Whether you’re new to knitting or an experienced pro, understanding knitting needle sizes can be confusing.
With so many different sizes, materials, and types of needles to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry – this free printable knitting needle conversion chart and needle size guide will help you navigate the world of knitting needles and choose the perfect size for your project.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about knitting needle sizes, including:
- The different types of knitting needles
- The materials that knitting needles are made from
- How to choose the right knitting needle sizes for your project
- How to convert between different sizing systems
And there’s a printable knitting needle conversion chart, so you can quickly convert between metric, US, and UK knitting needle sizes.
So grab your knitting and let’s get started!
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- Knitting Needle Conversion Charts
- Knitting Needles 101: Why Size Matters
- Understanding Knitting Needle Sizes – What Do The Numbers Actually Mean?
- What's The Difference Between Needle Size and Needle Length?
- Choosing the Right Knitting Needle Size
- Types of Knitting Needles
- Is The Knitting Needle Material Important?
- How to Choose the Best Needle Size for Your Yarn Weight
- What size needles do I have?
- What Needle Size is Best for Beginners?
- Knitting Needle Size Chart Printable
Knitting Needle Conversion Charts
The size of a knitting needle can vary depending on which country you’re in.
This can be confusing when you’re trying to select the right size for your project. It can be especially frustrating if you’ve inherited some old needles or are working from a vintage pattern. Or even if you’re just trying to follow a pattern from another country.
One thing that can be really helpful when it comes to knitting needle sizes is a conversion chart.
These knitting needle conversion charts help you compare knitting needle sizes across the the different measurement systems, making it easier to figure out what size you need.
Knitting Needle Sizes for Metric, US & Old UK
This knitting needle conversion table includes sizes for metric, the US needle sizes, and the old imperial UK needle sizes.
| metric (mm) | US | UK (old) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 mm | 00000 | 19 |
| 1.25 mm | 0000 | 18 |
| 1.50 mm | 000 | 17 |
| 1.75 mm | 00 | – |
| 2.00 mm | 0 | 14 |
| 2.25 mm | 1 | 13 |
| 2.50 mm | 1.5 | – |
| 2.75 mm | 2 | 12 |
| 3.00 mm | 2.5 | 11 |
| 3.25 mm | 3 | 10 |
| 3.50 mm | 4 | – |
| 3.75 mm | 5 | 9 |
| 4.00 mm | 6 | 8 |
| 4.50 mm | 7 | 7 |
| 5.00 mm | 8 | 6 |
| 5.50 mm | 9 | 5 |
| 6.00 mm | 10 | 4 |
| 6.50 mm | 10.5 | 3 |
| 7.00 mm | – | 2 |
| 7.50 mm | – | 1 |
| 8.00 mm | 11 | 0 |
| 9.00 mm | 13 | 00 |
| 10.00 mm | 15 | 000 |
| 12.50 mm | 17 | – |
| 15.00 mm | 19 | – |
| 19.00 mm | 35 | – |
| 25.00 mm | 50 | – |
| 35.00 mm | 70 | – |
Japanese Knitting Needle Conversion Chart
Japan has its own unique knitting needle size system, which is shown in this needle conversion chart.
The Japanese system uses slightly different standard metric sizes to the US and UK. Use this chart to find out the equivalent US and metric needle size for your project.
| metric (mm) | JPN | US equiv | metric equiv |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 mm | 0 | 0 | 2.0 mm |
| 2.4 mm | 1 | 1.5 | 2.5 mm |
| 2.7 mm | 2 | 2 | 2.75 mm |
| 3.0 mm | 3 | 2.5 | 3.0 mm |
| 3.3 mm | 4 | 3 | 3.25 mm |
| 3.6 mm | 5 | 4 / 5 | 3.5 mm / 3.75 mm |
| 3.9 mm | 6 | 6 | 4.0 mm |
| 4.2 mm | 7 | 6 / 7 | 4.0 mm / 4.5 mm |
| 4.5 mm | 8 | 7 | 4.5 mm |
| 4.8 mm | 9 | 7 / 8 | 4.5 mm / 5.0 mm |
| 5.1 mm | 10 | 8 | 5.0 mm |
| 5.4 mm | 11 | 9 | 5.5 mm |
| 5.7 mm | 12 | 9 / 10 | 5.5 mm / 6.0 mm |
| 6.0 mm | 13 | 10 | 6.0 mm |
| 6.3 mm | 14 | 10 / 10.5 | 6.0 mm / 6.5 mm |
| 6.6 mm | 15 | 10.5 | 6.5 mm |
Knitting Needles 101: Why Size Matters
When it comes to knitting, the size of your needles can have a big impact on your project.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right size needle for your yarn and pattern.
But why does needle size matter in the first place?
Essentially, the size of your needles determines the size of your stitches which ultimately affects the size of your finished project.
A smaller needle makes smaller stitches, while a larger needle makes larger stitches.
It’s important to keep this in mind when you follow a pattern, because the recommended needle size is usually based on the desired stitch size.
Using the wrong size needle can also affect the overall look and feel of your project.
If you use a needle that is too small, your stitches are likely to be tight and dense, making a stiff fabric that probably won’t drape well. On the other hand, if you use a needle that is too big, your stitches will be loose and your fabric might look stretched out or saggy.
It’s not just the appearance of your project that can be affected, but the fit as well. If you’re knitting a sweater with needles that are too small, you’ll end up with something that’s probably smaller than you wanted. And if you use needles that are too large, the sweater will probably be too big and baggy and might not hold its shape well.
So hopefully you’ve now got a better understanding of why needle size is so important to your project.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to knit a gauge swatch to double check you’re getting the right gauge, even if you’re following the recommended needle size in the pattern!
Understanding Knitting Needle Sizes – What Do The Numbers Actually Mean?
When it comes to knitting needle sizes, you might see a range of numbers and letters listed on the package. But what do these numbers actually mean?
The metric system is pretty straightforward – the size corresponds to the diameter of the needle in millimeters. So a 5.00 mm knitting needle has a diameter of 5mm. This is the system that’s commonly used in Europe and Australia.
In the United States, knitting needle sizes are typically labeled with a number that corresponds to the size of the needle in inches. So a US size 8 needle would be 8/10ths of an inch in diameter.
Although metric sizes are arguably now the most common system used in the UK, there’s also an older non-metric (imperial) UK sizing system, which you might still find on some vintage needles and knitting patterns.
There’s also Japanese sizes, which are based on a slightly different metric size than US and UK needles.
Good job we have conversion charts to help keep track of them all!
What’s The Difference Between Needle Size and Needle Length?
When it comes to knitting needles, size can refer to two things: diameter and length.
Needle size refers to the diameter of the needle. This determines the size of the stitches you’ll be creating. It’s super important because it determines the gauge of your project, or the number of stitches and rows per inch. Choosing the right needle size is crucial to getting the desired fit and look of your finished project. Knitting patterns will usually specify the needle size you need.
Needle length, on the other hand, refers to the overall length of the needle, and this determines how much yarn you can fit on the needle
Straight needles typically measure between 7 and 16 inches in length (18 to 40cm), while circular knitting needles have flexible cables that can vary in length up to around 60 inches (150cm).
The most common lengths for circular needles are 16, 24, and 32 inches (40, 60 and 80cm). This is measured from needle tip to needle tip.
Double pointed needles can range between 4 to 8 inches long (10 to 20cm), but 6 inches (15cm) and 8 inches (20 cm) tend to be the most common.
Does needle length matter?
Knitting needle length definitely matters – but not in the way you might think.
While needle size determines the gauge of your stitches and the overall size of your finished project, the needle length can affect your comfort level while knitting.
For larger projects that are heavy or require a lot of yarn, like blankets or big sweaters, you’ll want to use longer needles or cables to hold all those stitches.
On the other hand, small projects with fewer stitches can be knit on any length of needle.
So it is important to pay attention to the length of needles recommended in your pattern.
On the whole, shorter needles tend to be easier for beginners and more comfortable to hold. But if you’re knitting a project with lots of stitches, longer needles will give you more room to work with.
Basically, your needles need to be long enough to fit all of your stitches without them bunching up too tightly and falling off as soon as you put your knitting down.
And if you’re knitting in the round you also need to make sure that your cable length isn’t too big, otherwise your knitting won’t stretch around enough. Thankfully, if your project uses circular knitting, the pattern will usually tell you the length of the needles you need to use.
If you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to try out a few different lengths and see what works best for you.
And if you’ve been knitting for a while, stick with what works for you – comfort is key!
Choosing the Right Knitting Needle Size
Choosing the right size knitting needle is key to getting a great finished knit.
Have you ever worked on a project and ended up with something that was either too small or too big?
That’s where gauge comes in – gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch that you create. And getting gauge is essential for creating a project that looks and fits exactly how you want it to. Needle size is a crucial element of getting gauge.
But how do you choose the right knitting needle size?
First, check your pattern. Most good patterns will tell you the recommended knitting needle sizes, as well as the gauge you’re aiming for.
Another way is to choose a needle based on yarn weight. Check your yarn label and you’ll usually find that it gives you a recommended size range. This can be a good starting point, but you’ll still need to knit a gauge swatch. A gauge swatch is essentially a small sample of knitting that you make before you start knitting to test the gauge of your project.
To make a gauge swatch you just cast on a certain number of stitches (this will be specified in the pattern) and knit until you have a square that is at least 4 inches by 4 inches (10cm by 10cm).
Then, measure the number of stitches and rows per inch and compare that to the gauge listed in the pattern.
If your gauge is too loose, try using a smaller knitting needle. If it’s too tight, try a larger needle.
You also have to factor in things like:
- Your personal tension: Are you a tight or a loose knitter? You might need to size your needles up or down accordingly.
- The knitting stitch pattern: Lace patterns tend to be open and airy so larger needles tend to be used. Compare this to a ribbed sleeve cuff which needs to hug your wrist, and so will likely need smaller needles.
- The type of project you’re making: A project that needs to be durable, like socks, will usually be knit at a tighter gauge compared to a lace shawl or sweater that needs to drape.
See, it’s not so hard! And trust me, taking the time to choose the right size knitting needle will pay off in the end – you’ll end up with a project that fits and looks exactly how you want it to.
Types of Knitting Needles
In addition to size, there are also different types of knitting needles. Each type has its own unique features and can be used for specific types of projects.
Let’s take a closer look at the 3 main types of knitting needles available:
Straight Needles
This is probably what most people picture when they think of knitting needles. Straight needles are the most basic type of knitting needles, and they’re exactly what they sound like – straight needles with a point on one end and a knob on the other.
Straight needles are typically used for flat knitting, where the work is turned back and forth to create rows. They come in a range of lengths, from 7 inches to 16 inches or longer.
Double-Pointed Needles
Double-pointed needles (also known as DPNs) have points on both ends, and are typically used in sets of four or five.
DPNs are usually used for small, circular projects like hats, mittens, and socks, where the work is too small to be worked on circular needles or straight needles.
They can be a bit tricky to work with at first, but with a little practice you’ll be a pro in no time!
Circular Needles
Circular needles have a flexible cable connecting two pointed ends, which allows you to work in the round without having to turn your work. Most of your stitches will be held on the cable rather than on the needles themselves.
Circulars are perfect for projects that are worked in the round, such as hats, sweaters, and socks.
But you can also use them to knit back and forth to make flat pieces of knitting.
And they’re perfect for large or heavy projects because the cable helps to distribute the weight of stitches more evenly and takes the strain off your wrists.
Circular needles are actually made up of two types – fixed circular needles and interchangeables.
Fixed circulars have needle tips and cables that are permanently attached.
An interchangeable knitting needle set has separate needle tips and flexible cables, which allows you to combine them to create a huge variety of different circular needle lengths.
Interchangeable needles are my personal favorite type of knitting needle because of the flexibility it gives you. The ability to switch out the needle tips to create different sizes and lengths makes it so convenient to always have exactly what you need on hand.
They might cost a little more upfront, but they are totally worth it if you’re a serious knitter and want to make the investment.
Is The Knitting Needle Material Important?
When you’re choosing the knitting needle for your project, it can be important to consider the material of the needle as well as the type.
Knitting needles can be made from a variety of materials. These days this is mostly metal, plastic, bamboo, and wood.
Each material has its own unique properties and feel, so it’s a good idea to try out a few different types to see which one you prefer for the project you’re making.
Some knitters prefer the smooth, slippery feel of metal needles, while others prefer the warmth and grip of wooden needles. There’s no right or wrong choice – it’s all a matter of personal preference.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each material:
- Metal needles are typically made from aluminum, stainless steel, nickel or nickel plate. They’re known for being lightweight and durable, and the smooth surface makes them great for speedy knitting. But, they can also be cold to the touch and can be too slippery for some yarns like silk.
- Plastic needles are a lightweight and inexpensive option, and they come in a huge variety of colors. They’re smooth and grippier than metal needles, making them great for beginners or for working with slippery yarns. However, they can be less durable than other types of needles and may not be as comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
- Bamboo needles are made from a renewable resource and are a popular choice for knitters who prefer a more natural feel. They’re lightweight, warm, and comfortable to hold. They are also very strong and flexible, and have a slight grip that can help prevent slippery yarns from slipping off the needles. But cheaper needles can be prone to splintering, especially the smaller needle sizes.
- Wood needles are also known for their warmth and grip, and they come in a variety of finishes and styles. Similar to bamboo, they’re a good choice if you’re a knitter who prefers a more natural feel.
How to Choose the Best Needle Size for Your Yarn Weight
Knitting needle sizes are chosen based on the thickness of the yarn you’re using.
So how do you know what size needle to use with each yarn weight?
As a general rule, the thicker the yarn, the larger the needle size you’ll need. Here’s a quick breakdown of yarn weight and the corresponding needle sizes based on the Craft Yarn Council’s standard weight system:
| Symbol | Yarn Weight | Types of Yarn | US Needle Size | Metric Needle Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lace (0) | Lace, Thread, Cobweb, Light Fingering | 000 – 1 | 1.5 – 2.25 mm |
 | Super Fine (1) | Sock, Fingering, Baby | 1 – 3 | 2.25 – 3.25 mm |
 | Fine (2) | Sport, Baby | 3 – 5 | 3.25 – 3.75 mm |
 | Light Weight (3) | DK, Light Worsted | 5 – 7 | 3.75 – 4.5 mm |
 | Medium (4) | Worsted, Aran | 7 – 9 | 4.5 – 5.5 mm |
 | Bulky (5) | Bulky, Chunky, Craft, Rug | 9 – 11 | 5.5 – 8 mm |
 | Super Bulky (6) | Super Bulky, Super Chunky, Roving | 11 – 17 | 8 – 12.75 mm |
 | Jumbo (7) | Jumbo, Roving | 17+ | 12.75 mm+ |
Let’s take a look at these in bit more detail.
Lace Weight Yarn (Weight 0)
Lace weight yarn is a very fine, light weight yarn. You’ll sometimes see it called cobweb, thread or light fingering yarn.
It’s not a great yarn for beginners to work with because it’s so thin, and it tends to be used for more advanced patterns like shawls and wraps
The recommended knitting gauge for lace yarn is more than 8 stitches per inch.
You need some pretty small needles for this yarn, so you’ll be looking to use needles between 1.5-2.25mm (US 000-1).
Accuracy is important for lace knitting, so if you’re working with lace yarn you’ll want needles with sharp tips. Here are some great options:
Super Fine Yarn (Weight 1)
Super fine yarn, also known as baby, sock, or fingering weight, is a a little thicker than lace weight, but still pretty fine.
You’ll likely use this for projects like baby clothes, socks, and lace shawls.
It’s typically knitted on small needles, ranging from 2.25-3.25mm (US 1-3), and a gauge of 7-8 stitches per inch.
Needles that work well for knitting with super fine yarn are:
- HiyaHiya Sharp Interchangeable Set
- Addi Socks Double Point Needle Set
- Addi Rocket Fixed Circular Needle
Fine Yarn (Weight 2)
Fine yarn is more commonly known as sport weight yarn.
It’s thicker than fingering weight yarn but is still pretty lightweight. And it’s great for knitting baby blankets, and light sweaters or accessories like hats.
With a recommended gauge of 5.75-6.5 stitches per inch, you’ll be looking for needles that are 3.25-3.75mm (US 3-5).
Here are a few recommendations:
Light Weight Yarn (Weight 3)
The light weight yarn classification covers DK (double knitting) and light worsted yarns.
This a popular and versatile yarn weight which can be used to make all kinds of projects, from sweaters and baby clothes to light blankets and toys. It’s a really easy yarn to work with, which makes it perfect for beginners.
If you’re using a DK yarn you’ll be aiming for a knitting gauge of 5.25-6 stitches per inch, and the recommended needle sizes are 3.75-4.5mm (US 5-7).
Medium Yarn (Weight 4)
Medium yarn covers both worsted and aran weight yarn.
Aran tends to be a slightly heavier yarn weight than worsted, but both are hugely popular yarn weights. They’re great for a wide variety of projects, including sweaters, blankets, hats, and scarves. And since they’re easy to work with and knit up quickly with good stitch definition, they’re excellent yarns for beginners.
In terms of needle size, you’ll want to use a 4.5-5.5 mm (US 7-9) needle. As far as gauge, you’ll want to aim for around 4-5 stitches per inch.
Bulky/Chunky Yarn (Weight 5)
Bulky yarn (also known as chunky yarn) is another fantastic beginner friendly option.
This thick and cozy yarn weight knits up super fast and has great stitch definition. Plus, big yarn means big needles which can make easier for beginners to control and see their stitches.
The recommended needle size for bulky yarn is 5.5-8 mm (US 9-11) and the recommended gauge is 3-3.75 stitches per inch.
Super Bulky/Super Chunky Yarn (Weight 6)
Super bulky yarn is also called super chunky yarn in the UK. You can also get roving yarn, which is a thick single ply yarn with a bit of a twist to give it some strength.
Super bulky yarns are very thick, and you’ll typically see them used to create quick-to-knit and cozy project like chunky blankets, scarves, and hats.
Projects made from these yarn knit up so incredibly quickly, which makes it a great choice for beginners (or experienced knitters!) who want some instant gratification knitting!
Super bulky yarn has a very large knitting gauge (around 2-3 stitches per inch). The recommended needle size is 8-12.75mm (US 11-17).
Jumbo Yarn (Weight 7)
Jumbo yarn is the heaviest yarn weight in the Craft Yarn Council’s standard weight system.
It’s not that widely available, and the size of it makes it a bit too unweidly for beginners – bigger isn’t always easier!
It tends to be used for arm knitting, which a special knitting technique where you use your arms to create oversized, chunky projects. Jumbo yarn is also great for making big, cozy blankets, cushions, scarves and other accessories.
The recommended needle size for 12.75mm and upwards (US 17), or you can use your arms! Gauge is around 1.5 stitches per inch, although to be honest it doesn’t tend to be as important when you’re working with jumbo yarn since your project is likely to be oversized with looser stitches.
What size needles do I have?
The size of your needles is usually marked on the needles themselves, but this can sometimes wear off over time.
If your knitting needle size labels are missing and you can’t figure out figure out what size needles you have, the easiest way to figure it out is with a knitting needle gauge tool.
A needle gauge is a handy little tool that helps you measure the size of your knitting needles. It usually has a series of holes of different sizes. You use it to work out what size your needles are by finding the hole that your needle fits through most snugly.
Needle gauges are especially useful if you have a lot of knitting needles and you’re not sure what size they are, or if the size marking on the needle has worn off. They’re also useful if you come across a set of needles that doesn’t have any size marking at all.
Using a needle gauge is easy – just slip the needle through the holes one at a time until you find the one that fits the best. The size of your needle is the one that fits through the gauge easily, without being too loose or too tight. The needle gauge should be able to slide over the tip and shaft of the needle smoothly.
What Needle Size is Best for Beginners?
If you’re new to knitting, it’s a good idea to start with a medium size needle. US sizes 6-9 (4-5.5 mm) are a great place to start because they’re easy to work with and your stitches will be nice and visible.
Another thing to consider is the yarn weight. Worsted weight yarn is a good choice for beginner knitters because it’s easy to work with and knits up pretty quickly. Cascade 220 or Paintbox Yarns Worsted are great choices.
If you’re using commercial yarn, the label should have a recommended needle size listed on it. This is a good place to start, but keep in mind that your personal tension, knitting style (and even your stress levels!) can also affect the size of your stitches.
Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit and try out different needles to see what works best for you and your project.
Knitting Needle Size Chart Printable
Here’s your free printable knitting needle conversion chart!
Download them, print them off and pop them in your project bag. Or keep a copy on your phone so you can convert needle sizes whenever you need. Now you’ll never have to guess what knitting needle sizes you need when you’re at the store!
