puikot

Puikot, the Finnish word for knitting needles, are tools used to create knitted fabric by interlocking yarn into loops. They are typically held in the hands to form stitches and advance the fabric row by row. While most knitting is done with two straight needles, specialized forms exist for various techniques.

Main types include straight needles, circular needles formed by two short needles connected by a flexible cord for knitting flat or in the round, and double-pointed needles used for small circumferences such as socks and hats. Circular needles can also be used for flat knitting by working back and forth on the cord. Materials vary widely.

Common materials include metal (such as aluminum and stainless steel), wood and bamboo, and plastic. Each material offers different glide, warmth, and grip. Needle sizes are given by the diameter of the shaft in millimeters, typically ranging from about 2 mm to 15 mm. Straight needles commonly measure 15 to 40 cm; circulars are described by cord length (for example, 60 cm).

Care involves keeping needles dry and free from damage, and storing them in a case to prevent loss. Puikot are a common element of both traditional and contemporary knitting, used for garments, accessories, and home textiles across cultures, including in Finland, where knitting is a well-established craft tradition.