quilt1950

Does anyone know where to purchase plastic straight knitting needles in small sizes - 3, 4, and 5? My friend's son works with jurors, who are always bored waiting for possible being chosen for a jury. He has gotten permission to supply knitting/crocheting supplies. We found blunt scissors, plastic sewing needles, and plastic crochet hooks, but can't find the knitting needles. The plan is to supply easy patterns to make hats for preemies and donate them to the hospital.

Prism99

Found some:
http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-needles-plastic/
http://www.yarn-store.com/knitting-n...oint-pg02.html
http://www.amazon.com/SG-Colorful-Pl.../dp/B00FYO4QQQ
http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-10...dp/B000QHIGPI/

Edit: I see you need the small sizes, which are harder to find. Here are some more options:
http://www.amazon.com/14-Inch-Plasti.../dp/B0051OU4KQ
http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/075486.html

Is there any chance they could use bamboo needles instead? Bamboo needles would be much nicer to work with, and possibly easier to find.

QuiltnNan

what a great idea!

quilt1950

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look at them more carefully - I found some of those sites, but could not find the smaller needles. I'll ask about the bamboo. That's a good idea.

GingerK

Wow what a great idea. My DD is a NICU nurse. Shall have to suggest this venue to her.

lynnie

what a nice thing to do. get those men knitting too

quiltsRfun

Why not use 24 inch circular needles. I never use straight anymore. I find the circular easier to handle without the long ends weighing down and getting in the way. Also, you'll always have a pair since you can't lose one needle.

quiltmom04

What a fabulous idea! You might even have them make 6" blocks of knitting or crocheting to then be joined into an afghan. Kudos!

snel001

The problem I am encountering when trying to knit newborn hats is that you need to knit "in the round" to prevent seam in the back of the hat. This requires using three double pointed needles or two sets of circular needles. Even a short circular needle won't work because of the decreased number of stitches at the crown of the hat.
Probably should go with 16 inch plastic circular needles per a local knitting instructor.

Prism99

Can hats be crocheted rather than knitted? Seems to me it would be easier to teach, plus crochet hooks are easy to find in plastic.