Experiment with different knitting needle sizes to create various effects.

Using different knitting needle sizes with the same ply yarn and number of stitches produces amazing results. When you are learning to knit, this a great experiment and you will be delighted with the effects that the different size needles creates.

The picture above demonstrates this. Each of the squares has 44 stitches (the same as our square vest ), which is shown in the middle.

It (the middle square) has been knitted on 6mm needles (4 UK, 10 USA) and is quite dense. The yarn that has been used here is a very soft ribbon-like nylon made up of a basic thread of orange with a black fringe woven through it. In the middle square, the colour distribution is even and the overall appearance is brown.

The larger square on the right has been knitted using 10mm needles (000 UK, 15 USA). Not only is it substantially bigger, but it shows the knitting technique for producing a lacy effect. (The holes between the stitches are much larger). This square would make a lovely delicate vest to go over a tee-shirt, for example, to fit a small teenager. In appearance it seems to be more orange.

We used the smallest knitting needle size for the tiny square on the left, 2mm (14UK, ) USA). It feels tightly woven and in appearance is much blacker. They all feel and look very different one to the other.

It took a very similar time for each square, although when you are learning to knit, the 2mm needles are a little tricky and it is easier to drop a stitch. Still, it is good practice and both the middle and smaller squares can be used for baby blankets as well.

If you have had fun practicing knitted squares with different knitting needle sizes, please parcel them up and send them to Africa for the AIDS orphans who will be happy to be made warm with your efforts. And please subscribe to our Square Circle ezine for news of the blankets, more patterns and knitting tips.