WhatFinger


Manly Art of Knitting

Need more Needles?



Always! At least my dearest thinks so. Of course, I’m referring to knitting needles, what else?
There is an astounding variety of such and I’m not talking about colors. They come in different thickness, length, material, points, ends, slippiness, and other most critical choices. Considering the available choices (and needs), knitters are having a hard time choosing the right tools. As far as I can reckon, each knitting project needs its own set of yarn (of nearly infinite varieties) and, of course, its corresponding set of needles. Just let’s look at the simplest of needle properties, such as their diameter or thickness.

Needle Thickness

Everything has ideal proportions. For example, already the ancient Greeks had recognized the “Golden Cut” as a length/width format of great advantage. For example, a sheet of paper in that format allows you to fold it in the center to result in two smaller parts with the same length/width ratio as the original. Consequently, even further folding also maintains that ratio. The German system of industrial norms (DIN) for paper is based on that principle. Needle and yarn suppliers like jimmybeanswool.com are most helpful in catering to all knitters’ needs, real or perceived. If you feel like you’re getting cross-eyed looking at their offerings, don’t blame me. It’s all for a good cause, like the grandchildren, and others “in waiting.”

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Wikipedia has a chart of knitting needle sizes in several systems, i.e., the British, European (metric), Japanese, and U.S. system. That’s just for thickness and covers already more than 40 measurements. Depending on the exact nature of your project for the little ones, or whomever, and the size and type of yarn, the kind of item you wish to create and a few other parameters and conditions, this process of choosing the right needles may already have become a significant task. But don’t despair, help is close by. The Internet is full of descriptions and videos showing you how to knit the most intricate shapes and designs, from pill-box hats to whole dresses, one step at a time. You may just need another set of needles, also in the right length and with the appropriate points.

Needle Lengths

Surely, knitting mini-socks for baby is different from making a cardigan for your hubby; each has its own specifications for the necessary equipment and material. Now, even if you are not into knitting, but into crocheting, quilting or other crafts instead that are requiring any needles, having the correct size of such is a must. I’m not even mentioning the curvature of such devices. Admittedly, I do not know what I’m talking about at all. So, if you need some factual advice, please get in touch with my better half; she has all the answers to your questions. If necessary, there are other ladies in the circle to help you as well.
As for me, I’m still riding along trying to master the simple knit stitch as on the cover of Dave Fougner’s 1972 book on the “Manly Art of Knitting.” Despite my countless efforts and that book being known as a “classic,” I still seem to drop some stitches; can only guess it’s due to them darn wrong needles … Can you help me find the right ones?


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Dr. Klaus L.E. Kaiser -- Bio and Archives

Dr. Klaus L.E. Kaiser is author of CONVENIENT MYTHS, the green revolution – perceptions, politics, and facts Convenient Myths


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