From the ultra-thin needles used by the Nanas over at the Shreddies factory to craft each and every piece of the wholegrain cereal, to jumbo needles used to create extra-large and plush knitted blankets with super thick yarn – it’s incredibly important to match the needle you use to the project you’re about to embark on.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we often find ourselves tied up in knots over which knitting needles to use for intricate projects which require an accurate gauge, such as festive Christmas jumpers and sweater vests.
What should I consider when purchasing a pair of knitting needles?
Material
Perhaps the most important element to consider when deciding on a pair of knitting needles is the material. This is because the material of the needle can have different effects on different types of yarn, especially with regard to how slippery the yarn becomes on your needles. Certain materials are also better suited to speedy, expert knitters, while others are better for beginners. The most common materials used for knitting needles are:
- Bamboo: One of the most sustainable options, bamboo needles provide enough friction to keep your yarn from constantly slipping off the needles but are smooth enough to ensure that you can weave with ease. They are also far warmer to the touch than metal needles, which will click and clack with every stitch.
- Metal: The most common type of metal knitting needles are made from aluminium. Ideal for speed knitters, these sturdy and lightweight needles often have a pointy tip. However, their slippery surface can serve as a challenge for beginners to the craft. Adept knitters will have no trouble keeping their stitches on the silky smooth surface of metal needles.
- Plastic: Offering a middle ground between bamboo and aluminium, plastic needles are lightweight, have a smooth yet not overly slippery surface, and are relatively cheap. Plus, when working with heavy or large projects, lightweight jumbo plastic needles are the ideal choice.
Size
When we talk about the size of knitting needles, we’re usually referring to the width of the needle rather than the length. Knitting needles are available in a variety of sizes, and your choice should be based on the weight of your yarn. Generally, the finer the yarn, the smaller your needle should be.
Gauge is another important consideration when choosing your needle size. This refers to the number of stitches and rows per centimetre of your piece. Though this isn’t often an important consideration when free-knitting projects such as beanies and scarves, it becomes very important when knitting fitted garments such as jumpers.
Make sure to choose a pair of knitting needles that will allow you to get a tighter or looser gauge, depending on the requirements of your pattern and the nature of your knitting habits.
Length
Depending on the size of your project, you might need a longer or shorter knitting needle. A longer needle can hold far more stitches at once, making it suited for larger projects such as blankets and jumpers. The standard length of a straight knitting needle is between 30-35cm, but you might need a shorter needle for items with a lower stitch count, such as toys and baby clothes.
Shape
- Straight: Traditional knitting needles are straight with a semi-pointy tip – though depending on the material you go for; some needles will be sharper than others. Straight needles are beginner-friendly and allow you to concentrate on your project stitch by stitch.
- Circular: Knitting ‘in the round’ is a technique which can only be achieved with circular knitting needles, which consist of two needles which are connected by a cord. This cord varies in length depending on the size of your project, just like straight knitting needles. However, many consider knitting in the round to be far more difficult, though the technique is designed to make large projects faster and simpler. They also allow you to knit three-dimensional, tubular garments such as mittens and socks.
- Double-point: Usually used for knitting in the round, double-point needles don’t have a stopper for your stitches and are particularly suited for smaller projects.
- Single-point: Single-point needles have a stopper at one end, which means that they can only be used to create flat-knitting projects. They are nevertheless very beginner-friendly and prevent stitches from sliding off the end of your needle.
Without further ado, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best knitting needles for beginners and experts alike.
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Sirdar Hand Painted Bamboo Single Point Knitting Needles - 35cm
With these delightful hand-painted bamboo needles you can ensure that everything about your project is sleek, chic and stylish. These needles are available in a variety of sizes with spherical stoppers that are easy on the eyes. The ball on the top of each needle differs depending on the needle size you choose.
Buy now £5.19, Sirdar
H&S Knitting, 36 Single-Pointed Bamboo Needles
This incredible value-for-money set of bamboo needles is a brilliant option for the knitter who is in the process of graduating from complete novice to intermediate. With every size of needle under the sun available, you’ll be able to switch between projects both large and small.
Buy now £10.99, Amazon
Coopay Large Knitting Needle Set, Big Knitting Pins 15mm, 20mm, 25mm
Thanks to the equally giant stoppers on these jumbo wooden knitting needles, you’ll be able to embark on large projects using extra chunky yarn with the utmost ease. If, however, you’re in the market to create tubular designs or generally prefer knitting in the round, we recommend going for these circular wooden jumbos from KnitPro.
Buy now £20.89, Amazon
Korbond 180007 Single Point Knitting Needle Pair-5.00mm x 35cm – Plastic
Cheap and cheerful, if you show an interest in knitting in front of your granny – it’s highly likely that she’ll arrive with a pair of these fantastic value beginner’s needles from Korbond the next time you see her. A fuss-free pair that delivers the perfect amount of friction, you’ll be knitting like there’s no tomorrow with these needles.
Buy now £2.29, Amazon
Addi Aluminium Single Point Knitting Needles - 20cm
Featuring a lovely heart-shaped stopper at the tip, this pair of aluminium needles has been designed with absolute beginners in mind, despite being crafted from a technically more slippery material. The Addi Single Point Needles are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, though 20cm is the brand’s standard offering.
Buy now £7.25, Amazon
KnitPro Double Point Knitting Needles - Symfonie Wood - 15cm
A shorter double-pointed knitting needle suitable for speedy knitters, this set has been crafted from laminated birchwood which behaves similarly to a classic bamboo needle. Every knitting session will be an absolute delight with these gorgeous, technicolour needles – plus, you’re unlikely to lose them in piles of yarn thanks to their easy-to-spot and extra sturdy chevron design. They are also available in a variety of diameters.
Buy now £8.95, Amazon
KnitPro Smartstix Pink Double Point Needles 14cm (5.5in) (Set of 5)
The lovely striped design of these double-point aluminium needles from KnitPro is as practical as it is good-looking. Designed for savvy sock knitters, the needles feature precise 2cm spaces between the colourful stripes, so that you can measure as you knit.
Buy now £7.39, Amazon
KnitPro KP47509 Zing Knitting Pins –Circular, Interchangeable
Interchangeable needles are an essential choice for those who prefer knitting in the round. These purple needles are available in a vast range of sizes, and can also be paired with matching cables of various lengths.
Buy now £5.65, Amazon
KnitPro Symfonie Rose Interchangeable Needle Deluxe Set, 8 Pairs of Knitting Needles, 60cm 80cm 100cm 120cm Cables
This deluxe rose gold interchangeable set from KnitPro would make a fabulous gift for the avid knitter in your life. Featuring eight pairs of densified laminated birchwood needles, as well as four different lengths of cables for knitting in the round – this set is neatly packaged in a sleek and stylish faux leather case.
Buy now £73.74, Amazon
Verdict
When it comes to style and function, you simply can't go wrong with a pair of Sirdar bamboo knitting needles.
