<p>It depends on what you are knitting, but you probably need needles that are 60 or 80 cm (24 or 32 inches).</p>

<p>The most commonly used sizes for circular knitting needles are 40, 60, and 80 cm (16, 24, or 32 inches), as measured from tip to tip.  If you buy needles in those lengths, it is likely that you will be able to re-use them for other projects in the future.</p>

<p>60cm and 80cm are very versatile (and commonly used) lengths for circular knitting needles, as they allow you to knit comfortably, both flat and in the round.  For knitting flat, these lengths are ideal because they are a manageable length that is not likely to tangle.  These sizes will also accommodate larger objects in the round (like sweaters), or you can use the magic loop method to knit smaller objects in the round (like hats).  </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-15T18:27:16.843Z
2020-01-15T18:27:16.843Z
kk_accidental
<p>I'm a beginner knitter. I have a one pair of knitting needles, which are 4.5mm but seem quite short (30cm or less ish? I cannot see a printed measurement for length on them only the diameter). I went to my local craft shop, and they had a great range of needles of all diameters and lengths. </p>

<p>For a new project I need a pair of 4mm however - so what length should they be? Is longer better and just use less of the needle, or should I get two sets of certain diameters so that I can work small and larger projects?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-16T07:19:16.747Z
This question might interest you: [Does knitting needle material make a difference in knitting?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/q/7/6316)
Elmy
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-16T08:58:19.137Z
Thank you! I have metal needles for now, as I'm struggling with tension and I've read metal is better for this as wooden ones tend to hold the yarn more and the metal ones are a bit more slippery.
Aravona
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-16T19:45:00.087Z
I found that wooden needles actually helped me break the habit of pulling my stitches too tight, because I was forced to knit more loosely so the yarn wouldn't snag.
csk
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-20T11:58:21.970Z
@csk - interesting idea, might have to give that a go.
Aravona
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-21T14:59:18.050Z
You might like circular needles, I wrote out my reasons for using them rather than straight needles in this question: https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/7876/why-and-how-do-some-people-use-circular-knitting-needles-when-working-flat-not
Belle
<knitting>
What size / length needles for beginner knitting?
Aravona
# What size / length needles for beginner knitting?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-01-15)

I'm a beginner knitter. I have a one pair of knitting needles, which are 4.5mm but seem quite short (30cm or less ish? I cannot see a printed measurement for length on them only the diameter). I went to my local craft shop, and they had a great range of needles of all diameters and lengths.

For a new project I need a pair of 4mm however - so what length should they be? Is longer better and just use less of the needle, or should I get two sets of certain diameters so that I can work small and larger projects?

**Tags:** knitting

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: This question might interest you: [Does knitting needle material make a difference in knitting?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/q/7/6316)  
> **username_0**: Thank you! I have metal needles for now, as I'm struggling with tension and I've read metal is better for this as wooden ones tend to hold the yarn more and the metal ones are a bit more slippery.  
> **username_2**: I found that wooden needles actually helped me break the habit of pulling my stitches too tight, because I was forced to knit more loosely so the yarn wouldn't snag.  
> **username_0**: @username_2 - interesting idea, might have to give that a go.  
> **username_3**: You might like circular needles, I wrote out my reasons for using them rather than straight needles in this question: https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/7876/why-and-how-do-some-people-use-circular-knitting-needles-when-working-flat-not  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2020-01-15. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

It depends on what you are knitting, but you probably need needles that are 60 or 80 cm (24 or 32 inches).

The most commonly used sizes for circular knitting needles are 40, 60, and 80 cm (16, 24, or 32 inches), as measured from tip to tip. If you buy needles in those lengths, it is likely that you will be able to re-use them for other projects in the future.

60cm and 80cm are very versatile (and commonly used) lengths for circular knitting needles, as they allow you to knit comfortably, both flat and in the round. For knitting flat, these lengths are ideal because they are a manageable length that is not likely to tangle. These sizes will also accommodate larger objects in the round (like sweaters), or you can use the magic loop method to knit smaller objects in the round (like hats).


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