I normally have used the Boyd aluminum types and a couple of plastics for both my knitting needles & crochet hooks, but decided to ’splurge’ on a bamboo crochet hook. It’s certainly different. What kind do you like best ? Is bamboo better for more hooks/needles? I also see something called rosewood – is that worth it ? Any other kind out there ? Thanks
Different needle materials work better for certain types of yarn when it comes to knitting needles. Metal needles work best with yarns that are not particularly slippery–wool, acryllic, and such; plastic needles (IMO they squeak in use) will work on these types too, as well as cotton; bamboo, birch, rosewood work best for slippery yarns–alpaca, llama, silk, bamboo, and such. Laceweight yarns of any fiber benefit from using rosewood or birch needles, btw, so you expect to be a lace knitter, these are good choices for that, along with the Addi circulars designed for lace knitting. None of these are cheap, btw.
Crochet hooks are a bit different because they don’t have to actually hold onto the yarns to keep them on the shaft, but the same principle applies. Yes, they feel quite differently in the hands to metal hooks or plastic hooks (again, I’m not a fan of plastic hooks, in this case I find they flex too much in use), so this one is really what your personal preference is and what your pocketbook can stand.
In general bamboo and wooden hooks and needles are more costly than aluminum or plastic ones. They are comparable to the cost of top of the line circulars like Inox and Addis.
3 responses so far ↓
1 nomsbrax // Jan 22, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I love the aluminum crochet hooks and knitting needles. I have used bamboo and like them only with really slick yarn. I have tried rosewood hooks and also like them. They are a little expensive so I don’t use mine all the time. My husband makes some of my knitting needles out of wood he hand carves and they are my all time favorite.
Hope you find the right type of hook/needle for you.
References :
2 mickiinpodunk // Jan 22, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Different needle materials work better for certain types of yarn when it comes to knitting needles. Metal needles work best with yarns that are not particularly slippery–wool, acryllic, and such; plastic needles (IMO they squeak in use) will work on these types too, as well as cotton; bamboo, birch, rosewood work best for slippery yarns–alpaca, llama, silk, bamboo, and such. Laceweight yarns of any fiber benefit from using rosewood or birch needles, btw, so you expect to be a lace knitter, these are good choices for that, along with the Addi circulars designed for lace knitting. None of these are cheap, btw.
Crochet hooks are a bit different because they don’t have to actually hold onto the yarns to keep them on the shaft, but the same principle applies. Yes, they feel quite differently in the hands to metal hooks or plastic hooks (again, I’m not a fan of plastic hooks, in this case I find they flex too much in use), so this one is really what your personal preference is and what your pocketbook can stand.
In general bamboo and wooden hooks and needles are more costly than aluminum or plastic ones. They are comparable to the cost of top of the line circulars like Inox and Addis.
References :
I have been knitting for 53 years, and owned most types of knitting needles, although I’ve never owned rosewood ones, someday maybe.
3 kipperkay // Jan 22, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I use the Boyd aluminum crochet hooks. I find that I can work very quickly because they do allow the yarn to slide off without any friction. I’ve use the plastic P, Q, and S for bulky projects because I haven’t seen them offered in aluminum.
When I knit the type of knitting needles depends on the yarn. If it is slippery like Fun Fur I use bamboo. I find rosewood to be a "harder" needle, it feels less friendly than the bamboo. Hope that make sense.
References :
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