Circular Needles

Joseph Alvarado
10 min readSep 22, 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the best circular needles on the market! Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting out, these versatile tools will help you create your next knitting masterpiece. Follow us as we explore the top-rated circular needles available, highlighting their unique features and performance benefits. We've also added our expert tips for selecting the best circular needles for your specific knitting project. Stay tuned for an informative and engaging read, perfect for knitters of all levels!

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Reviews

Natural Birch Circular Knitting Needles - Comfortable, Lightweight, and Stylish

Natural Birch Circular Knitting Needles — Comfortable, Lightweight, and Stylish | Image

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and durability with the KnitPro Jumbo Birch Circular Needle. Featuring a stunning natural birch colour, these lightweight needles offer a seamless stitch glide for effortless crafting. The ease of handling and elegance of design make these needles a pleasure to use. With a range of sizes and lengths available, find the perfect fit for your next project.

HiyaHiya 12-inch Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles (US 6 / 4mm)

HiyaHiya 12-inch Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles (US 6 / 4mm) | Image

Say hello to HiyaHiya's perfectly smooth, lightweight sharp Sharp Steel Circular Needles. Crafted with precision and designed for both increasing and decreasing stitch patterns, these 12-inch beauties are a must-have for all knitters. With their 3.5-inch curved tips, knitting your next masterpiece becomes an effortless pleasure. The high-quality stainless steel not only looks sharp but also works like a charm. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a newbie, these needles will surely leave you spellbound. Go on, indulge in the finesse of the perfect crafting partner with the HiyaHiya needles.

Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles for Comfortable Stitching

Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles for Comfortable Stitching | Image

The Clover Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles, size 7, are a must-have for seamless creations. Offering a warm touch and lightweight feel, these circular needles are easy to use and store. Whether for home décor or arts and crafts projects, you can find these high-quality needles suitable for all your knitting needs. With a 4.7-star rating and reviews praising their comfort, ease of use, and durability, this set will not disappoint.

Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles: 16" Size 10.5/6.5mm Knitting Essentials

Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles: 16

Experience seamless knitting with the Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Needles. Made with lightweight bamboo and featuring nylon cables, these needles offer a snug fit to prevent stitches from slipping. With a length of 16 inches, these circular needles allow you to knit effortlessly. Perfect for creating garments without seams, the Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Needles are versatile and offer a comfortable grip.

Pony 15 mm Circular Knitting Needle Set for Hats and Sweaters

Pony 15 mm Circular Knitting Needle Set for Hats and Sweaters | Image

Pony, a beloved brand for knitters, offers a versatile circular needle perfect for any project. With a length of 60 cm and diameter of 15 mm, it's an essential tool for your knitting arsenal. The needle is known for its durability, thanks to its metal construction in smaller needle sizes, and comfortable handling in larger sizes. The transparent, flexible cable makes needle-size reading easy, while the GLYDON joint ensures a smooth transition between needle and cable. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly knitting tool, Pony's circular needle is a top choice.

Comfortable and High-Performance Circular Knitting Needles

Comfortable and High-Performance Circular Knitting Needles | Image

These sturdy Circular Knitting Needles from Loops & Threads have quickly become popular among beginner knitters. Crafted with a comfortable plastic design, these needles make knitting in the round smooth and effortless. Their GLYDON connection ensures a snag-free transition of stitches onto the soft, clear cable, and the tapered tips prevent the splitting of yarn. Lightweight and easy to handle, these needles provide excellent performance and a comfortable knitting experience.

Loops & Threads 35mm Circular Needle Set - Perfect for Knitting Enthusiasts

Loops & Threads 35mm Circular Needle Set — Perfect for Knitting Enthusiasts | Image

Up your knitting game with the sleek and stylish 35mm Circular Needle Set by Loops & Threads. Crafted from premium steam beech wood and aluminum, these compact needles offer enhanced comfort and performance. With two circular needles in the set, you'll have everything you need to create beautiful knitted pieces with confidence.

Luxury Ebony Circular Knitting Needles for Smooth, Twist-Free Knitting

Luxury Ebony Circular Knitting Needles for Smooth, Twist-Free Knitting | Image

Experience the pleasure of crafting with Lantern Moon's Destiny Circular Needles. These elegant knitting necessities boast Ebony needle tips and seamless brass connectors for a luxurious touch. Available in various sizes and lengths, they're perfect for working with any type of yarn. And with a lightweight, smooth cord and a snag-free finish, you can effortlessly create your masterpiece. So why wait? Unleash your creativity with these superior quality circular needles.

Luxury Ebony Circular Knitting Needles

Luxury Ebony Circular Knitting Needles | Image

Crafted with exquisite Ebony wood, these Lantern Moon circular knitting needles deliver a snag-free knitting experience. The liquid silk finish and 24K gold connector ensure a smooth, even-glide, while the smooth cord lies flat for easy storage. Perfect for all yarns, these finely honed needles are a must-have for any knitter.

Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles for Crafts and Home Dcor (29-Inch Size 4)

Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles for Crafts and Home Décor (29-Inch Size 4) | Image

Clover Takumi's lightweight and comfortable bamboo circular knitting needles, measuring in at a lengthy 29 inches, are perfect for all your crafting projects. These easy-to-use, well-made, and durable needles feature smooth points and an aesthetic design, making them a favorite among knitters of all skill levels. Experience the warm touch of bamboo and the effortless flow of your stitches as you seamlessly create your next masterpiece.

Driftwood Finish Knitting Needles: 16 Inches Circular, US 9 (5.5mm)

Driftwood Finish Knitting Needles: 16 Inches Circular, US 9 (5.5mm) | Image

Indulge in the elegance and craftsmanship of these Lykke Driftwood 16-inch Circular Needles, designed for knitting hats, sweater necklines, and baby garments. Crafted from birch wood and featuring a grey stain, these fixed circular needles exude sophistication and have a smooth, comfortable grip. Ideal for both experienced knitters and beginners, these needles offer a range of sizes to meet your project needs.

29" Circular Knitting Needles for Cute Booties, Caps, and Gloves

29

Loops & Threads US 1 / 2.25mm circular knitting needles are perfect for creating adorable accessories like booties, caps, and gloves. Available in a variety of sizes, these circular needles come in at 29 inches (75 cm) long and offer easy handling. The plastic construction, with its concave points, prevents splitting of yarn and dropped stitches, making knitting a breeze.

Buyer's Guide

When embarking on the journey of knitting or crocheting, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving your desired outcome. One of the essential tools in this arsenal is the circular needle. Designed for making circular knits, circular needles come in a variety of sizes and materials to cater to different projects and preferences. In this buyer's guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing circular needles, providing you with valuable insights to ensure you make the best purchase for your needs.

Size and Length

The size and length of a circular needle are two crucial factors to take into account when making a selection. The size refers to the diameter of the needle, which determines the gauge of the yarn you will be using. The length, on the other hand, refers to the distance between the two points where the needle connects to form a loop. This distance affects how tightly you can work the stitches and how much yarn you will need.

Material

Circular needles are available in various materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum needles are lightweight, affordable, and widely used for their durability. Wooden needles provide a natural, warm feel and are eco-friendly, but they can be prone to splitting if mishandled. Plastic-coated aluminum needles offer a balance between affordability, lightweight nature, and some durability. Knitters looking for maximum control and precision may opt for needle sets made from high-quality steel, although these are generally more expensive.

Flexibility

Flexibility is another essential aspect to consider when choosing circular needles. For smaller projects such as hats or socks, fixed circular needles with a rigid cable work well. However, for larger projects or those requiring more flexibility, interchangeable circular needles offer greater flexibility with detachable cables. It's crucial to ensure that the needle can maintain its shape while you knit, preventing any kinks or twists that could affect your work.

Shape

Circular needles come in various shapes, with the most common being tapered and straight. Tapered needles have a smooth, consistent diameter throughout their length, making them suitable for a wide range of projects. Straight needles have a round diameter and are ideal for seamlessly joining stitches. Choosing the right shape depends on the specific project you are working on and your personal preferences.

FAQ

What makes circular knitting needles different from straight knitting needles?

Circular knitting needles are designed with two symmetrically aligned points connected by a flexible cable. This allows the knitter to knit in a continuous spiral without having to turn the work, making it perfect for knitting hats, tubes, and sleeves. Straight knitting needles, on the other hand, require the knitter to turn the work periodically, which may not be ideal for certain projects.

Additionally, circular knitting needles have a fixed cable length, which limits the size of projects that can be worked on. However, this can be easily overcome by using double-pointed needles (DPNs) or knitting in the round with multiple circulars for larger projects, such as sweaters or blankets.

What is the difference between interchangeable circular knitting needles and fixed circular knitting needles?

Interchangeable circular knitting needles come with a set of various cable lengths and needle tips that can be easily swapped to create a versatile set of tools. This allows the knitter to work on a range of projects without having to buy separate sets of needles for each size. On the other hand, fixed circular knitting needles have a single cable length and are only available in specific needle tip sizes.

Fixed circular knitting needles are typically more affordable than interchangeable options, making them a good choice for beginner knitters who may not yet need the versatility of an interchangeable set. However, as a knitter gains experience and begins working on larger projects, an interchangeable set may be a better investment.

How do I choose the right circular knitting needle size for my project?

The right circular knitting needle size is determined by the gauge (needle size) and the size of your project. Generally, smaller gauge needles create a tighter knit, while larger gauge needles create a looser knit. The gauge of your needle should match the instructions for your project or be specified within your pattern.

For example, if you are knitting a hat, you may want to use a smaller gauge needle to create a snug fit. If you are knitting a scarf, a larger gauge needle may create a more comfortable, drapey fabric. When in doubt, consult your pattern or a reputable knitting resource for guidance on needle size selection.

What are the benefits of using circular knitting needles compared to other knitting tools?

Circular knitting needles offer several advantages over other knitting tools. Firstly, they allow the knitter to work on a project in the round, which is particularly useful for items such as hats, tubes, and sleeves, as well as smaller parts of larger projects like sweaters or blankets. This can help reduce the need for seaming and create a seamless, cohesive fabric.

Additionally, circular knitting needles are helpful for working on projects that require a lot of stitching, as they prevent the buildup of tension that can occur when working on a flat surface with straight needles. However, if you are new to circular knitting needles, or if you prefer working on flat surfaces, straight needles or double-pointed needles may be a better choice for your project.

Are circular knitting needles suitable for all types of yarns?

Circular knitting needles are compatible with most types of yarn, including worsted weight, bulky, and even laceweight yarns. However, some yarns may be more challenging to work with on circular needles, especially if they are prone to tangling or are very fine or very delicate. In such cases, using double-pointed needles or straight needles with a tapered point may be a better option.

It is essential to choose the right needle type and size for the specific yarn you are working with to ensure optimal results. If you are unsure, consult your yarn's label or a knitting expert for guidance on the best needle type and size for your project. Additionally, using circular knitting needles with a smaller circumference (i. e. , a shorter cable length) can be helpful when working with delicate yarns.

What are the most common types of circular knitting needle tips?

The most common types of circular knitting needle tips include fixed circulars, interchangeable circulars, and circular knitting needle sets with various tips. Fixed circulars are single needles with a fixed cable length and needle tip. Interchangeable circulars are sets that come with multiple cable lengths and needle tips that can be exchanged, providing versatility for a range of projects.

Circular knitting needle sets typically come with a variety of needle tips, such as straight, tapered, double-pointed, and circular tips. The needle tip type will depend on the project you are working on and your personal preference. For example, straight tips are ideal for knitting flat projects, like scarves or baby blankets, while tapered tips are best for knitting in the round, like socks or hats.

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