I usually knit on plastic or metal but have never knitted with bamboo. I think I might have knitted on wood at some stage.

You see, I'd like to treat myself, and all this talk of fancy needles has got me thinking. Should I buy myself a pair of 4mm needles in bamboo or wood or anything else other than metal or plastic?

Is one type superior to another or is it just down to personal choice? Would I notice a difference knitting on bamboo to metal?

This is the place in the know, I await your responses. :cool:

For me, it's not so much how the needles look (though you can't deny that the Surina needles, with their lovely wood grain, are gorgeous), it's how they feel and handle the yarn. If your preference is for plastic, because of how good you find them to work with, then they'll be superior to the most expensive of hand-made wooden needles.

I prefer bamboo for most things as they're lighter and have more grip than the very slippery and heavy metal needles. Others don't like bamboo because of the grip - personal preference again. I'm not a fan of the clackiness of plastic. The Brittany Birch needles are lovely to look at too, though I think they have a bit of a plasticy feel about them and they're quite bendy too.

For circular needles, Addis are my preference because I've yet to find a needle that has a smoother cable join or a nicer cable. Others don't like the fact that they're a little on the blunt side though.

I'd say try some different types of needle, because you might find something you prefer.

I don't like grippy needles and I have a tendency to bend needles anyway so I stick to metal. I do have a single pair of Surina straights that I love to bits, would you like me to bring them along for a test knit Wheezy?

I don't like grippy needles and I have a tendency to bend needles anyway so I stick to metal. I do have a single pair of Surina straights that I love to bits, would you like me to bring them along for a test knit Wheezy?

You are so kind W4B. That would be lovely. Tell me, are you coming in a pick up on Wednesday? :hihi:

I have a Picasso. I could get every spinning wheel, ball of wool and bag of fibre that I own in the back of it.

The needles could go on the front seat.

I hated the Brittanny birches and have swapped back to metal needles for the Ivy. I have to do socks on bamboo dpns (or I drop stitches) and like addi turbos for circulars. I do also like bamboo straights for their weight and lack of clicking when you knit - also find them essential if I am using a really slippy yarn. Saying that most normal knitting here gets done on metal as thats what I have most of:hihi:

I have bamboo which I like, also some Lantern Moon's which are lovely but expensive. The only metal ones I use are KnitPicks Options needles and their DPN's which I love.
I also have a set of Denise's which are good but I think sometimes they feel a bit 'sticky'.

I despise bamboo needles. They set my teeth on edge, the nasty way they grate against each other, the clacking noise and just the feel of them. I also hate addi turbos, blunt, stumpy useless things. Pointy extra sharp metal is the only option for me, irrespective of what I'm knitting.

The Addi lace needle is very pointy, it's probably the pointiest needle I have. I'll forgive normal addis their bluntness because of the smoothness of the join. I'll forgive the Denise set their joins because of their usefullness and their fantastically long cable.

I cannot forgive bendy sock needles.

I use Addi Turbos for most things, round or flat. As W4B says, the join is lovely and smooth, and I the bluntness works out ok for me because I seem to mostly work in st st (although I nearly bought some of the new, pointier lace ones while I was trying to get the hang of the lifted increase). I really like having the weight of my knitting evenly distributed across the needle too. I have some 4mm and 4.5mm short Brittany birch needles which I use for dishcloths: they're pretty, and make handling cotton more enjoyable. My cassein needles haven't done anything useful yet. I love the look and feel of them, but they're so flexible I have trouble getting even tension. I don't use my bamboo straights much. I don't think there's anything actually wrong with them, they're just not my Addis.

Jill has some ebony ones - I'd like to look at them please Miss. You see, I think I'm after something a little bit fancy and out of the ordinary, but will they necessarily be any good? I will see. Also, I have spotted Jill has bamboo 4mm, so I'll be having a shifty at them too.


Thank you for all your comments, keep them coming in and I shall be back shortly.

I became a convert to bamboo many years ago and found that the only other sort of needles that I liked using other than them was a very strange sort of metal cored, acrylic outer needle that worked well for very very fine work (2ply) where bamboos were just too bendy to support work with any weight to it.

I actually wore out a few pairs of bamboo needles, I used them that much. I had a full set including different lengths, cable needles and DPNs bought for me for a present, but wore out the tips on the most used needles and had to regrind them- but of course that makes your needles get shorter over time which is an issue with large garments.

I like metal straights for any st st I do. I HATE plastic needles, bendy horrible sticky nasty cheap things. I only use bamboo needles for socks and I have never tried knitting with any of the more expensive needles like Surina or Brittany Birch.

These circular needles have been likened to Addi's. They are made by the same supplier on the same line, and the company have a good reputation for mail order service.

These circular needles have been likened to Addi's. They are made by the same supplier on the same line, and the company have a good reputation for mail order service.

Which ones Turra?

Which ones Turra?

Sorry Lisa, did I forget to put the link in? I thought you could all see what was on my computer!!!

Blonde moment there:blush:

the errant link (http://www.scandinavianknittingdesign.eu/)

Disclaimer: I haven't tried these myself!!

Thank you for that, I've been there before and the last time I looked they didn't have their sock yarn in white. Now they do and so will I shortly. I bought a set of the dpns just to try them as I'm ever hopeful of finding my ideal sock needle.

I have to use bamboo DPNs, I'd end up with no stitches if I didn't!
If you're after straights, you'll go faster with metal needles...

I love my bamboo needles, especially if I'm using cotton, my hands don't sweat as much. That said I knitted a throw on pony plastic 8mm circulars, and once I got used to the feel they were fine. I have some addi 12mm needles, but don't like them at all. I'm not sure though if that is because of the materials of the needle, or because they are so chunky.:huh:

I think I've been persuaded to have some "treats" for my Birthday. Now, this isn't until October but when you count on your fingers, missing out June, that's only just over 3 months away, and I suppose I can wait. :rolleyes:

Has anyone got any of the luxury Pavi ebony needles? I quite like the look of them but I'm thinking it's more of a snob value than a "good working" value. Wouldn't it be lovely once I've actually handled them and tried them out, that they are actually a nice working needle? :o

I also like the look of the flat end wooden ones too - I think the Surrina, that W4B will be bringing in for a test drive. :)

I started on a "mindless" blanket last night, using up quite a few shades in the yellow region in DK, and casted on on 4mm metal needles.

I'm getting the niggly feeling "if it's not brok it dunt need mendin". I'm torn between having an out of the ordinary pair of needles to look pretty (and why shouln't I? they would look nice in my needle vase - but also stand out too) and sticking with my old faithfulls that have been passed down to me from my Mum. I can't every remember buying a pair of needles - ever. ** My Mum always said they were too dear and I could use hers! :D

Also, going off topic a little here, I'm interested in W4B's drop spindle, but that's going down a long very different road altogether and I'm not sure if I'd get totally lost. I can't wait to see how one works on Wednesday, all being well. :)

** Apart from when I bought a wooden pair from a charity shop on holiday - thought they would look nice in my vase, and the time I got some on ebay but was only bidding on the bag really and any other time that I have forgotten about for now - sorry :(

Ooh now, Its my birthday in October too.... I wonder if I can come up with the same excuse????

Just looked at the Pavi needles, they look lovely!

My birthday's in August, and my friend asked me yesterday if there was anything I wanted. Hmm...... :D

I bought a set of the not-Addi dpns after following Turra's link. That would be yesterday - they were in the post this morning (together with the plain white sock yarn that I ordered). The dpns have the sizes printed on them and they are nice and pointy. If I had a set of Addi dpns I'd compare them for you but I don't. Very impressed with the service (and the yarn).

Glad to be of service W4B. I ordered some sock yarn from there last night. Let's see how long it takes to get here!!

Has anyone got any of the luxury Pavi ebony needles? I quite like the look of them but I'm thinking it's more of a snob value than a "good working" value. Wouldn't it be lovely once I've actually handled them and tried them out, that they are actually a nice working needle? :o

I also like the look of the flat end wooden ones too - I think the Surrina, that W4B will be bringing in for a test drive. :)

(

My lovely ebony needles are the Pavi Yarns needles! I also have some Surina dpns you can get the feel of next week.

no contest for me bamboo all the time. A few weeks ago I used metal needles for a while I got pins and needles in my fingers .

I have to use bamboo needles whenever possible too, as I lose feeling in thumbs and all finger but my little fingers, which is most annoying, but bamboo needles really help by reducing this, and rarely have to stop knitting for long! This has to be a plus, as I am trying to finish off all those WIPs before I invest in more yarn.

I'm resurrecting this thread as I want some opinions!
The pattern says I need an 8mm, 60cm circular needle for the piggy bag, and I spent several frustrating hours last night searching for a bamboo needle, as I've decided I don't like metal needles :)
As the search has been fruitless, should I just bite the bullet and go for an Addi Turbo, or could I get away with knitting it on a longer circular? Help!

I hate bamboo as I can feel them bending and it makes me feel uncomfortable. I also cannot knit with large needles (over 7mm) as it makes me feel nauseous. I have some pure wood needles and some glass needles if you want a try.

You could do magic loop if you had a much longer circular in that size, or you could use dpns (which you may need anyway if it is an icord handle).

I would offer to lend you mine except that I need them for MY Noni bag.

I have a 4mm wooden circular needle and I hate it with a passion, because the join is dreadful, and I have to yank the stitches over it. I was putting off knitting (!) because I hated the join so much.

I've swapped to an Addi now and I really like it. That said I've knitted on an 8mm cheap pony needle and it was absolutely fine. Don't bother investing in an Addi unless you think you'll get a lot of use out of it.

If anyone wants a 4mm wooden circular they are welcome to mine.

I have a 4mm wooden circular needle and I hate it with a passion, because the join is dreadful, and I have to yank the stitches over it. I was putting off knitting (!) because I hated the join so much.

I've swapped to an Addi now and I really like it. That said I've knitted on an 8mm cheap pony needle and it was absolutely fine. Don't bother investing in an Addi unless you think you'll get a lot of use out of it.

If anyone wants a 4mm wooden circular they are welcome to mine.

I have a set of neglected bamboo circs for that exact reason. Ugh to bad joins! I'm not crazy about the Pony circs: something about the coating on the tips gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'd probably advise anyone who uses circular needles to go for a better quality option: even though it's more expensive, it's a one-off cost that will see you through lots of happy kniting. I've got my first set of Addi Lace needles and they are fantastic, absolutely a joy to use. Sharp, fast, and stylish-looking.

I've not tried addi lace, but cannot stand the normal addis. Heavy, blunt and over priced.

You have persuaded me to give the bamboo ones a try now. I have always used steel.

But I like my new aluminium crochet hooks (all in pretty metallic colours!) and hate plastic ones.

I've just found somewhere that sells some very very pretty bamboo crochet hooks- now I'm torn. Food or crochet hooks? Food or crochet hooks?

Hmmm, I've found this : a bit excessive? (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/15-PAIRS-60CM-BAMBOO-CIRCULAR-KNITTING-NEEDLES-FROMUK_W0QQitemZ170144196752QQihZ007QQcategoryZ117 99QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) :suspect:

I can always sell some on I suppose :)
I've got one pair of Addi's, which are OK but I think if they were any chunkier they'd not be nice, which puts me off.
This bag is going to cost a fortune!

PS Lucy had a reeeeally nice crochet hook - some kind of metal (I can't remember what!) with a rubber handle. Even nicer than my bamboo hook...

That's a good price- the crochet hooks I'm looking at are almost a fiver each!

Was this (http://www.fleming.flump.net/~webofwoo/shop/product.php?xProd=137&xSec=17) the crochet hook you were thinking of? I love mine because I used to get cramp in my hands with smaller hooks, and I've never had that problem with these.

Some of the bamboo needles I found were £7 or £8 each, so even if I don't use all of them it's not too bad!
My housemate said last night that he never realised knitting was so complicated!

Was this (http://www.fleming.flump.net/~webofwoo/shop/product.php?xProd=137&xSec=17) the crochet hook you were thinking of? I love mine because I used to get cramp in my hands with smaller hooks, and I've never had that problem with these.

That's the one! Very ooooh. I'm not getting one though, I don't do enough crochet. Yet :D

Was this (http://www.fleming.flump.net/~webofwoo/shop/product.php?xProd=137&xSec=17) the crochet hook you were thinking of? I love mine because I used to get cramp in my hands with smaller hooks, and I've never had that problem with these.

No, actually the ones I was lusting after are Brittany Birch ones like these (http://www.dreamyarns.co.uk/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=BB072).

How gorgeous are they? I think it would almost be worth not being able to afford the mortgage to get some (almost, but not quite).

Hmm nice. But what is wood like to crochet with I wonder? I like the smoothness of my Prim Aluminium ones.

I love the clover soft touch hooks, I find I can hook for much longer with those.

The only thing I don't like is plastic. Otherwise, I don't mind. It also depends on what I am doing, too. If I am doing something lacy, where the stitches may fall off the needle, I prefer bamboo. Otherwise, I don't mind.

I recently got given loads of second hand needles in a variety of sizes so use them, mainly.