What size knitting needles should I use?

My thumbs and wrists are sore from crocheting right now, so I thought I’d try to learn how to knit. (It should be a different kind of strain.) I have plenty of leftover yarn in various weights at home. But what needle size is best for learning? I’ve never knitted before. 

Hi Arni, 

To be honest, I don't think the strain on the wrist is much different, but it's definitely worth a try. 
I'd recommend slightly thicker needles, size 5 for example. 
Winter is still a long way off, but maybe you could knit yourself a scarf anyway. I think that would be a good project for learning. 
Best wishes and I hope your wrists get better soon 
Birgit 

Thank you very much. It’s not excruciating pain yet, but I’ve banned myself from crocheting for now—I don’t want it to get worse! Since I’ve always wanted to try knitting, this is my chance. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just set it aside, but at least I’ll have the knitting needles on hand. 

If you have any arnica ointment or sports gel, you can rub some on your wrists.
That always helped me when I was starting out.

Yes, I’ve already done that. Thanks. But a little break is probably a good idea too. Let’s see how long I can keep it up 

I know how that feels, but it’s better to take precautions before you have to take a really long break. ; -)

If your wrists hurt, you should take a little break first.
But I’ve noticed that my wrists start to hurt faster when I’m crocheting than when I’m knitting. The movements are a little different, after all.
If you want to learn to knit, start with thicker yarn and larger needles (e.g. 5 mm). For starters, I’d recommend wooden needles, such as those from Knitpro. They’re nice and light, pleasantly warm in your hands, and still give you plenty of “grip.”

Best wishes,
Michaela

Great. Thanks so much for the tip. I’m going to buy some needles right away and give it a try tonight.  

As for the pain from crocheting, I realized a while ago that I find it much more comfortable if I hold the crochet hook like a pen (instead of like a knitting needle).

That way, the range of motion is much smaller because you don’t have to move as much — and the hook sits much more loosely in my hand too.

So I wish you a speedy recovery, Arni, and lots of success with knitting and with "getting through your break" ;-)

Best wishes
Stefanie / Aramis-von-K

I’ve had a lot of trouble in my life with tendinitis, especially during activities that are done from the wrist. That includes crocheting, as well as writing by hand or playing badminton. 

When knitting, I don’t have that problem, and I don’t have it when typing on a keyboard either. However, I have noticed that the larger the needle size, the more the movement again comes from the wrist.

I knit most comfortably with needle sizes 3.5 to 4.5 and with a soft yarn that glides well over the needle.

I treated myself to KnitPro wooden needles some time ago, and I can only recommend them very highly. If you only have metal needles at home, the following trick helps: Run the needle through your hair 2–3 times. The natural oils from your hair will then help the yarn glide very well over the needle.

Thanks so much! I bought some inexpensive metal needles to start with, but I don’t even understand the beginning. I’ve read through it and watched videos on YouTube, but I’m just too stupid for it.
How am I supposed to pull the yarn through? The needle doesn’t have a tip like a crochet hook does.
But on Thursday, I’ll be working with a coworker who knows how to knit. Maybe she’ll be patient and explain it to me. 

@ Arni, I think that’s funny :-), I used to always think that crocheting was a more advanced form of knitting, but it seems to be something completely different after all. As a kid, I only learned to knit; I had to teach myself how to crochet later on, and I’m still totally clumsy at it.
As for wrist pain, I can advise you—and really everyone else, too—to do wrist exercises. Otherwise, all that knitting and crocheting might catch up with you one day, and then the pain could become chronic.
Here’s an example of some exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhlHR-mjd_Y

If you’ve only ever crocheted before, it can feel a bit strange to suddenly work with two needles that don’t even have a hook.
It’s best to have someone show you the basics first. Videos and pictures can’t explain it as well as someone who shows you exactly how to hold the needles and the yarn. 

@ InnasVorlagenshop, thank you very much for the link. That’s definitely a good idea

@Wollness-Oase, I hope my colleague has time tomorrow. I’d rather not ask my mother. That would just cause stress. She’s too impatient, and I’m too stupid :-)

Nonsense, you’re not dumb. Maybe a little too impatient, but never too dumb! ;-)
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Knitting is soooo great!!! ☺

Thanks! I’ll let you know how it goes :-)

I’d recommend circular needles, even if you’re knitting a straight piece. That way, the weight of the stitches is distributed more evenly. As for needle size, I think somewhere between 4 and 5 is ideal. The yarn is also very important—it should be nice and smooth and soft, like merino wool, for example. And start out with just knit stitches for now. I hope you have fun trying it out, and have a little patience!

Thanks a lot—yeah, I think I really do need some practice. But I’ve more or less understood it now. :-)