Ask the Experts: What’s the Difference Between Wood and Metal Needles?

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If you ever want to spark a spirited debate in a group of knitters, throw out this question: Wood needles or metal needles? Knitters have strong opinions about the tools they use! But how do you choose which needles are right for you?

Above: A small fraction of Sandi’s needle collection.

Like so many aspects of our craft, it comes down to personal preference. In this article we’ll explore the differences between wood needles and metal needles. We’ll look at why you might want to use different needles for different projects. Finally, we’ll define some criteria to help you choose the needle that’s best for you.

Metal Needles Rule for Speed and Durability

As you can see from the photo above, I tend to favor wood needles. But I own and use metal needles, too. Knitting needles are made from a variety of metals, from aluminum to brass to steel. A variety of finishes can be applied to the base metal, including nickel plating, resin coating and anodizing.

Metal needles are durable. You’d have a hard time breaking the needle shaft or deforming the point. Small gauge needles might get bent, but they won’t break. Good quality metal needles will last beyond your lifetime if properly cared for.

Metal needles are very smooth. Your stitches will slide along a metal needle effortlessly. The benefit of this is speedy knitting. The downside is that your needle might slip right out of your stitches if you pick up your project wrong. This is especially an issue for loose knitters using double pointed needles, or those using slippery yarns like silk.

Metal needles are nostalgic. For some knitters, the click-click sound of metal needles in use evokes warm memories of cozy times with grandma. Using metal needles handed down by a beloved relative or teacher can provide a sense of connection with your knitting ancestors.

Wood Needles are Warm, Lightweight, and Beautiful

I own needles made from bamboo, birch, ebony, maple, and cocobolo. Because wood is an organic material, the smoothness and durability of these needles can vary greatly.

Wood needles are less durable than metal. I have broken wooden double pointed needles while manipulating stitches on a sock more than once. Even if you don’t break them, small gauge wood needles can warp and bend. Parrots and puppies can do irreparable damage to your wood needles. Even normal knitting can create grooves and ridges in the points simply through the pressure and friction of use.

Unlike the cold of metal needles, wood needles are warm in your hands. They tend to be lighter weight than metal needles.

Wood needles are generally not as smooth as metal needles. Your stitches will encounter a bit more friction as they slide along the needle, and you may find yourself pausing to push the stitches along if you’re a tight knitter. The smoothness of wooden needles varies widely with the type of wood and the finishing process applied, and it can also change over time. My ebony needles were a little grabby right out of the package, but they have become quite smooth over the years as my hands and yarn have had a polishing effect.

Point Shape Matters

Metal needles tend to be pointier than wooden needles. Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison.

Both needles shown are size US 7 (4.5mm). The bamboo needle from Clover on the left has a shorter taper to a blunter point. The brass Addi Lace needle on the right has a longer taper to a sharper point.

As is suggested by the name, the sharper point and longer taper of the brass needle is great for projects where you’re doing lots of stitch manipulation. That long point makes it easy to dig into decreases like k5tog or to work wide, complex cables.

But the sharper point can have some downsides. If you’re working with a yarn that tends to split, you may find the sharp point exacerbates this problem. If, like me, your knitting style sometimes involves pushing the needle point with your finger or your thumb, that sharp metal point can actually draw blood, particularly with the smaller needle sizes. Ouch!

The blunt point of the bamboo needle can make it difficult to perform complex maneuvers, but it is also less likely to split the yarn or pierce your skin. For cruising along with a simple stitch pattern, I prefer a blunt point. Wood needles come in a range of point shapes and sharpness, depending on the manufacturer and the type of wood used.

Match the Tool to the Task

While you may have a clear preference in needle material, there are occasions when you’d be wise to change it up.

If you’re using metal needles with a slippery yarn and find you’re struggling with dropped stitches, try switching to wood needles. The grippier surface of the wood might provide the extra control you need.

If you’re using wooden needles for a complex stitch pattern and struggling to complete some of the decreases, try switching to metal needles. The sharper point might help you burrow into those tight spaces.

If you’re using metal needles and your hands hurt, try wooden needles. The warmer, more resilient surface may put less stress on your joints and muscles.

No matter what kind of needles you’re using, if you’re having trouble getting the gauge you need, try switching needle material. The difference in smoothness can make a difference in your gauge. This is also why you should always make your gauge swatch using the same needles you’ll use to knit the project!

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Experiment with different needle materials and brands to discover what works best for you. When you see a new-to-you needle at the yarn store, buy one in your favorite size to try it out. The right needle is the one that you enjoy using and that gives you the results you want. You’ll soon have your own opinions to add to the debate the next time someone asks “metal or wood?”

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What Questions do YOU Have?

Send your questions to knitting[@]goldenpeakmedia.com or crochet[@]goldenpeakmedia.com and put Ask The Expert in the subject line. You just might see the answer in an upcoming newsletter!

Sandi Rosner
Technical Content Editor, Yarn

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Need a quick project to try out your new needles? Here are some easy home décor projects perfect for taking your needles for a test drive.