ITO Crochet Hooks ITO is the first company to introduce the dark Koshitsu bamboo needles, that are best sold and most cherished in Japan, to European knitters and crocheters. ITO also offers the needles in Japanese needle sizes with steps of 0.3 mm between sizes for the first time in Europe. The best Japanese bamboo is selected and carefully processed that the needles get a warm touch and smooth handle. The material for the dark Koshitsu bamboo needles (up to 10 mm) is stored up to 10 years and additionally steamed which makes the bamboo very hard and prevents warping. Light bamboo needles get easily bent while knitting due to warm hands. Therefore, the Koshitsu bamboo is especially great for smaller needle sizes.