Stitches

Does anyone have trouble with stitches not sliding on Bates knitting needle?

I am using size 15 cables, using two strands of baby yarn. I am not knitting tightly, but the stitches don't slide well at all. I am fighting the work all the way! These are size 15 Silvalume needles. I have since bought some bamboo ones and they are so much better. Just wondered if I could use the silvalume with other kinds of yarn with better success.

Public Comments

1. plastic? aluminum? bamboo? I am told that the bamboo needles slide much more easily than the aluminum and it is by far easier to use than the plastic junk. You might try washing one needle at a time with your dishes and drying it carefully, then work the other needle out and doing it too. It is not a pleasure to knit when you have to fight with the equipment or with the yarns!!!
2. Could be caused by a dirty needle You are using cable check so see if your stitches are being streched and not getting to where they should be, Keep the stitches close to where you are knitting and not let them get streched and this might solve your problem.
3. I would suggest switching to bamboo needles. Once you've tried them you won't want to knit with anything else. I don't know what type of needle you are using now but I suspect that they are plastic. Of the three: plastic, metal and bamboo, the yarn slides best on bamboo, then metal and lastly plastic.
4. Sometimes when stitches aren't slipping easily along the needle I just rub it for a few seconds in my hair (so long as there is no hairspray or mousse). The natural oils in your hair will make your needle slicker for a while. This works especially well with metal and plastic needles. Hope this helps!
5. Put talcum powder on th needles or spray teflon on then and wipe dry. If they are rough try sanding them with crocus cloth.