Choosing the right knitting needles – and safely converting measurements

Choosing the right knitting needle size has a major impact on how a knitted piece drapes, feels comfortable, and how clear the stitch pattern appears.

At the same time, international instructions often use inches instead of centimeters and US needle sizes instead of millimeters. To help you plan and complete your knitting projects without any doubt, you'll find a clear overview here.

1. Which needle size corresponds to which international designation?

In Germany, we specify needle sizes in millimeters (mm) . In the USA and Great Britain, numbers are used. The table will help you to correctly interpret international designations.

CYC yarn strengths: EU / US / UK comparison at a glance

Principle:
First, stick to the needle size indicated on the yarn label. It is matched to the yarn thickness and ensures a harmonious stitch pattern.

The yarn label always indicates which needle size is recommended. You should use that as your first guide.

2. Which needle size is suitable for which knitting project?

Fine, lightweight projects (needle 2.5–3.5 mm)

• Baby clothes
• fine cloths
• light sweaters
• Lace pattern

Suitable yarns can be found at Handarbeiten.de:

• Austermann Merino 160 EXP
  Soft, skin-friendly, ideal for fine mesh surfaces.
  
• Austermann Kid Silk (as a complementary yarn for a delicate surface)

All-round projects (needle 3.5–5 mm)

• Sweater
• Cardigans
• Hats
• Loops

Suitable yarns can be found at Handarbeiten.de:

• Austermann Merino 105
  Dimensionally stable, soft, versatile.
  handarbeit.de → Merino 105
• Austermann Akina
  Great chainette yarn with a subtle color gradient for perfect knitting and crochet designs.

Warm winter pieces (5-7 mm needle)

• thick scarf
• Winter hat
• structured jacket

Suitable yarns can be found at Handarbeiten.de:

• Austermann Merino 85
  Voluminous, warm, with a fast knitting effect.
  
• Schoeller + Stahl New Murano
  The expressive yarn with spectacular color gradients and voluminous wick structure
• Oysterman Alpaca Love
  Luxurious alpaca wool in colorful patterns

Chunky knits & statement looks (7 mm and larger)

• modern chunky loops
• chunky knit oversized styles

Appropriate:

• ggh Husky
  Voluminous, warm, with a fast knitting effect.
  
• Schoeller + Stahl Filzi
  Thick felted wool for DIY projects and amigurumi

3. Choose the appropriate needle

• Wood/Bamboo: smooth threading, ideal for beginners

Recommendation: Addi bamboo circular knitting needles

• Metal: faster knitting, smooth running

Recommendation: Addi circular knitting needle made of metal

• Circular knitting needles: suitable for almost all projects (not just circular knitting)

Recommendation: Circular knitting needles made of birch wood from Lykke

• Double-pointed needles: for decreasing stitches on hats, socks, and cuffs

Recommendation: addi Colibri double-pointed needles

More needles available in the shop:

handarbeit.de → circular knitting needles
handarbeiten.de → Double-pointed needles
handarbeiten.de → Accessories (stitch markers, yarn needles, measuring tapes)

4. Converting cm to inches – explained simply

Since many English-language instructions give measurements in inches , here is the most important basis:

1 inch = 2.54 cm

From cm to inch:

Centimeters ÷ 2.54
Example: 10 cm ÷ 2.54 = 3.94 inch

From inch to cm:

inch × 2.54
Example: 4 inch × 2.54 = 10.16 cm

Memory aid: