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Knitting tip of the week, how to make your own double pointed needles
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We use double pointed needles for socks, for finishing hats or items in the round, but at times double pointed needles can be costly, especially if you're on a "knitting" budget. If you're a crafty kind of knitter, which most of us are, make your own for as little as $1.00 and most of the materials you need you might already have on hand. All you need to do is grab your knitting gauge and head for your local craft or hardware store.
For this project, you will need the following materials, all of which can be purchased in your local craft , hardware or home improvement store.
Shopping list:
- Pre-cut dowels (use your knitting needle gauge to determined the required diameter)
- Small knife for cutting or shears
- Sand paper - 1 sheet coarse and 1 sheet fine
- Pencil sharpener
- Wood stain
- Beeswax
To begin, cut five pieces from the pre-cut dowels of equal length. I would suggest to start by trying a length of 10 inches. Most double pointed needles typically come in 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch lengths. Next, using your pencil sharpener, sharpen each end of the cut dowel. To keep your needles an even length, you may want to count the turns of the sharpener on one end and use the same number of turns on the other end and the ends of your second needle. Once sharpened, lightly sand until just until you sand off the pointed tip to a slightly rounded point and the needle has taken shape. The point should look like a pencil with no lead. Taking the fine sandpaper, sand the needles to remove any snags or splinters. If you choose, you can stain, paint or decorate your needle and I do recommend a light coat of beeswax for finishing. Make sure that if you do stain or paint, to let them dry completing before you use them. For proper care of your wooden needles, please see my recent article.
You now are the proud owner of your very own crafted set of double pointed needles. Making your own needles is easy, fast and fun, not to mention a great project for new knitters.
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