Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
Knitting Needles
The size of a knitting needle is described by its diameter and also by its length. The size of the knitted stitch is determined in large part by the diameter of the knitting needle used to form it, because that affects the length of the yarn loop drawn through the previous stitch. We stock the popular KnitPro Symfonie & Zing ranges as well as Ashford Bamboo Double Point Needles.
Crochet Hooks
Longer hooks are used for Tunisian crochet to accommodate the lengthy rows of open loops characterizing that style. Crochet hooks are mostly produced in diameters ranging from 0.35 mm to 25 mm. These diameters are indicated both directly in millimeters
Types of Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles
Interchangeable knitting needles are most commonly used to knit flat or for knitting 'in the round'. Interchangeable knitting needles are made up of a pair of needle tips that are joined in the middle by a flexible cable. They are often used in the place of fixed circular knitting needles in some patterns. However, unlike fixed circulars, they can be changed to accommodate the width of a project. These circular knitting needles come in a full range of sizes, lengths and materials. This style of knitting needle is also preferred as they distribute the weight evenly.
Double Pointed Knitting Needles
Double Pointed Needles (DPN's) are used for knitting small things in the round such as hats and socks. They usually come in a set of five needles. Both needle ends are pointed to knit from either end of the needle. They are very often made in bamboo or wood as this helps to stop the stitches fall off during use. Double Pointed Knitting Needles are often used for knitting 'in the round' and very commonly the chosen needle for things as small hats, socks, gloves and sleeve ends.
Afghan/Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Tunisian crochet hooks are also called Afghan crochet hooks. They are longer than regular crochet hooks, which allows them to hold more loops on the hook at once. They are also shaped without a fat thumb grip. Some may have a stopper at the end. Many knitters & crocheters like them as they consider them to be a cross between a knitting needle and a crochet hook. Tunisian crochet hooks come in a range of diameters and materials such as metal or plastic.
Materials used for Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks are made from many different materials. Below are a few of them and what their differences are:
Bamboo Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
Bamboo is lightweight and warm in the hand and are available in all but the smallest and jumbo sizes.
Steel Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks
Steel Crochet Hooks are for the smallest sizes and are often used in fine thread crochet such as in doilies.
Plastic Knitting Needles &Crochet Hooks
Plastic Crochet Hooks are available in all the common sizes as well as jumbo hooks. They are very large and are usually made of hollow plastic, and preferred because it they lightweight.
