I've been knitting swatches with my handspun. I thought I'd share 2 hints with you on how to choose the appropriate needle size. (btw this also works for commercially bought yarn where the ballband has gone awol)

1. A quick method (preferably requires a needle gauge) - Double the yarn, gently twist it together to simulate a 2 ply. Choose a needle that's the same thickness as the doubled yarn. I usually use a needle gauge to judge the thickness of the yarn. If the yarn is a little variable in diameter then take and average of the thickest and thinnest parts. If in doubt err on the bigger needle size.

2. Use a ruler or wpi tool to measure the average number of wraps per inch of yarn. Then use the table below to figure out the needle size. This works well for simple plain yarns but not so well for crazy fluffy ones with added feathers or beads. Thistable is a little different from those published elsewhere as this is tried and tested for semi-even handspun.

Yarn weight wpi needle size

Laceweight 18 or more 2-2.75mm

4ply/Fingering Weight 16 2.5-3.5mm

Double knit 14 3.5-4.5mm

Aran 12 4.5-5.5mm

Chunky 10 5.5-8mm

Super Chunky 8 or less 8-15mm

Last night was our T'chai Ovna knitters night. Vonnie and I were joined by Angelabdc from ravelry and had a fab time.