• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
TREASURIE
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Sewing
    • Techniques
    • How to Sew
    • Embroidery
    • Quilting
    • Face Mask
    • Fashion Types
    • Fabric Care
    • Fabric Types
    • Sewing Tools
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Tie Dye
    • Paper Crafts
    • Paper Mache
    • Cricut
    • Christmas
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
  • Shop
×

Home » Crochet

Knitting Needle Sizes - Conversion Chart & Types

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

Learn about Knitting Needle Sizes! Whether you have been knitting for a while or you want to start knitting, understanding the basics of this craft will help you succeed. If you're newly stepping into the world of knitting, the number of options there are in the market may confuse you. There are so many different types of needles in the market that you need to know which ones will work best for what you want to create. There are not only different materials and types of knitting needles but also different sizes. Knitting needles are essentially the most important part of knitting and this guide is going to help you with all the questions you could ever have.

Knitting Needle Sizes
Knitting Needle Sizes

Knitting Needle Sizes 

Understanding the different sizes of knitting needles in the market will help you pick the best one for your project. There is a measurement in knitting known as gauge which is how many stitches you can fit into an inch of knitting. The size of needles you use will affect the gauge of your project and depending on what you want from your finished product, you want to be careful of this measurement. One of the best ways to figure out if you have the perfect size for your project is to always do a test patch before committing.

US vs UK Sizing

Two types of sizes are widely accepted when it comes to knitting needles. There are the US sizes and the UK sizes. The American sizing system starts with low numbers for needles that have smaller diameters and goes up as the diameter goes up.  With the British sizing, however, the smaller the diameter, the larger the number of the size. These differences can make it difficult for you to choose which needle you need if you only have a size number. There is one commonality between the two sizing charts - they have the same size for the 4.5 mm knitting needles.

Knitting Needle Sizes - Conversions
Knitting Needle Sizes - Conversions

Knitting Needle Guage Tools

A knitting needle gauge is a measuring tool that looks a little like a ruler with holes cut out in various sizes. You use the gauge by inserting the needle into the correct sized hole and reading the relevant measurement. These tools are useful for determining knitting needle sizes where there is nothing marked on the end of the needle.

Knitting Needle Sizes Guage
Knitting Needle Sizes Guage

Knitting Needle Sizes - Conversion Chart

While two different types of sizing can be difficult to wrap your head around, there is a conversion chart that you can refer to. This knitting needle sizes chart will help you compare the different size numbers between the two sizing styles and figure out what you need. This conversion chart uses the metric system to keep a common ground between the two sizing styles. With this chart, you can also see what kind of sizes you can get and if a needle size you need doesn't exist in your preferred sizing, you can always use the metric measurements.

Metric MeasurementAmerican SizesBritish Sizes
2 mm014
2.25 mm113
2.75 mm212
3 mmDoes Not Exist11
3.25 mm310
3.5 mm4Does Not Exist
3.75 mm59
4 mm68
4.5 mm77
5 mm86
5.5 mm95
6 mm104
6.5 mm10.53
7 mmDoes Not Exist2
7.5 mmDoes Not Exist1
8 mm110
9 mm1300
10 mm15000
11 mm17Does Not Exist
19 mm19Does Not Exist
25 mm20Does Not Exist
Knitting Needle Sizes Conversion Chart

Types of Knitting Needles

There are many different types of knitting needles that you can find easily in the market. Some are made of different materials that can affect how easy it is for you to handle the yarn and make different stitches. There are also different levels of sharpness of the needle points which can help you with the type of stitches you may want to use. Understanding the different types of needles and what they can do for you is a great way to ensure the success of your next knitting project.

Straight Needles

One of the most common types of needles you'll find in the market is straight needles. These are also the types of needles that you probably associate with knitting the most. These needles are made from all different materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and even poured resin or glass. Straight needles are the easiest to use as they are very beginner-friendly. These needles are best for small flat projects such as scarves, washcloths, afghan squares, and sweaters made by joining separate knitted pieces.

Knitting Needle Sizes - Straight Needles
Knitting Needle Sizes - Straight Needles

Circular Needles

One of the most versatile types of knitting needles is circular needles. While these needles can be made from many various materials, they are usually made from metal. Circular needles are essentially two short pointed ends that are joined together by a plastic cord. The plastic cord can be permanently joined to the two shorter needles but can also be flexible in some needles. When you want to knit seamless sweaters or items that are rounder in shape, you should be using circular needles. You can knit hats, cowls, and even socks with these needles and you can also work on flat projects that are a bit on the larger side such as shawls and blankets.

Knitting Needle Sizes - Circular Needles

Double-pointed Needles

Unlike other needles, double-pointed needles have points on both ends. These needles usually come in sets of four to six needles and are great to use for smaller projects that are more round-shaped. These needles are usually made from a whole host of different materials but the most common ones are made from metal. Some double-pointed needles have a flexible middle portion that allows for more maneuverability when you're knitting. Though not the most beginner-friendly, these needles can make your knitting experience a lot more fun with enough practice. You can make gloves, hats, and mittens from scratch with these needles or you can finish off a project started on circular needles.

Cable Needles

Cable needles look a lot different than other knitting needles because they are shaped to resemble a hook. These needles are great for holding stitches when you are making knitted cables. Cable needles are a great thing to have when you’re trying to keep active stitches safe when moving around. These needles have a specific purpose which makes them great for every knitting project that you want to do. It will also always serve you well to have them in your knitting needle arsenal.

Interchangeable Needles

Another type of needle that does not have a specific use but will always serve you well when knitting is interchangeable needles. Even though these needles look like circular needles, they have one major difference that sets them apart. They have pieces that can be changed to different sizes and flexibilities. They come in a pack with all the variations of parts you could need. Interchangeable needles can also be used as straight needles and have a lot of versatile uses.

How to Match Knitting Needle Sizes to Yarn?

Just like there are variations in the sizes and types of knitting needles, there are a few options of yarn in the market for you to choose from. Knitting is not an exact science but matching compatible materials together can help you get the best chance of success from your knitting project. Knowing which types of yarn will work the best with the sizes of knitting needles you have is important.

Knitting Needle Sizes for Yarns
Knitting Needle Sizes for Yarns

One of the most important things that you need to know when choosing knitting needle sizes and yarn is knitting gauge measurement. If you don't want to get into the numerical values, you can always you're your yarn around the needle you have and figure out if it will work for your project or not. The chart below will show you how to best pair your yarn and knitting needles together, including the gauge measurement.  

Best Knitting Needle Sizes for Yarns

Yarn WeightYarn NameUS SizesUK SizesGauge Size
1 – 3 PlyLace, Light Fingerling0 – 214 – 1233-40
4 PlyFingering, Sock1 – 313 – 1027-32
5 PlySport2 – 412 – 923-26
8 PlyDouble Knit3 – 610 – 821-24
10 PlyMedium Worsted Yarn6 – 88 – 616-20
12 PlyBulky, Chunky8 – 116 – 012-25
14 PlySuper Bulky, Super Chunky11 – 170 – 0006-11
Knitting Needle Sizes and Yarn Recommendations

Knitting Needle Sizes – In Conclusion

Knitting will help you create something practical while having fun. You also get the satisfaction of making something by yourself, all from a few needles and some yarn. Knitting is something you can go back to when you have free time and if you master it, you can even make some beautiful gifts for your friends and family. With the different knitting needle sizes and the variations of yarn in the market, it will always serve you well to understand what your project needs and then invest in those materials only. Some needles are more beginner-friendly and some are more suited for novices in the world of knitting. No matter who you are, this guide is perfect to help you figure out knitting needles sizes, types of different needles, and which yarn will work the best with the needles you end up choosing.

Related Articles

  • What is Worsted Weight Yarn
  • Types of Yarns for Crochet and Knitting
  • How to Make a Pom Pom
5/5 - (25 votes)

More Crochet

  • Free Crochet Coaster Patterns
    35+ Crochet Coaster Patterns - Best Free Patterns
  • Crochet Animal Patterns, featured image for crochet animal patterns article
    Free Crochet Animal Patterns - 35 of the Best
  • Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn
    Acrylic Yarn vs Cotton Yarn - Which is Better?
  • Free Crochet Headband Patterns
    35 Crochet Headband Patterns, Best Free & Easy Headband Ideas

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Pattern Shop

Newsletter

loader

Popular

  • Face Mask Pattern 
  • How to Make Cushion Covers 
  • Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 Styles
  • How to Make a Scrunchie {2 sizes}
  • How to Make a Pillowcase
  • 6 Best Seam Finishes for Fabric
  • How to Gather
  • How to Make Curtains
  • How to Make a Quilt
  • How to Tie Dye
  • Sewing Machine Brands
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • How to Sew a Rip
  • How to Make Tassels
  • Types of Skirts
  • Sewing Projects for Beginners
  • Fabric Names

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy/Copyright
  • Sewing Pattern Shop
  • Printing Help
  • Disclaimers/Affiliate/Advertising
  • Site Map

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular

  • How to Sew
  • How to Embroider
  • How to Crochet
  • Fashion Styles
  • How to Macrame
  • How to Knit
  • How to Tie Dye

Copyright © 2022 Treasurie. All rights reserved.