Bamboo Knitting Needles
I love bamboo knitting needles. They may be more expensive than plastic or metal needles, but they’re worth it, I think. They combine the best characteristics of each.
Plastic needles feel pretty good in your hand as you knit, and they’re lightweight, which eases stress on your hands. But they aren’t the most durable - the tip broke on one of my needles, despite being very careful with them. And watch out for those small sizes - it would be so easy to snap one of those size 5’s!
Metal needles, on the other hand, are very durable, but I just don’t like the way they feel. They’re heavier, and there’s just something about the way the metal slides against metal that bothers me.
Bamboo needles are more durable than plastic, but they’re just as light-weight and feel just as good in your hand, if not better. I’d say, invest in some good bamboo needles for the sizes that you use most often, like these 10 1/2’s that I bought yesterday.
Update: It looks like Jo-Ann Fabric sells these needles through Amazon. I got mine at the A.C. Moore in Framingham.
May 24th, 2005 at 12:59 am
You should teach me how to knit! I tried to teach myself and failed miserably.
May 24th, 2005 at 2:38 pm
Sure! Yeah, it can be hard to teach yourself - the drawings they have in books and stuff can be more confusing than anything. It’s easier when you can see somebody actually doing it.
July 18th, 2006 at 6:00 am
For a truly amazing knitting experience, try Lantern Moon needles. They cost a fortune - some are made with ebony, some with rosewood (http://www.lanternmoon.com/KN.asp). But they’re absolutely gorgeous.