The Great Needle-Hook Debate: Wood or Metal?

It's a battle royale, an ancient rivalry, a heated competition in the style of the Montagues and the Capulets, the Jets and the Sharks, the Hatfields and the McCoys. Naturally, we are referring to the age old question: when deciding which side to pick, metal needles and hooks or wood- who is the winner?

Okay, so maybe the decision isn't quite that dramatic, but it can feel confusing when you are starting out and like a big commitment when you are considering investing in a set that will contain a large selection of the tools you will be making so many projects with.

So which one is best? Wood or Metal? Bamboo or stainless steel? Let's breakdown the pros and cons of each and see if there is a clear victor by the end.

Ergonomics

So which is more comfortable to create with, surely there is a clear winner here! With wood or bamboo, you have a material that is smooth, warm, and can come in a variety of colours. It's flexible and has an end sharp enough to move those stitches along (without lethal intent.) 

The texture is noticeably grippy, helping to keep those pesky stitches from slipping off when you pause for a quick tea break. And with larger needles, wood or bamboo can often be more lightweight compared to their metal counterpart. Wood needles may require some maintenance, wiping down with a soft cloth and applying beeswax helps keep them looking and feeling brand new.

While this seems like a clear winner for Team Wood, metal needles and hooks aren't quite down and out yet. Metal needles and hooks are also incredibly smooth and while they start out cold, they warm up in your hands in no time. They are solid and firm with a slickness that lets stitches absolutely fly for speedy crafters. They come in an equally impressive array of sizes and colours. The tips are much sharper than wooden needles and help make intricate patterns a breeze to work through. Metal needles just need an occasional wipe down for maintenance.

So is one more durable than the other? Unfortunately, no.

Speaking from personal experience in the shop, we have all had the occasional broken bamboo or bent metal needle. It really is important to keep those needles safely stored in a special needle case (and to remember your own strength.) 

Price

When it comes to price, you will be able to find options that run from budget friendly to a serious investment but in either case you have the flexibility of buying needles/hooks individually and adding to your collection, project by project. And for those just starting out, there is no better way to learn which materials you prefer to make with, than by trying out a variety!

Adaptability

Okay, so it's looking like a bit of a tie at the moment, but this final hurdle will surely break that. Adaptability- one of these materials must make them the clear winner when it comes time to move on from a shawl to a sweater and then to socks... Right?

Well, the problem is that it is now more of a question of what style of needle or hook do you want- double pointed for a traditional sock knitting experience? Straight needles or crochet hooks to make a sweater that will be seamed together once finished? Or a circular needle to hold all the lacy stitches for a diagonal shawl?

The beautiful thing about knitting and crocheting is that there are so many options to fit so many different styles and preferences. The surest way to find out is by trying out different methods with different materials until you find the one that brings you the most joyful experience.

And if you ask us in the shop, you'd find several of us saying that we in fact, use both! When a heap of stockinette needs to be whipped through, having metal needles to help you fly through the mindless work is a blessing. When silky fingering weight yarn is being transformed into a lacy shawl, having a little extra grip from wooden needles can make the process more comfortable. It all comes down to personal preference.

The Clear Winner?

Will be whichever gets you motivated to sit down with a new project and get busy. 

But we want to hear from you! What were your first project needles or hooks? Would you do it the same way all over again, or what advice would you share with a crafter that's embarking on their first project?