double point needles- 6" or 7"- bamboo ok?

[MissRubyandKen]

I'm thinking of buying a set of bamboo dpn as I currently have only 1 size of metal ones. They are priced right. I have used a circular bamboo needle and wasn't fond of how it wasn't as smooth as others, but was thinking this might be an advantage with dpn as yarn wouldn't slide of the end and it would allow more control? Any opinions? Also would 6" or 7" be your preference? There is also 8" ones too, lol. Please share! I think I'm ordering these today! Thanks

[Mama~Love]

I like bamboo because it grips the yarn better, allowing more control. I prefer the shorter ones, as longer ones get in the way a lot more. But that's my preference. It also depends on what you're going to use them for. I'd try to get the shortest ones that will do the job.

HTH!

[iowaorganic]

I prefer bamboo dpns- but I like them longer. Maybe not 8" though unless you were knitting adult hats of something. I seriously dislike super short dpns- they fall out so much easier.

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

That's a big "it depends" here.

I prefer medium-length dpns as they're most useful - can use them for children's mitts and adult hats etc.

The material depends on the yarn I'm using. I love my bamboo dpns for more slippery yarns - blends with nylon or silk, sock yarn, etc. I imagine they'd be great for soy or bamboo blends too. For acrylics though I prefer metal dpns as I find that acrylic tends to be "stickier" and less elastic.

[MamaWolfe]

I prefer bamboo because they are lighter than the metal ones and my hands don't hurt as much. Also, even though the stitches don't slide as easily, they also behave much more. If I had to choose between sm, med, or lg, I would go medium. You don't want them too long and getting in the way, but too short and you might lose some stitches. Personally, I would buy all three! Or you could buy a circ and use the magic loop method, it's really easy and your stitches stay on better. I think I knit quicker with the dpn's, but magic loop is very useful and simple!
(it's under Small Diameter Circ Knitting)
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/advanced-techniques

[MeepyCat]

I knit socks on 6" birch DPNs, and find that the length is *mostly* okay. There's often a few tricky moments when I'm picking up the gussets, and I have to be very careful when I try socks-in-progress on. I'm used to my six-inchers, and use them to help me eyeball measurements, but if I wasn't attached to what I've got, I'd go for longer. 7" sounds good.

Bamboo is very light and versatile. If you like knitting with it, it's a good choice.