Flu Shot Needles and Knitting Needles ! What could they possibly have in common??
They both come in a range of gauges and size matters.In past issues, I have tried to de-mystify the world of knitting, but needles are where the logic ends. Most people know that changing needle sizes results in a different stitch gauge. Needles have both a US size designation and mm (millimeter) size. Changes from US 0 to 1 to 2 each increase .5mm each. Then from US 3 through 6 they change in .25mm increments. From US 6 through 10 ½ each size differs by .5 mm. Where did the 10 ½ come from? So from 10 to 10 1/2 the size changes .5mm BUT between 10 ½ and 11 the size changes a whopping 1.5mm.
Then we go 11, 13, 15, at 1mm increases to size 17 (a 2.75mm increase), and 19 (a 1.25mm increase) AND WHAT HAPPENED TO 12, 14, and 16???? And some UK patterns call for a size 10.75 which the US doesn't even have! What's a girl to do?
Caution: Brands differ in sizes as well. When working on projects requiring both circular and straight needles, stick with the same brand. Clover US size 6 is 4.25mm and Bryspun US 6 are 4.00mm. Bryspun 10 ½ are 7mm and Clover's are 6.5mm. Obviously if you start a project in the round then switch to straight needles for the bodice, they had better be the same millimeter.
If you feel needle challenged - well, it's no wonder. Better get one of every size from two different companies just in case.
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