To check your needle size, you can use a knitting needle gauge.
Using a Knitting Needle Gauge
A knitting needle gauge is a tool with various sized holes, each corresponding to a specific needle size. To use it:
- Identify the Holes: The gauge has multiple holes, each labeled with a number.
- Test the Needle: Push the point of your needle through each hole, one by one, until you find a hole where the needle fits perfectly.
- The reference states: "All you need to do is push the point of your mystery needle through each hole in turn, until you find the one where it fits perfectly."
- Read the Size: Once you find the hole that fits the needle snugly without any gap, read the number adjacent to that hole.
- The reference states: "Then read off the number next to the hole and this will tell you the knitting needle size – easy!"
Why is Checking Needle Size Important?
- Consistency: Using the correct needle size ensures that your knitted fabric will match the gauge stated in your pattern.
- Project Success: Mismatched needle sizes can alter the dimensions of your project, leading to a final piece that doesn't fit or isn't the desired size.
- Pattern Accuracy: Patterns are written with specific needle sizes in mind. Using the correct size will give you the intended finished item.
Example
Imagine you have a mystery needle. You try pushing it through the different holes of your gauge. Finally, it fits precisely in the hole marked 'US 8 (5mm)'. This means your mystery needle is a US size 8, which is equivalent to a 5mm needle.
In summary, using a knitting needle gauge is a straightforward and reliable method for determining your needle size.
