Do you enjoy knitting? Maybe you are in the market for a new set of knitting needles to use with cotton yarn. We have done some research and found the best sets of needles to use with cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is the most common type of yarn used in knitting, so let us help you find the perfect set of needles!
While mostly you can use any needle to knit with cotton yarn, bamboo, wood, and plastic are highly preferred not to slip as easily. Below are several types of knitting needles that you can use for cotton yarn:
- Bamboo
- Wooden
- Plastic or Acrylic
- Resin
- Metal
Keep reading through our article to see why each set of knitting needles is different and how easy or difficult it is to use them with cotton yarn. You will be sure to be able to find the perfect sets for your needs!
5 Best Knitting Needles For Cotton Yarn
1. Bamboo Knitting Needles
Most say that bamboo knitting needles are the best type to use while working with cotton yarn. Bamboo needles are very lightweight, making them perfect if you may have arthritis or pains in your joints.
The yarn glides perfectly over the needle's smooth finish, greatly diminishing the chance of splitting any yarn you are working with. Because the cotton yarn is thicker, it does tend to split more.
These types of needles are available in sizes 2.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters. So bamboo knitting needles may be the way to go for you!
To purchase this 36 piece set of bamboo knitting needles on Amazon, click here!
2. Wooden Knitting Needles
As with bamboo knitting needles, wooden ones are also lightweight. These come in many shapes and sizes. Wooden needles are mostly made out of birch, rosewood, oak, or ebony.
These needles feel warm in your hands while working with them versus cold metal. Wooden knitting needles also help the cotton yarn to stay put and not slip or slide. They will also deter the yarn from splitting and fraying as you are working with it.
Wooden needles are usually the more expensive types. They range in size from 2.1 millimeters all the way up to 25 millimeters!
To Purchase this set of straight wooden knitting needles on Amazon, Click here!
3. Plastic or Acrylic Knitting Needles
Plastic knitting needles are the least expensive type to purchase. They are often smoother than wooden ones but have the same effect as with slippery yarn.
Cotton yarn and plastic knitting needles work wonders together. These are often a great choice when just starting out, as they are inexpensive. These types of needles are also often used for knitting materials like plastic, rags, or rope.
A lot of knitters prefer using plastic because it has a little more flex to the needle than wood or metal. If using cotton yarn, you can be sure that these needles will be comfortable in your hands and glide right through the yarn with ease.
To purchase this multi-colored set of acrylic knitting needles on Amazon, Click here!
4. Resin Knitting Needles
Resin knitting needles are basically the same as acrylic and plastic. If you choose to buy a resin set, they can be very elaborate or very simple in appearance. Many people are now using resin to make all sorts of things.
Your knitting needles could easily have a design at the top like the ones pictured above. These needles will be a bit more expensive because of the time and effort that was put into making them. However, the resin would also be a great choice when working with cotton yarn because of its smooth, lightweight texture. These are also fun for kids!
While there are no available resin knitting needles on Amazon currently, you may find them in craft stores anywhere. You can also find resin knitting needle molds to create a masterpiece of your own! What fun!
5. Metal Knitting Needles
Metal knitting needles are very common. They, however, are a lot heavier than lightweight plastic or bamboo. Because of their weight, some people are bothered with less function in their hands or pain in their fingers. Metal can also be very cold to the touch.
These needles often make a clicking sound when working because of their material. They still work well with cotton yarn, but because of their sharper point and how slick they are, the yarn may split and separate more if not careful. And because of their weight and sharper material, an injury could occur when using them quickly. They usually range in size from 2.0 millimeters to 8.0 millimeters.
To purchase this 22 piece set of metal knitting needles on Amazon, click here!
Here are some additional questions that can help you pick the right type of knitting needles for your projects.
Which needles for which yarn?
A smaller needle is going to make a smaller stitch. If you want a very small stitch, then we suggest using a finer yarn. A chunkier yarn would require a bigger-sized knitting needle.
It really depends on the project as well. If you are using a thick yarn to make a big chunky blanket, you might be using a 20-millimeter knitting needle. For a small dishcloth, you may use finer yarn and a smaller 4-millimeter knitting needle.
Any type and size of yarn can be used for almost anything. It is personal preference or what the directions for your project recommend.
What size needles for DK cotton?
For a double knit project, it is recommended to use a 4.5-millimeter or 5.5-millimeter knitting needle. This will use a finer yarn that is more lightweight. You may want to use these types of knitting needles when knitting a baby blanket, lightweight summer sweater, or even a hat. Lighter yarns are always used in a double knit project.
What is the difference between thick and thin knitting needles?
A thicker knitting needle is going to be bigger and requires a thicker thread. This, in turn, makes your loops and stitches bigger and more spaced out. A thinner knitting needle is used for more intricate details in a project, such as flowers, decorative edges, and even lace.
You may want to use a smaller-sized needle for a thicker yarn, but it can create tangles and knots. Thicker needles can be easier to handle and would be a great start for learning to knit.
Are metal or wooden knitting needles better?
This purely depends on your personal preference. Some people like the heavier material of a metal knitting needle. They are more durable and last longer as well.
Others may prefer to use a bamboo or oak knitting needle set. These are just as smooth but are lighter in weight and warmer to the touch of your hand. They both can be expensive in price but are also easily available at craft stores.
How does needle size affect knitting?
A larger needle gauge will affect the gauge of your loop or stitch. The concept of a gauge is how many stitches can be made in one inch of knitting. So the smaller the knitting needle size, the more stitches can fit into an inch of the project.
If you are making a big blanket, you would want a larger gauge, or you will be knitting that blanket forever! The type and weight of the yarn being used are also significant factors. A thicker yarn will have fewer stitches per inch.
In Closing
Any material of knitting needle can be used while working with cotton yarn. You may choose a warmer, smooth wood or bamboo. Plastic works well too. It is more flexible and easier to work with.
Wood and plastic are lighter and will cause less ache to the fingers and joints. However, metal knitting needles also work well with cotton yarn. They are heavier and often make more noise but can be used effectively and efficiently with cotton yarn, as well. Personal preference and the type of project are huge factors when choosing the right knitting needle set for you.
For more fun articles on knitting and yarn, visit the links below!
Can You Knit Socks With Cotton Yarn?
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