Of course the color is what first catches your eye. But, the beauty is more than skin deep. The layers of laminated birch give the needles a strength that is missing in regular wooden needles. The stability allowed us to shape sharp points- particularly nice for lace knitting. It also made small sizes more durable and resistant to breakage. Being wood, the burnished surface has a slight grip so slick yarns like mohair and angora don’t slip off at the wrong time. This quality also makes them an excellent choice for beginning knitters, who often have trouble keeping stitches on the needles.