This has to be the most iconic of all the knitting needle types, which most people associate with knitting. You know the two long needles usually in very boring beigy grey, in the hands of a slightly older lady sitting on a comfy looking armchair by the fire who is knitting a scarf. That is the most stereoptypical image that I find is associated with knitting. This image really scares me because I do not ever want to be remembered this way!
Back to knitting needles, I have a number of straight knitting needles from when I first started knitting. Generally this is the knitting needle of choice for beginners. There is less confusion as to which side is which is great for beginners. Most people eventually graduate to circular knitting needles or interchangeable knitting needles. These days I use my straight knitting needles to check tension and make small samples. They are not as portable because they can be quite long and stick out of your bag, and really do get in the way of knitting in public places like on the train. To me this is important because I tend to knit on the go.
Straight knitting needles generally come in 3 length 35, 30cm and 25cm.
Generally the longest length at 35cm are the most versatile, these are used for knitting bigger items like sweater, as well as smaller items like scarves. They are however rather long, and you will need a larger knitting bag, and need more space to knit so that you do not not inadvertantly poke someone. I know I have in the past. Not so convenient to knit with on the go. You do find some longer ones at 40cm but these are not so common.
The 30cm ones are marginally better as they are not as long. Unless you are making large item, this size might be a little more convenient.
The short ones at 25cm are quite portable, but they are only good for small projects like scarfs and clothes for kids.
Straight knitting needles were the only option for a long time when I first started knitting. These days there are other exciting options in knitting needles like circular knitting needles and interchangeable kits that are far more portable and convenient. However they are great for beginners. I would get the longer 35cm knitting needles as you can do everything with them except projects that require circular knitting. They are good for both small and big projects, this way you only need one pair in each size instead of having one long and one short pair of the same size.
