Back to basics: knitting needles types and sizes

The most essential tools for knitting are, of course, knitting needles. If you’re getting into the world of knitting, you’ll soon discover that needles come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials.

Types of knitting needles

There are several types of knitting needles, each suited to a particular kind of project or yarn. Here are the most common types:

• Straight needles: These are the most traditional needles in Italy. They come as a pair of long, slender sticks with a pointed tip and a flat or rounded end, often with a stopper to prevent stitches from slipping off. Straight needles are mainly used for flat knitting projects, such as scarves, blankets, and sweaters.

We use beechwood straight needles: they’re smooth but not slippery, which makes them perfect for beginners—yarn slides less easily off the tips, reducing the risk of accidentally undoing your work. Beech is a durable hardwood, ideal for long-lasting needles. Plus, unlike plastic or metal, they’re natural and sustainable.

Available sizes range from 3 mm to 20 mm (in 1 mm increments), with needle lengths between 35 and 39 cm.

• Circular needles: popular in English-speaking and Northern European countries (but now widespread everywhere), these needles have two short tips connected by a flexible cable and are used for knitting in the round, such as hats, mittens, and socks. Circular needles are highly versatile and allow you to knit without the need to seam your work at the end.

Bettaknit’s circular needles feature maple wood tips and a flexible cable. They range from 3 mm to 12 mm (in 1 mm increments), and the cable is 60 cm long, the most common length, ideal for a wide variety of circular projects.

For seamless cowls and hats, the 12 mm size is also available with 40 or 20 cm cables.

Additionally, we offer beechwood circular needles in sizes from 10 mm to 15 mm, with a 100 cm cable, perfect for knitting larger circular projects like sweaters or cardigans using chunky yarns, such as our Cool Wool.

• Double-pointed needles (DPNs): these are thin needles with a point at each end. Typically used in sets of four or five, DPNs allow you to knit in the round using the “needle game” method: stitches are divided across 3 or 4 needles, and worked with the remaining one, rotating through them.

The benefit of DPNs is that they let you work in the round even on very small circumferences, which makes them ideal for knitting socks and gloves.

How to choose knitting needle sizes

Among all the variables to consider, needle size is arguably the most important. It refers to the diameter of the needle and can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres.

Choosing the right diameter depends on the type of yarn you want to use and the effect you want to achieve. Each yarn weight typically pairs with one or more needle sizes to create the correct tension in your work.

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For an even, regular knitting tension (not too tight or too loose), here’s a general guide:

• Smaller needles (2–5 mm) → ideal for fine yarns and detailed work

• Medium needles (6–8 mm) → great for most basic projects

• Larger needles (9 mm and up) → perfect for chunky yarns (like our Cool Wool!) or open, airy textures

Needle size should always be matched to the yarn and desired outcome. To get the correct gauge, we recommend following the suggestions on the yarn label. And remember—this isn’t a strict rule. Knitting a swatch is the best way to see if you like the final result.

Most yarn labels include a recommended needle size, which is especially helpful for beginners or when working with a new yarn.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. Depending on the effect you’re going for, you can choose the needle size that best suits your needs. That’s why we always suggest knitting a test swatch to try out your chosen needles.

Knitting needle size conversion chart

Knitting needle sizes are indicated using different systems across the world. In Europe, the metric system is used (measured in millimetres), while the United States and United Kingdom each have their own numerical sizing systems.

Here is a needle size conversion chart showing how millimetre sizes translate into US and UK sizes.

Bettaknit knitting needles: natural beauty meets function

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already experienced, choosing high-quality knitting needles is the first step to truly enjoying your creative break. Bettaknit’s natural wood needles are not only beautiful and pleasant to work with—they’re also a small, conscious choice for more sustainable knitting.

If you found this post on types and sizes of knitting needles helpful and want to know more, check out our blog post on everything you need to get started with knitting!