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Single Point Knitting Needles
What is a Single Point Knitting Needle?
Single point knitting needles are one of the most common types of knitting needles used in hand knitting. They are characterized by having a pointed tip at one end and a stopper or knob at the other end to prevent stitches from sliding off.
Single point knitting needles are a versatile and essential tool for knitters, especially suited for flat knitting projects. They provide a straightforward and effective way to create a variety of knitted items. We love single point knitting needles for smaller width projects such as scarves, cloths, sampling a new yarn, or small pieces of knitting as is used in baby or toddler pieces.
Characteristics of Single Point Knitting Needles:
- Length: They come in various lengths, typically ranging from 8 to 14 inches. Longer needles can hold more stitches and are useful for larger projects, while shorter needles are more manageable for smaller projects. Circular knitting needles will hold many more stitches. A circular needle, in its' simplest description, is like 2 single point needles, but instead of the knob on one end, a cord connects the 2 ends together. Circular needles can be lengths of 9" to 60", tip to tip.
- Material: Single point knitting needles can be made from various materials:
- Metal: Often aluminum or steel, these needles are smooth and allow stitches to slide easily. We carry the addi and Prym needles.
- Plastic: Lightweight and often colorful, plastic needles are easy to handle and come in various sizes. Brysons' Bryspun single point needles have a great concave point. These needles are often harder to find.
- Wood/Bamboo: These needles provide a warm feel and a slightly grippy surface, which can help prevent stitches from slipping too easily. We carry the addi bamboo and the Lykke wood single points.
- Size: Needles come in different diameters, ranging from very fine (for delicate work) to very thick (for bulky yarns). The size is usually indicated in millimeters or by a U.S. numbering system either on the knob tip or engraved lightly into the needle itself.