Straight needles are good for scarves and things like washcloths/dishcloths, pieced baby clothes, etc. A decent amount of items can be knit flat and pieced together and can therefore be technically knit on straight needles (sweaters, I've seen hats knit flat, etc) but knitting these items round is more popular these days so you really have to look at the individual pattern.
If you do want to learn how to knit on circular needles, if possible I'd recommend starting to buy some interchangeable separates, like size 7 needles and a 32" cable or so. If you get into it you can just buy the ones you need as you need them and have a decent collection pretty quickly.
no subject
Straight needles are good for scarves and things like washcloths/dishcloths, pieced baby clothes, etc. A decent amount of items can be knit flat and pieced together and can therefore be technically knit on straight needles (sweaters, I've seen hats knit flat, etc) but knitting these items round is more popular these days so you really have to look at the individual pattern.
If you do want to learn how to knit on circular needles, if possible I'd recommend starting to buy some interchangeable separates, like size 7 needles and a 32" cable or so. If you get into it you can just buy the ones you need as you need them and have a decent collection pretty quickly.