Knitting Needle Sizes Old and New: A Comprehensive Guide

Knitting, a time-honoured craft that many people enjoy, evolved significantly throughout the years. One area where this evolution is particularly noticeable is in knitting needle sizing systems. You're not alone if you've ever been perplexed by the array of numbers and letters associated with knitting needles. To help you navigate the world of knitting needles, we'll explore the evolution of knitting needle sizing, from the traditional double pointed needles to the modern fixed circular knitting needles. Join us on this enlightening journey, and you'll be better equipped to choose the perfect needles for your next project.

 

Old Sizing System:

In the old knitting needle sizing system, needles were typically labelled with numbers ranging from 0 to 19, with larger numbers denoting thicker needles. The specifics of this system might differ based on the region, which sometimes led to additional confusion. Here's a breakdown of the old sizing system:

Numbering: The needles were identified by whole numbers, often followed by fractions or letters. For instance, you might have seen needles labelled as "US 4," "4½," or "4mm."

Units of Measurement: Depending on where you lived, these numbers could represent either fractions of an inch or millimetres. For example, a US 4 could indicate a 4/16 inch or 4 millimetres in diameter.

Regional Variations: Different countries had their own sizing standards, so a needle labelled "4" in one place might not be the same as a "4" in another. This lack of standardization caused confusion, particularly among international knitters.

New Sizing System:

More recently, a standardized metric sizing system has gained widespread acceptance and simplified the knitting needle sizing landscape. In this system, needles are measured in millimetres, directly corresponding to the diameter of the needle. For example, a 4 mm needle in the new system is approximately equivalent to a US size 6 in the old system.

Conversion Chart: Old to New Needle Sizes

To help you smoothly transition between the old and new sizing systems, we've provided a handy conversion chart:

Old Size (US)	Old Size (mm)	New Size (mm)
0	2.0	2.0
1	2.25	2.25
2	2.75	2.75
3	3.25	3.25
4	3.5	3.5
5	3.75	3.75
6	4.0	4.0
7	4.5	4.5
8	5.0	5.0
9	5.5	5.5
10	6.0	6.0
10.5	6.5	6.5
11	8.0	8.0
13	9.0	9.0
15	10.0	10.0
17	12.0	12.0
19	15.0	15.0

There is no difference in the actual needle sizes between the old and new sizing systems in terms of millimetres. Both systems use the same millimetre measurements. The main difference lies in how these sizes are labelled and represented.

In the old sizing system, knitting needle sizes were often associated with a combination of whole numbers, fractions, and sometimes letters. In contrast, the new sizing system standardizes the sizing by representing needles solely in millimetres, which simplifies the sizing process and reduces confusion.

To clarify, a 4 mm knitting needles in the old system is the same as a 4 mm knitting needle in the new system. There is no difference in the actual size; it's just a matter of how the sizes are expressed.

With this chart in hand, you can seamlessly switch between the old and new sizing systems and select the perfect needles for your projects.

Advantages Of New Sizing System

The adoption of the new knitting needle sizing system offers several advantages to both novice and experienced knitters. Firstly, it brings standardization by representing needle sizes solely in millimetres, eliminating the confusion caused by varying regional systems. This consistency simplifies the selection process, making it easier for knitters to choose the right needle for their project. Additionally, the new system provides precision, as the size in millimetres directly corresponds to the needle's diameter, leaving no room for ambiguity. Overall, the new sizing system streamlines the knitting experience, enhancing accuracy and convenience in the craft.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Needles

In the world of knitting, the right needles are your trusty companions on the path to creating beautiful garments and accessories. By understanding the evolution of knitting needle sizing and embracing the simplicity of the new sizing system, you can confidently pick the perfect needles for your next knitting trip.

As knitting enthusiasts, we often draw inspiration from those who have come before us. In the words of the renowned knitting author Elizabeth Zimmermann, "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises."

If you're looking to expand your collection of knitting needles, we offer a diverse range of options. From double pointed needles to circular knitting needles, and even comprehensive knitting needle sets, our selection has something for every knitter.

Happy knitting, and may your stitches be ever even, and your projects be ever delightful.