Tool School: Takumi Bamboo Knitting Needles

By Steve Butler

What is it?

In its most elemental form, knitting is simply a method by which we apply various technique to yarn with knitting needles and turn it into a unique fabric that mirrors our creative intent. Using knitting needles we are able to manipulate yarn to create multiple loops in a line on the needle shaft or cord.

As each of these rows progress, a newly created loop is pulled through one or more loops from the previous row, placing the new row on the gaining needle. The resulting knitted fabric consists of any number of these consecutive rows of interlocking loops. By varying the types of yarns, needle sizes, and stitch types we can create knitted fabrics ranging from merely ho-hum to dazzling exotic. So what does Takumi have to contribute? The finest bamboo knitting needles on earth, that’s what. Consider the primary knitting needle construction materials:

Aluminum – Very pretty but sticky. Lots of friction means labored knitting. If you’re young with strong wrists go for it. Otherwise use them for studio decoration only.
Acrylic – Light and strong. Less friction than its aluminum cousin but not the slickest of needles so it’s a good alternative if you have trouble dropping stitches.
Nickel platted brass – These exotic metallics are super slick. If you are an experienced knitter with a need for speed these are for you. But only if you are very accomplished in the process and the destination is way more important than the journey.
Bamboo – The ultimate knitting machine. The qualities inherent in bamboo present us with all of the best features for yarn control. A warm, organic feel with just the right amount of flex to make them comfortable. An extremely smooth surface that favors speed without the attendant concerns for dropped stitches that accompany the hard metallics. And lastly, a natural durability that imbues them with heirloom status with use.

What does it do?

Quite simply Takumi Knitting Needles knit. But they do so with unparalleled ease and function.

Single Pointed Bamboo Knitting Needles – Straight knitting needles are perfect for scarves or other “flat” finished products. There are seventeen sizes on 9 inch needles and fifteen sizes on 13 or 14 inch needles.
Double Pointed Bamboo Knitting Needles – Double pointed needles are perfect for tubes and other shapes. With the set of five needles your creative potential is limitless. One note. While the bamboo surface is fast, it is not so slick that hanging needles are not prone to slipping out while we’re working out pattern. Double pointed needles are provided in sets of five needles with twelve sizes on 5 inch needles, fifteen sizes on 7 inch needles and nine sizes on 9 inch needles.

Circular Bamboo Knitting Needles – The great thing about circular knitting needles is that they can be used for any knitting that we do. Shapes, tubes or flat objects, it makes no difference. One special ad
vantage of “circulars” is that when doing large projects, the weight of the yarn rests with the loop on your lap as opposed to supporting the weight with your wrists when using straight knitting needles. There are nine sizes available on 9 inch needles, fifteen sizes available on 16 inch needles, seventeen sizes available on 24 inch needles, fifteen sizes 29 inch needles and twelve sizes available on 48 inch needles.
Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles – This is the ultimate knitting tool box. Select the needle size desired and match it with the length of connecting cord desired. Acquire the entire set at once or add them one at a time as needed. Interchangeable points are available in twelve sizes – 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,10.5,11,13,15. Takumi interchangeable cords are newly redesigned to be soft and flexible, enabling your projects to lie flat as you knit. They are available in five lengths – 16, 24, 29, 36 and 48 inches. With available connectors there is no limit to what you can accomplish with the Takumi Interchangeable collection. This is a must for every knitting studio or travel bag.