Straight needles for scarves, blankets and sweater pieces

Straight knitting needles for working in rows

Straight knitting needles have a point at one end and a knob at the other so the stitches don't slide off. With them you knit back and forth in rows, for example scarves, sweater pieces, blankets or cardigans that are sewn together afterward.

What matters with straight needles

The size depends on your yarn, and the recommendation is on the ball band. Short needles are handy for narrow pieces such as scarves, while wide back or blanket pieces with many stitches need longer ones. Aluminum is smooth and light, wood gives more grip with slippery yarns and feels warm, and plastic is comfortable in large sizes. For very wide or heavy pieces, a circular needle is an alternative, because the weight then rests on the cable in your lap. For learning, straight needles are easy to manage, since there is no cable to twist.

• Sizes to match the ball band
• Short lengths for scarves and narrow pieces
• Long needles for wide back and blanket pieces
• Aluminum, wood or plastic

Tip: If your gauge swatch has too many stitches over 10 cm, use a larger needle; if it has too few, use a smaller one. This way you match the measurements in the pattern, even if you knit tighter or looser than intended.