First pair of knitting needles

First pair of knitting needles

These are the first pair of knitting needles that I have ever owned. With this pair of knitting needles, my adventures (and misadventures!) began. After begging my mother for a pair, she finally gave in and bought me these and some yarn. Back in those days I only made very easy swatches. I just didn’t have the focus to sit down and knit something complicated.

My first pair of knitting needles is a pair of Pony straight knitting needles in size 6 – that is US size which is equivilent to size 4mm in metric. For knitting needle conversion chart, please see conversion chart. The length is 35cm, and the look to be solid aluminium coated with the ubiquitous beigy grey color. I often wonder why this very boring color is so popular. The tips have worn off a bit and the aluminium shows through. It is also missing one of the decorative rings on the plastic knob at the end of the needle.

Now I keep this in my kit, though I don’t use it anymore. I find that I have become sentimental and would loathe to lose this pair of needles as it was my first ever and I learnt to knit with it. I’m generally not sentimental and have actually given away the first sweater I ever made.

What is the first knitting needle you have owned? Do you still have it? Are you sentimental about it?

Now with what I know here’s what I would get as a first pair of knitting needles as an absolute beginner – a pair of really cheap of straight bamboo knitting needles 35cm and 4mm or bigger.

Why Bamboo?
Bamboo is great for beginners because it grips the stitches as it is not silky smooth. The stitches do not slip off the needle which is big heart stopping moment for beginners.

Why cheap?
The cheap ones are even less slippery than the expensive ones!

Why straight knitting needles and not circular?
Less confusing as to what is going on as a beginner.

Why 35cm long?
Though these are long and will stick out of your bag, they are the most versatile length because you can make very tiny and very large projects with them. The shorter needles though they are more convenient are not long enough to make sweaters.

Why 4mm?
This is the most common size for knitting needles. Its not too small that its difficult to knit and the resulting fabric is not too think. Needles larger than 4mm are great too, makes it easier to see what you are doing.