Knitting needles come in various sizes and materials for every project.
Discover the best options for smooth, effortless knitting!
The art of knitting is alive and well and, in many ways, enjoying a resurgence thanks to the exposure of certain TV shows.
Not only this, but it is also a relaxing and rewarding hobby for many people.
Whether you are an experienced knitter or just starting out, a quality set of knitting needles can make a huge difference to how you knit.
Not only will they allow you to knit in comfort, but they can also lessen the time it takes to complete a project so you can move on to the next one or enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Because there are different knitting needles for different purposes and various materials, we have created a list of the best we could find to help make your decision a lot easier.
- Editor’s Choice
CHIAOGOO 7500-C 2.75-10.0mm Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set (Amazon) – Review - Best For Beginners
Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set (Amazon) – Review - Best Bamboo
BetyBedy 36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set (Amazon) – Review - Best Premium
Hiya Hiya 4 Inch Sharp Limited Edition Interchangeable Needle Set (Amazon) – Review - Best Short Tip
addi Click Lace Short Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System (Amazon) – Review - Best 14 Inch
Susan Bates 14-Inch Single Point Knitting Needle, 25mm, White/Blue (Amazon) – Review - Best Value
BCMRUN 22PCS – Knitting Needle Set (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: CHIAOGOO 7500-C 2.75-10.0mm Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set
You get several quality knitting needles, and the complete set is housed in an eye-catching case.
The name Chiagoo is one of the most recognizable in the industry, and they are offering a good amount of variety here.
This interchangeable set includes 5-inch single-point knitting needles made from strong and durable mobo bamboo, providing plenty of knitting options.
This also makes them ideal for knitting thin fibers that can otherwise prove tricky.
The stainless steel tips and the lace tips allow you to knit comfortably and accurately.
You can choose from 24, 32, and 40-inch circulars when attaching them to the three included cable lengths.
The color-coded connectors are easy to read, and this pack also includes end stoppers, stitch markers, T-shaped tightening keys, a needle gauge, and more.
This is everything you need to get started as you can twist the tips to change them and start a different project.
This is the best knitting needle set available, and the cables are so strong that they never need to be straightened.
- Lots of cable length options
- Single point needles are great for using on thin fibers
- Complete set with lots of accessories
- Durable case included
- Size labels are a little small
Best For Beginners: Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set
Anyone trying their hand at knitting will need an easy-to-use set, and Knitters Pride’s product provides exactly that.
There are 9 tips included that measure between 4 and 11 US, as well as 4 different cords.
The size markers make it easy to select the right knitting needles for your needs, and the Symphonie tips are made from lightweight material—hardened birch.
This wood is more durable and expensive than many of the other options you will find, and it adds to the quality of the product.
They feel pretty fine but without being overly pointy, so the beginner should find them easy to handle.
It is important to find knitting needles that are comfortable to hold, especially as you build your hand stamina.
These wooden needles, compared to the aluminum types, give you this.
Many newbies comment on how comfortable they are to hold, and they make long knitting sessions easy without causing cramps.
- Lots of size options
- Great for those starting out
- Comfortable to hold
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Some needles are dark making it difficult to see darker yarn
Best Bamboo : BetyBedy 36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set
If you don’t want to mess around with cords, then these single-pointed bamboo knitting needles are great value and give you plenty of options without having to change between needles.
The bamboo has been bleached and carbonized to ensure its durability, making it resistant to mildew.
These light and smooth needles have no chemical scent. They come in 18 sizes, from 2mm to 10 mm.
They measure 9 inches long and are comfortable to hold. Each one shows its size in easy-to-see and clear print.
Many people comment on how comfortable they are, and they are commonly used to weave scarves, hats, socks, gloves, and a lot more.
Even after continual use, they keep their shape well, and for the price, you are getting a lot of value compared to other products.
- 18 size options
- 9 inches long
- Quality bamboo with no chemcial smell
- Each one is marked with its size
- Experienced knitters might want something with more options
Best Premium: Hiya Hiya 4 Inch Sharp Limited Edition Interchangeable Needle Set
This is one of the most complete knitting needle sets from Hiya Hiya and comes with various accessories.
You get 13 pairs of sharp tips in US sizes between 2 and 15. To make things simple and to give you even more options, 4 cables are included, and their sizes include 18, 24, 32, and 42 inches.
The pack includes small cable connectors, different-sized panda-shaped stoppers, both small and large single-point adapters, and more.
If you are looking for a premium set of circular knitting needles, then this from Hiya Hiya is ideal.
The needles’ stainless steel construction makes them hard-wearing and long-lasting. At 4 inches long, they have enough for comfortable knitting.
- High-quality set of knitting needles
- Variety of cable sizes
- 13 pairs of sharp tips included
- Can be a little fiddly on smaller projects
Best Short Tip: addi Click Lace Short Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System
This knitting needle system is often heralded as the best for knitting lace, and when you feel the quality of the 8-short rocket tip set, it’s easy to understand why.
The US sizes range from 4 to 11, giving you many knitting options.
The multi-purpose connector is easy to fix onto each needle and stays in place for a comfortable knit.
The needle tips measure around 3.5 inches, giving you plenty of room to grip them, and each one is well-weighted.
There is also a blue nylon SOS cord, so if you are the sort of knitter who likes to insert lifelines as you knit, this gives you the option.
It is all packaged in a stylish brown wallet that looks impressive and has a nice feel.
One of the best things about this product is that it allows the user to easily switch the needle length and size and includes a coupling to connect two for a longer chord, giving you a better grip.
- US needle size range from 4 to 11
- 8 short rocket tips
- Easy to switch between the tips
- Includes blue nylon SOS cord
- The feel of the join can be make knitting a little awkward for some tastes
Best 14 Inch: Susan Bates 14-Inch Single Point Knitting Needle, 25mm, White/Blue
This oversized jumbo knitting needle might seem like a novelty to some, but for many people, it is the sign of a product that can easily lightwork large bits of yarn.
Also good for roving, these are going to be too bulky for many beginners, but an experienced knitter will put them to good use.
They can be used for a variety of tasks, and because they are made from plastic, they are a lot lighter than their aluminum counterparts.
These are ideal for finishing a bulky sweater.
At 14 inches long, they might take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, they’ll make for a quick knit of heavier yarn.
They are available in a variety of sizes, including US sizes 17, 19, 35, and 50 (25mm).
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- 14 inches long
- Great for use with large yarn
- Not as good for beginners
Best Value: BCMRUN 22PCS – Knitting Needle Set
This impressive set of straight-pointed knitting needles won’t break the bank, but it will still give you lots of knitting options.
This is because of the range of needles included.
With 11 pairs ranging from 2mm to 8mm, you have a lot to use, and because they measure 14.1 inches, they are easy to hold.
The sturdy hold of the stainless steel needles is great, and because there is never a risk of a frayed end, they do not catch on the yarn.
Sizes are marked at the top, making it easy to switch between the needles.
There are also a handful of useful accessories included: a measuring tape, stitch markers, and a carry bag.
- 11 pairs of straight pointed knitting needles
- Stainless steel
- Do not catch on yarn
- Good value
- Can be a bit thin for some people
When it comes to your home crafts and hobbies, you want to invest a little in them to get a more rewarding experience.
Still, knitting a new scarf or jumper shouldn’t cost a lot.
Because knitting is experiencing a comeback, many products are hitting the market, all claiming to be the best knitting aids available.
This makes it hard to tell if the knitting needles you are considering are worth buying.
Before you decide, we have compiled a buyer’s guide to make this purchase easier.
After considering some of the points, you’ll find this is a fun decision and one you can get the right first time.
Material
This is usually one of the first things to consider when looking for the best knitting needles for your needs.
Many beginners will find that wooden or bamboo knitting needles feel comfortable to hold, but they are not always well suited to certain projects.
Because they can snag and lose their shape over time, it might be best to consider a stainless steel option for long-term use.
Aluminum is a common material, but it can be uncomfortable for some people, especially beginners. It also tends to bend over time.
Grip
Everyone needs a knitting needle that is comfortable to hold and to prevent them from slipping just as you get up to speed, they should have a certain amount of tackiness to them.
This still needs to be within a healthy balance as too much and the knitting motion won’t be so seamless.
Length
Depending on the size of the yarn you will be knitting, you need to consider what length is best for your needs.
The bulkier yarns will require a larger needle, as you don’t want to stack the stitches too much, or you will end up losing them, and the whole process will take a long time.
However, shorter knitting needles can be more convenient for intricate work, but much of this will depend on your experience level.
If you feel comfortable allowing more stitches onto your needle, then length matters less.
Tip
This will influence the knitting you can do and the yarn you can work with. We’ll go into this a little more below, but the knitting needle tip is one of the major factors to consider.
A pointed tip is great for making tight stitches and is better for working at speed. Rounded tips are good for heavy yarns and are often considered to slow the user down.
A Set
This won’t be for everyone, as your requirements might mean a knitting needle set is unnecessary.
This is especially true if you already have certain sizes or tips. However, if you are looking to invest in cable needles, the best thing to do is buy a quality set that has everything you need.
Weight
The weight of a knitting needle will make a big difference to your enjoyment, especially if you are a frequent knitter.
Certain materials can be bulky and weigh a lot, slowing you down and making the process uncomfortable.
To avoid problems like hand cramps, choose a lightweight knitting needle.
Carry Case
Because it can be challenging to store knitting needles in a way that keeps everything together, choosing a product that comes with a carry case is a good idea.
Not only does this prevent the needles from digging into your hand when you are trying to find them in a drawer or when they are loose in storage, but it also ensures you don’t lose any of them.
Growing up, you never would have thought when your mum was knitting that she would be using different types of needles for different projects. Now that you are considering your own, you have to look at the different types so you can match them to your needs.
Straight Needles
These are some of the best knitting needles for the beginner because the knob at the opposite end form the needle prevents slips. Again they come in plenty of different sizes and are generally one of the most affordable options.
Circular Needles
These are pretty common and are well suited to knitting in straight rows, making flat pieces, and circular shapes such as sleeves and hats. They come in a range of sizes, so there is no one size fits all.
Double Pointed
These are great space- and money-saving knitting needles, as the double sides open up plenty of options and give you better value.
Many people use them to knit in the round where a circular needle won’t suffice anymore.
Cable Needles
As the name suggests, these are used to knit cables.
These are some of the most popular knitting needles, and many of the products we selected as the best come with the option to use them as cable knitting needles.
You can use them to make a variety of patterns. Although they take a little skill, most people get up to speed pretty quickly to use these short needles, and they usually come in a set.
Interchangeable Needles
These are best described as the needles that come in a set, as they can be changed between ends and cables of different lengths.
They are great for using multiple needles for the same project, as changing them can be seamless.
This is a question we often see, and because everyone is different, it is prudent to say that no one option will please everyone.
Having said that, many people consider midsize to be the best way to learn knitting.
A width size of 6 – 8 is often considered comfortable, and in terms of length, anything around 10 inches is good to begin with, as this won’t be too big for inexperienced hands.
Of course, if the beginner is in their teenage years, adjustments should be made to the above.
As with any hobby you start for the first time, knitting can be as expensive or inexpensive as you like.
The start-up costs are reasonable, as you can buy yarn, patterns, and knitting needles at reasonable prices.
However, you can also invest in higher-quality tools and needles that last a long time.
The materials you choose will go a long way toward your spending, but you can get started for a reasonable sum.
This depends on the type of garment you are knitting and the materials you use. It also depends on where you shop.
A typical jumper might take many months to complete for a beginner, so if you put a price on your time, it will add up.
The cost of the yarn can be picked up for next to nothing, but you will need to buy more than one to complete most projects.
For most knitters, the cost of knitting needles isn’t a consideration.
The process and the end result are what make it worthwhile.
Also, it is hard to put a price on the feel of something you made yourself.
