I'd like to get into knitting but I'm completely lost with all the types of needles you see in stores. Is it really important to get the right ones or can I start with just any needles? And is bamboo or metal better for a beginner?
Needles that don't fit right can make things really annoying at first, so it's definitely worth choosing the right ones. You need to know the size (which matches your yarn thickness) and the length, and it's not complicated once you know what to look for - you just check the label on your yarn, it'll tell you which needle size to use.
For beginners, bamboo or wood is nice because the yarn doesn't slide as fast and you have better control of your stitches, whereas metal can be a bit too slippery when you're starting out. Do you already have an idea of the project you want to make, like a sweater or something simpler like a scarf?
To get started stress-free, first buy a small kit that comes with a sweater or scarf pattern already included - it'll tell you exactly which needle size to use and you won't have to struggle decoding yarn labels. If you want more flexibility, just memorize this trick: the needle should be roughly as thick as your yarn - you can test it by running the yarn over it, it should slide smoothly but not slip off either.
For the material, bamboo is honestly safer to start with because the yarn doesn't slide everywhere, unlike metal where everything escapes the second you're unsure about your tension. Bamboo is also less nerve-wracking when you're casting on stitches - with metal, a dropped stitch is a real panic. After that, once you really get the hang of it, lots of people prefer metal because it's faster, but there's no rush for you.
Log into answer.
