Facts & Tips - Knitting & Crochet - Wizard Crafts

There are many different techniques for both knitting and crochet. Here are some hints to get you started.

In knitting, you have a choice of straight needles, circular needles and double pointed needles. Double pointed needles are usually used for smaller items that are knitted in the round and required to be seamless, while circular needles are used for larger, seamless, knitted in the round items. However, some people prefer circular needles to straight needles and use them for all their knitting.

Knitting needles are made from all types of materials, most commonly metal, plastic and bamboo. In the past they were made from bone and some people still buy and use bone needles. There are at present long debates about which is the best material needles are made from, especially if you have either hand or joint problems. Some people say that metal is too cold and bamboo is more kind. Others say that the knitting slides along the needle much more easily with metal needles, while it tends to stick with bamboo. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice, and which type of needle you are most comfortable with. You may have noticed that I made no mention of plastic. Plastic needles are fine when making small items, but tend to be too bendy when making medium to large (therefore heavy) items.

The choice is yours again when talking about crochet hooks. They are also made from bone, metal, plastic and bamboo, and it really is personal preference as to which you use.

Having said a bit about the different materials needles and hooks are made from, it is now time to talk about the different sizes they come in. Knitting needles start at 2mm (metric) which equates to a 14 in English Imperial size and 0 in American size. They go all the way to a size 10mm (metric) which is the equivalent of English Imperial size 000 and American size 15. Larger needles can be bought in specialist stores and these are used for anything with big stitches eg chunky jumpers, rag rugs etc.

Crochet hooks are available from a 1mm (metric size) which equals a 10 in English Imperial but has no US equivalent, to a 19mm (metric) which equals US size S, but has no English equivalent. Bigger and smaller sizes are available from specialist stores and these are used for chunky blankets, rugs etc., whilst the smaller needles are used for delicate lace.

So, what size yarn is recommended for which size needle. Well, generally it is a 3.25mm needle or hook for 4 ply wool, a 4mm needle or hook for double knit wool, a 5mm needle or hook for Aran wool, and a 6.5mm needle or hook for chunky yarns. If you have English Imperial or US needles, there are plenty of needle size conversion charts on the internet.

However, once again, these sizes are not set in stone. You also have to take into account your tension. If you are using a 6mm needle or hook, and your knitting or crochet looks or feels too loose, then use a slightly smaller hook or needle until it looks or feels right. Alternatively, if you are using a 5mm hook or needle and your work looks or feels too tight, then use a slightly larger hook or needle until your work looks or feels right.

Hopefully, these tips will give you some guidance. In the meantime, please have a browse at all our knitting and crochet items.

We have a wide range of items in this category so please take a look. These include:-  knitting needles; cable needles; double pointed knitting needles; crochet hooks; tunisian crochet or afghan hooks; wool; cotton yarn;  row counters; stitch holders; needle holders; knitting looms; and knitting bags.  Please have a browse through this category and see if anything catches your eye.