Needles and crochet hooks for crafts and needlework

If you are just starting out, it is best to choose straight knitting needles between 30 and 35 cm long, 5–6 mm thick and made of wood or bamboo, as these help prevent the stitches from slipping. They are easy to control and allow you to see clearly how the fabric is progressing.

Fixed circular needles come with the cable permanently attached to the tips. Interchangeable needles, on the other hand, allow you to change both the cable and the tips, combining different lengths and thicknesses. The latter offer greater versatility and are ideal if you knit different types of projects.

Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are perfect for knitting small circular pieces, such as socks, hats or sleeves. They are also useful when the number of stitches does not allow the use of circular needles, such as in very narrow projects.

For amigurumi, we recommend an ergonomic aluminium crochet hook measuring 2.5–3.5 mm, depending on the yarn. Models with a rubber or silicone handle are more comfortable for long sessions and allow for greater precision in the stitches.

A good set of knitting needles and crochet hooks should include:

• ▷ Various sizes of knitting needles or crochet hooks.
• ▷ Cables of different lengths if they are interchangeable.
• ▷ Useful accessories such as connectors, keys, stoppers or a case.

This type of set is ideal if you want to keep everything organised and adapt to different projects without having to buy items separately.

Hollow needles with ergonomic handles are used for punch needle embroidery. There are fixed models (such as Oxford) and adjustable models (such as Lavor). It is important to choose the needle according to the thickness of the thread and the base fabric (monk's cloth, linen, etc.).

Yes. Although they are designed for circular knitting, many people prefer to use circular needles for flat knitting, as the weight of the work rests on the cable rather than on the needles, reducing strain on the hands.

Each material has its advantages:

• ▷ Metal/aluminium: faster, ideal for expert knitters.
• ▷ Wood/bamboo: warmer to the touch, non-slip, perfect for beginners.
• ▷ Plastic: lightweight, suitable for thick crochet hooks.

The choice will depend on your technique, level and type of yarn.

Wool needles with blunt tips and large eyes are ideal for finishing thick threads without damaging the fabric. They come in metal, plastic and flexible versions, and even some curved ones for reaching difficult areas.

At Garmonyarns.com, you will find a wide selection of knitting needles and crochet hooks for knitting, embroidery or crochet from renowned brands such as Pony, Opry and Garmon, and soon KnitPro, ChiaoGoo and Clover. We offer sets, accessories and expert advice to help you make the right purchase.

Single-point crochet hooks with a small hook at the end are used for crocheting. They are available in different thicknesses, materials (aluminium, bamboo, plastic, steel) and formats. Ergonomic crochet hooks are particularly popular with those looking for greater comfort and control while working.

The crochet hook number indicates its diameter in millimetres. The higher the number, the thicker the crochet hook. This measurement is usually engraved on the handle or stamped on the body of the crochet hook. It is essential to use a hook that is suitable for the thickness of the yarn to ensure an even fabric and prevent it from being too loose or too tight.

Actually, ganchillo and crochet are the same thing: it's the same technique, but in Spanish it's called ganchillo and in English it's called crochet. Both terms are used interchangeably, although some people use them to refer to different styles or levels of detail. The tool is always a hook with a pointed end.

Straight knitting needles are usually between 25 and 40 cm long, although longer versions are available for large projects. Circular needles, on the other hand, are measured by the total length of the cable, which can range from 40 cm to over 120 cm, depending on the project. Double-pointed needles are usually between 13 and 20 cm long.

The three main types of knitting needles are:

• ▷ Straight knitting needles: for flat knitting.
• ▷ Circular needles: for flat or circular knitting.
• ▷ Double-pointed needles (DPNs): ideal for small circular pieces such as socks or sleeves.

Each type has specific advantages and is chosen according to the project.

It depends on the project. Straight needles are commonly used for knitting a scarf or blanket. For sweaters or one-piece garments, circular needles are more comfortable. For socks or small pieces, double-pointed needles are best. The choice will also depend on the yarn and pattern.

There are many types of needles, but the most common ones used in handicrafts are:

• ▷ Knitting needles (straight, circular, double)
• ▷ Wool or upholstery needles (for sewing or finishing)
• ▷ Crochet hooks (ergonomic, classic)
• ▷ Punch needle needles
• ▷ Felting needles

Each is used for a specific technique, and many come in sets with different sizes.

There is no single needle that is ‘best’ for everything. Ideally, you should choose based on:

• ▷ Your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• ▷ The type of project (scarf, jumper, socks, etc.)
• ▷ Your knitting style (tight or loose)
• ▷ Your comfort (wood, metal, ergonomic, etc.)

In general, interchangeable circular needles are very versatile, while wooden or bamboo needles offer good control for beginners.