Whether you're a complete beginner who can barely tell the difference between a knitting needle and a crochet hook, or an experienced knitter who can knit with their eyes closed, good knitting needles are your most important investment! There are countless types, sizes and materials available – and we’re here to help you understand them all.
First, you need to determine which type of knitting needle you prefer to use. Broadly speaking, there are three main categories of knitting needles:
Single-pointed Needles
The good old-fashioned straight knitting needles are known as straight or single-pointed needles. They come in pairs and have a point at one end and a knob at the other, so your stitches don’t fall off while knitting.
Straight needles are ideal for projects worked back and forth, such as scarves, blankets, cushion covers, dishcloths and towels. You can also use them for garments like jumpers, but bear in mind that you’ll need to do some assembling afterwards, as you can’t knit in the round with them.
They come in various lengths, but the most common are 20–40 cm long, and range in thickness from 2–12 mm.
The two knitting needles connected by a flexible cable are called circular needles. As the name suggests, they’re perfect for knitting in the round, such as for sleeves, jumpers, collars and more.
But circular needles are actually quite versatile! You can also use them to knit flat pieces. Many knitters prefer circular needles to single-pointed ones because they tend to be lighter, thanks to the thin connecting cable.
There are two types of circular needles:
Fixed Circular Needles: These come as one piece, with the cable permanently attached to the needles.
Interchangeable Circular Needles: These come in separate parts – the needles and the cables – which can be screwed together using a small tool. This allows you to change needle sizes without removing your stitches, put your work on hold, and use the same cable for different needle sizes. Please note: This does not apply to AddiClick knitting needles, which use their own system.
For your finished project, it makes no difference whether you choose fixed or interchangeable circular needles – it’s simply a matter of preference. The advantage of interchangeable sets is that you can buy a kit with various cables and needle sizes, offering you plenty of combination options.
Circular needles are available in many thicknesses, typically ranging from 2–15 mm. They also come in various lengths, from the shortest at 40 cm to the longest at 120 cm. Shorter cables are great for knitting sleeves or collars, while longer ones can hold a large number of stitches, ideal for knitting the body of a jumper.
Double-pointed needles are perfect for knitting socks – but that’s not all they’re good for! You’ll often find them used in patterns for cardigans, jumpers, pullovers and vests, particularly when knitting sleeves, ribbing or necklines.
Traditional double-pointed needles come in sets of five. You divide the stitches evenly across four of the needles and knit with the fifth. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, you'll master the technique in no time.
There’s also a different style of double-pointed needles that comes in sets of three, resembling very short circular needles. The principle is the same – you divide the stitches between two needles and knit with the third.
Double-pointed needles vary in length, with the most common being 10–25 cm, and in thickness from 2–8 mm.
Wood, such as bamboo or olive wood: Wooden needles are lightweight and great for both experienced and beginner knitters. The benefit of wood is that it’s not too slippery, which helps prevent your stitches from falling off.
Metal, such as aluminium, brass or steel: Metal needles are very smooth, so stitches slide quickly and easily. They’re best suited for knitters with some experience and confidence in their technique.
Plastic: Plastic needles are a budget-friendly option. They’re smooth and fairly easy to work with, though not as popular or high-quality as wooden or metal alternatives.
The best type of knitting needle and material is highly personal, so it’s hard to name a single best option. The most important thing is to try different types, and see what works best for you – what glides smoothly, isn’t too heavy, and feels right in your hands.
Wooden needles are a great place to start if you're a beginner. Their slightly rougher surface helps prevent stitches from slipping off too easily.
First, check the recommended needle size listed in your knitting pattern. Then, knit a tension swatch to see if your gauge matches the pattern’s specifications.
If you have too many stitches, try a larger needle. If you have too few, try a smaller one.
Some needles have the size printed on them, or the wire in the case of circular needles. However, this can wear off over time, making it difficult to distinguish between sizes.
We recommend using a needle gauge – a tool with holes in standard sizes. Simply insert your needle into the holes until you find the perfect fit, and you'll know the size.
If your needles are too large, your stitches will likely be too loose, making your finished project look uneven or messy. It’s important to choose needles that match your yarn and pattern requirements.
Yes! Even if your pattern calls for double-pointed needles, you can use a circular needle instead. You’ll need to use the Magic Loop technique, which involves distributing the stitches evenly on a long circular needle (at least 80 cm).
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