One of the most important elements to get right with knitting is the needle size, but how do you know which needle size to go for?
In most knitting patterns, there will be a suggested needle size to use in order for your garment to come out the right size. However, if you’re making up your own pattern, like a scarf or a blanket for example, you need to decide the needle size for yourself so that the knitting comes out to the correct tension. Using a needle that is too small could result in your knitting being too tight and stiff. On the other hand, using a needle that is too big could result in your knitting being too loose and holey.
Most yarns give a knitting needle size suggestion on their ball band which makes it nice and easy to know which size needle to pick. Look out for a picture of knitting needles on the ball band (often found next to the washing instructions) to find the suggested size.
If the yarn doesn’t give a recommended size, below is a rough guide on which needle size to go for:
2ply – 2.75mm
3ply – 3mm
4ply – 3.25mm
DK – 4mm
Aran – 5mm
Chunky – 6/6.5mm
Super Chunky – 10mm
If you’re following an old pattern (or an American pattern), sometimes it can get confusing which size needle you need. Below is a knitting needle conversion chart for Metric/UK/US needle sizes. Click here if you would like a downloadable copy to print and keep in your knitting bag.
If you now know which size needle you need but the sizes have rubbed off your needles at home, use this handy gadget to find out what size your needles are:
