet hooks. You can see some of the carving marks from when they were made, by hand. I love having them and it makes me think of her whenever I look at them. I also have her selection of steel crochet hooks for making lace. She inspired me to crochet lace. I would love to see and touch ivory knitting needles. Lucky you!

 

[baustin]

I'm sentimental about my mothers needles, English sizes and all. I also have a lot of her knitting patterns and some in fair isle.