KnitPro Knitting Needles

In most countries, yes. The TSA permits knitting needles in both carry-on and checked baggage. Rules vary by airline and destination, so always check your carrier's policy before flying. Bamboo, wood or plastic knitting needles are generally the safest travel choice. Stainless steel knitting needles, aluminium and carbon fiber needles need to be confirmed by the airline and the airports.

Beginners do best with a medium size, typically US 7 to US 9 (4.5mm to 5.5mm), paired with a smooth worsted weight yarn. KnitPro's Basix, Bamboo and Dreamz laminated birchwood ranges are ideal starting points, offering comfort and control for new knitters.

Circular needles can knit flat or in the round. For flat knitting, work back and forth as you would with straights. For knitting in the round, join your cast-on stitches into a circle and work continuously without turning, creating seamless fabric.

The long-tail cast on is the most beginner-friendly two-needle method. Make a slip knot, hold one needle with both yarn ends over your thumb and finger, then loop and pull through to form each stitch. Repeat until you reach your desired count.

Cast on your stitches, join in the round carefully without twisting, then work in your chosen stitch pattern until the hat reaches the desired length. Decrease evenly toward the crown, cut the yarn, and draw through the remaining stitches to close.

Knit your hat flat in rows as a rectangle, then seam the short edges together to form a tube. Gather and close one end for the crown. Straight needles make this method accessible for knitters not yet comfortable with circular or DPN techniques.

Distribute your cast-on stitches evenly across three or four DPNs to form an open polygon. Use the spare needle to knit across each side in turn, working in a continuous spiral. Point protectors on unused ends prevent stitches from slipping off.

There is no single correct way. Most knitters use either the English method, holding yarn in the right hand, or the Continental method, holding yarn in the left. Both are valid. Choose whichever feels natural and keeps your tension relaxed and consistent.

Knit two stitches, then insert the left needle into the first stitch and lift it over the second and off the needle. Knit one more stitch and repeat across the row until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn and pull through to secure.

Circular needle length is measured from tip to tip, including the cable. Common lengths range from 16 inches for hats and cuffs up to 48 inches for large shawls. Match cable length to your project circumference for comfortable, tension-free knitting.