Stitches

How do you mark circular knitting needles so you know what size they are in the future?

I have a set of circular knitting needles that I am not for sure the size of them and so do not know if I could use them for a project I am doing.

Public Comments

1. I don't mark mine, I just use a Knit Gauge that I got at Wal Mart for a dollar or two. It is the same thing that you use to measure your gauge, but it also has all of the different needle size-holes so you can figure out which size it is. (It's kind of hard to explain!) Here is a picture of one: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2874&PRODID=prd31088 Mine looks a little different and is metal, but it works the same. I found it in the craft section at Wal Mart.
2. You can keep them in the little packet that they come in or use a gauge each time you need to sort one out!
3. I also use a needle-sizing gauge. There's even one that's attractive enough to wear as a pendant. It's a bit more expensive ($16 range), but it's really cool! One advantage of the gauge is that apparently not all manufacturers use the same standard when sizing needles, or maybe the wooden and bamboo ones swell in the humidity, and checking the needle with a gauge will assure that you have the right size needle. Once I get the needles sized, I store them in a Worm Wallet (thanks to a friend who suggested this solution). A Worm Wallet is a soft plastic case that holds a number of zippered plastic envelopes that are the exact right size for a circular needle. A note slipped into the envelope with the needle tells what size it is for the next time I am searching for a particular size of circ. They are available in the fishing section of sporting-goods stores and are meant to hold soft-plastic fishing "worms." Or you could just use the circular needles to make your gauge swatch, then go from there if you're on gauge and use different needles if you are off gauge.
4. I love the answers given, I'll have to try the worm wallet! Also, just want to add that you should write down all the needles that you have and store them in your wallet. Then when you happen to be browsing and come across cool pattern, you can check your needle inventory right away to see if you have the needles already without having to go home first. :)
5. I don't mark my circular needles. I use a needle gauge. My favorite (and all-encompassing: US/metric) is one from Nancy's Knit Knacks: http://www.nancysknitknacks.com/needle_gauge.htm I also use circular needles tags: http://www.nancysknitknacks.com/circular_needle_id_tags.htm I have collected a few types of needle gauges over the years. I really like Debras Garden Knitting Needle Gauge Pendant ( http://www.debrasgarden.com ) and a custom-made smoked bamboo on from Karat Stix ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5398294 ).
6. I store all my needles in Ziploc bags with the size marked on them. You can put your circular and double points in the same bag. I keep them all in a small handbag that they fit in or you could punch a hole in them and put them in a 3 ring notebook. When I travel I use a binder with sheet protectors. I put the pattern in the top load sheet protector and my ziploc bag with the correct size needles along with the matching crochet hook. That way I can take several projects.
7. There are some little plastic tubes available from Knit Picks and Patternworks with needle sizes marked on them, but you'll still need a needle sizer to get the right tube on the right needle! I store most of my circs in a "Circular Solution" so that I know what size I'm pulling out. I still have to check the sizes from time to time if it's been a while that the needle was out of the holder, so I have one of the aluminum Susan Bates needle sizers hanging right there from the canvas needle holder. Don't forget that needle sizes in patterns are just suggestions! You should always use whichever size gives you the gauge or fabric feel that you want!