Knitting Needle Size Converter
Convert between US, UK, and metric knitting needle sizes. Find the perfect needle size for your yarn weight and project.
Needle Size Converter
Search or browse to convert between needle sizing systems
Complete Needle Size Chart
US Size | UK Size | Metric (mm) | Yarn Weight |
---|---|---|---|
US 0 | UK 14 | 2.0 mm | Lace |
US 1 | UK 13 | 2.25 mm | Lace |
US 1.5 | UK 12 | 2.5 mm | Lace |
US 2 | UK 11 | 2.75 mm | Fingering |
US 2.5 | UK 10 | 3.0 mm | Fingering |
US 3 | UK 9 | 3.25 mm | Fingering |
US 4 | UK 8 | 3.5 mm | Fingering/Sport |
US 5 | UK 7 | 3.75 mm | Sport |
US 6 | UK 6 | 4.0 mm | Sport/DK |
US 7 | UK 5 | 4.5 mm | DK |
US 8 | UK 4 | 5.0 mm | DK/Worsted |
US 9 | UK 3 | 5.5 mm | Worsted |
US 10 | UK 2 | 6.0 mm | Worsted |
US 10.5 | UK 1 | 6.5 mm | Worsted/Aran |
US 11 | UK 0 | 8.0 mm | Aran |
US 13 | UK 00 | 9.0 mm | Chunky |
US 15 | UK 000 | 10.0 mm | Chunky |
US 17 | UK - | 12.0 mm | Bulky |
US 19 | UK - | 15.0 mm | Bulky |
US 35 | UK - | 19.0 mm | Super Bulky |
US 50 | UK - | 25.0 mm | Super Bulky |
Needle Selection Tips
• Start with yarn label recommendations
• Knit a gauge swatch to confirm
• Adjust needle size to match gauge
• Consider needle material (metal, wood, bamboo)
• Circular needles for large projects
• Double-pointed for small circumferences
Complete Guide to Knitting Needles
Needle Materials
Metal Needles
- • Smooth, fast knitting
- • Durable and long-lasting
- • Good for sticky yarns
- • Can be slippery for beginners
Bamboo Needles
- • Warm and lightweight
- • Good grip for slippery yarns
- • Quieter than metal
- • Can break with heavy use
Wood Needles
- • Beautiful and comfortable
- • Good for arthritic hands
- • Moderate grip
- • More expensive
Needle Types
Straight Needles
Best for flat pieces like scarves, dishcloths, and blanket squares.
Circular Needles
Perfect for hats, sweaters, and large flat projects. Available in various cable lengths.
Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)
Essential for small circumference knitting like socks, sleeves, and hat crowns.
Interchangeable Sets
Versatile system with multiple tip sizes and cable lengths. Great investment for serious knitters.
Pro Tip: The needle size on the yarn label is just a starting point. Always knit a gauge swatch and adjust needle size as needed to match your pattern's gauge.
Choosing the Right Needle Size
For Gauge Matching:
- • Start with yarn label recommendation
- • Knit a 4x4 inch gauge swatch
- • If too many stitches per inch: go up a needle size
- • If too few stitches per inch: go down a needle size
- • Repeat until gauge matches pattern
For Different Effects:
- • Smaller needles = tighter, denser fabric
- • Larger needles = looser, more drapey fabric
- • Use smaller needles for ribbing
- • Use larger needles for lace patterns