29 Sept 2010

Did you know that there is no standard US needle size? Surprised? The US needle sizes are similar but not exactly the same. A Boye needle might not be exactly the same as a Bates. This leads to the problem with metric needles that try to approximate the closest US size. You will find that one company's metric to US equivalent is not the same as anothers.

So, if you are using a Boye needle and it is damaged and you need to change needles, don't expect that the Bates needle or a true metric needle (like Addi Tubo) will give you the same gauge.

Another problem with needles is that you can't switch from a wood needle to a metal needle and expect the gauge to be the same. Switching needles mid-knit can cause big problems. It would be safer to do another sample to make sure that the gauge with the different needles matches the gauge of the original.

The older your needles, the more likely that their size will differ amongst the companies. And they older they get the worse it gets. I have some pre-1900 needles that are not even close to the sizes of my 1950s needles.

You will have the same problem with needle gauges. An Addi Turbo needle gauge does not accurately measure US needles. It is a true metric needle gauge.

Now to make you feel better. The newer needles, you will note, have both metric and US sizing numbers. This means that the needle is a metric needle with a close US equivalent. You can breathe easier now.