Curious about knitting needle conversions? We’re here to help! Knitting needles come in a wide variety of sizes. From super thin needles that look like toothpicks up to super thick needles that can knit the chunkiest of projects, knowing the size of your knitting needle is important. There are many conventions for listing knitting needle sizes, two of them being US sizes and metric (listed in millimeters). Your knitting needles may only have one of these numbers printed on them and the pattern you want to knit might list the other. What to do? Use this handy knitting needle conversion chart to figure out the size of your needle:
KNITTING NEEDLE CONVERSION CHART
You can also find yourself in a situation where a knitting needle doesn’t have a number printed on it all. Sometimes knitting needles don’t have a size printed on them, or it has rubbed off over time. In that case, grab yourself a needle gauge to figure out the size of your needle.
Once you have the size, you can double-check the knitting needle conversion chart to make sure you have the appropriate needle for your project. Knitting needle sizing can get a little confusing. US knitting needle sizing is such that the larger the number, the larger the needle, but those numbers don’t match the metric numbers. This is why we need a conversion chart. Now that you have one, you’ll have your knitting needles organized and ready to use for all your beautiful knitting projects.
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This conversion chart couldn't be clearer, US and UK. I think the person having problems is used to the OLD measurement of pins in UK. 3.25 mms was a size 10. There are charts showing these if she looks. I think your one is great, thanks from Scotland.
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Not all gauges include all sizes. Choose one that is not tied to a brand. The Susan Bates one shown in the example is terrible. It works accurately only with Susan Bates needles. Most gauges, for example, do not include both 4mm and 4.25mm size 6 needles, which can cause knitters to go to size 7 needles when their older US 6 needles - most of which were 4.25mm - don't fit.
I live in UK and our needle gauge is different to USA therefore this is not helpful to anyone not in USA
Would be great to have the Canadian size conversion also. Thank you.
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Thankyou
note: needles of the same size are not necessarily the EXACT same size, and needles made with differing products, while measuring the same size will not necessarily produce the same stitch/row gauge. Another variant is the manufacturer of the needles may make a difference in your gauge. That is the reason you need to knit your gauge swatch with the needles you will be using to create your project. also... the suggested needle size in the pattern is just that a suggested starting point for knitting your gauge swatch. the reason for the gauge swatch? Because each knitter-needle combination is (YOU are) unique!! also be aware that your gauge can change as your mood, wakefulness, etc changes. Sorry got carried away.. said too much.
Where can I get the Illinois knitting needle gauge shown in the above photo?
Love all your interesting articles