The type of needle and the material you choose is your personal preference, so it is very helpful to try out some different needles before you start your project. Be sure to try out needles to be sure that they "work" for you.

The main needles materials that many yarn shops stock for knitting (and hooks for crochet) are made from are plastic, bamboo, wood and metal. The material the needle is made from often drives the price, but does not necessarily indicate better quality.

Plastic

Plastic needles offer lightness and flexibility. Easy to hold, they are often a good choice for those learning to knit. Plastic needles are the least expensive of needle materials. They do have a certain amount of friction, which helps keep stitches on the needle easier.

Bamboo

Bamboo needles have a warm, natural feeling and are very light to hold. They are sanded and varnished to keep them slick. They have a similar level of friction as plastic needles, but can be slightly more slick. Bamboo needles are also a good needle choice for those learning to knit, but also for anyone using a "slippery" yarn, likely to slide off the needle.

Wood

Wood needles also have a warm feeling and are light to hold. Like bamboo, wood needles are sanded and varnished to make them smooth. They are about as slick as a bamboo or plastic needle, so they are a good choice for working with slippery or novelty yarns, and those learning to knit.

Metal

Metal needles are ideal for knitting with fibers that you would like to slide smoothly as you knit, such as a wool or cotton. It can also help knit faster, if that is your goal. Metal needles are less than ideal for fibers that are very "slippery", such as novelties made from nylon or rayon, or any silky yarn that could accidentally slide off your needles.

Susan Bates' Quicksilver needles, have a coating which makes them less slick than Turbo and a little easier to work with if you prefer a metal needle. They are a wonderful choice for those learning to knit, and are medium priced.

Addi-Turbo needles claim to be the fastest needles to knit with, and they are very slick. Some knitters find them to be awkward to use, too slippery, and others will not knit with anything else but Turbo!  It is certainly worth trying them out before making your needle selection.