I recently got back into knitting after a break and got confused about needle sizes. I used to knit with old Soviet needles, and now I want to get some decent ones. What's better - metal or bamboo?
The main thing is don't rely only on the needle size number on the yarn label, especially if you're buying imported yarn 😊 The numbering system differs in different countries, and Soviet needles used to have their own system entirely. It's better to check the needle thickness in millimeters and compare it with the yarn manufacturer's recommendations in those exact units. As for material - I prefer metal for everyday knitting because the needles don't slip and you can knit faster, but for beginners bamboo can sometimes be more convenient because stitches stay on better and don't slide off at the worst possible moment.
What yarn are you planning to use first?
The needle size depends on the yarn thickness - that's the main rule. Usually the yarn ball has a recommended needle size on it, and I always go by that. If you used Soviet needles before, there was a similar system, but the sizes could differ a bit. In 2026 it's easier - just check the yarn label, it's all written there. If you're planning to do several projects, buy needles gradually so you don't spend money on a whole set at once.
As for materials, from my personal experience: metal needles are more convenient for most work. Stitches slide on them easier, you work faster, and they last longer. Bamboo ones are good if you're knitting with slippery yarn or if your hands hurt - they're gentler on the strain. I use metal for regular knitting, and I rarely take bamboo, only when I need something delicate. Choose needle length by this principle: for small items (scarves, cuffs) short needles 20-25 cm work, for large ones (sweaters, blankets) you need long ones - 35-40 cm. A lot of knitters go for circular needles, they're more versatile.
The size of needles is picked mainly based on yarn thickness, that's true, but you need to understand that the numbers on Soviet needles and modern ones often don't match! I ran into this when I first wanted to just buy analogs of the old sizes - and almost messed up. The label always says which needles you need, go by that recommendation, it's universal.
As for the material - here's my advice! For a beginner (or someone getting back into it) I'd recommend metal, because it's easier to learn on them, stitches slide well and don't drop if you're not watching. Bamboo is cool, but stitches grip tighter on them, and that can be exhausting if you haven't gotten the hang of it yet. Plus bamboo needles make less noise - and that might seem like a plus, but sometimes you won't even hear that your knitting dropped right next to you!
The main thing people often forget - not all needles of the same size are equal! Different manufacturers can have slightly different sizes, and if your fabric turns out too tight at first, try going up half a size. Experiment right there in the store if you can, test them against the yarn you've already bought!
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