Buy Knitting Needles

When it comes to knitting, there is nothing better than brand new knitting needles to start your project off right! Knitting needles come in various materials, lengths, and sizes, each suited for different types of yarn and projects. The best knitting needles to use will depend on your project type, yarn selection, and personal preference. At Missouri Star, we have many different types of knitting needles to choose from. You can use the filters to shop by knitting needle types, material, size, or brand. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best knitting needles for any project. Before you buy knitting needles, make sure to check out this handy guide!

Knitting Needle Types

➤Straight Knitting Needles are the traditional, long straight needles with a point at one end and a stopper at the other. They are commonly used for flat knitting and come in various materials and sizes.

➤Circular Knitting Needles consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable and are sometimes also called fixed circular needles. They are versatile and can be used for both flat and circular knitting. Circular needles are particularly useful for large projects like blankets or sweaters.

➤Double Pointed Knitting Needles (DPNs) come in sets of four or five and are used for knitting in the round, typically for small circumference projects like socks, mittens, or sleeves. They are sometimes also called double point knitting needles, or abbreviated as DPNs.

➤Interchangeable Knitting Needles consist of multiple needle tips and different cable lengths that can be mixed and matched to create various needle sizes and lengths. You can purchase interchangeable knitting needles sets or individual sizes or interchangeable tips and cables to ensure you have all of the sizes you need for different projects.

Knitting Needle Materials

➤Plastic knitting needles are lightweight and affordable. They may not be as smooth as metal or wood but can be a good option for beginners or for specific projects.

➤Wood knitting needles can be made from various types of wood, such as birch, oak or rosewood. Many knitters prefer the natural feel of wooden knitting needles because they are lightweight and warm to the touch. As an added bonus, most wood knitting needles also have a bit of grip, making them suitable for slippery yarns.

➤Bamboo knitting needles are made from bamboo wood, which is a sustainable resource. They have a bit of flexibility and are a warm and lightweight option to metal knitting needles.

➤Metal knitting needles are often made of aluminum or other alloys. Their smooth surface allows stitches to glide easily. They are durable and come in various finishes, such as nickel-plated or anodized aluminum.

Knitting Needle Sets

Many popular knitting needle manufacturers make handy knitting needle kits that include needles of various sizes and types packaged together in a convenient case or organizer. These sets provide you with a comprehensive selection of needle sizes for different projects, ensuring you have what you need whenever inspiration strikes!

Interchangeable knitting needle sets consist of needle tips that can be attached to different lengths of cables, allowing knitters to create custom needle sizes and lengths according to their project needs. These sets usually include a range of needle tip sizes and cable lengths, along with connectors and stoppers to secure the needles, and we have some of the best interchangeable knitting needles available from brands like Knitter’s Pride, Chiaogoo, Lykke, and more.

Double pointed needle sets include multiple DPN knitting needles which are used primarily for knitting in the round, especially for smaller circumference items like socks, mittens, and sleeves. These sets typically contain multiple needles of the same size, allowing knitters to work seamlessly in the round without switching needles frequently.

Straight needle sets consist of individual pairs of single pointed needles in various sizes. While less common in sets compared to interchangeable or circular needles, single point needle sets are still available for knitters who prefer traditional straight needles for flat knitting projects like scarves, shawls, and blankets.

Knitting needle sets are convenient for knitters because they provide a wide range of needle sizes and types in a single package, eliminating the need to purchase individual needles separately. They also help keep needles organized and easily accessible, making them popular choices for both beginner and experienced knitters alike.

Knitting Needle Sizes

Knitting needle size is indicated by a number (US or UK sizing) or millimeters (metric sizing). The size of the needle you choose depends on the thickness of the yarn you're using and the desired gauge (stitch density) of your project.

If you're following a pattern, it will usually specify the recommended needle size and gauge. You can also swatch with different needle sizes to achieve your desired tension; if your stitches are too loose, switch to smaller needles, and if they're too tight, switch to bigger knitting needles.

You may need to try several sizes before you achieve the results you are looking for, but below is a general guide to help you choose:

➤For thinner yarns such as lace or fingering weight, you'll want to use smaller needles, typically ranging from 2.0 mm to 3.75 mm (US sizes 0 to 5). These needles create smaller stitches and are suitable for delicate projects like lace shawls or fine garments.

➤For medium-weight yarns such as sport, DK, or worsted, mid-sized needles ranging from 3.75 mm to 5.5 mm (US sizes 5 to 9) are typically recommended. These needles are versatile and commonly used for a variety of projects including scarves, hats, sweaters, and blankets.

➤Thicker yarns such as bulky or super bulky require large knitting needles to create bigger stitches. The ideal size range for bigger yarns typically ranges from 5.5 mm to 12.75 mm (US sizes 9 to 17). These needles are great for quick projects like chunky scarves, hats, or cozy blankets.

How to Choose Knitting Needles

When choosing knitting needles, consider the type of project, yarn, and your own personal preferences. Many knitters have a variety of needles in their collection to accommodate different projects and yarns - ultimately, the best knitting needles are the ones that work for YOU!

For beginners, we typically recommend starting with a pair of medium-sized straight needles (around US 8 or 5mm) and a skein of smooth, medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) to practice basic stitches like knit and purl. As you gain confidence and explore different projects, you can expand your knitting needle collection to include versatile knitting needle sets with double pointed needles or a variety of circular knitting needles sizes as needed.

Generally speaking, you will want to match the size of your knitting needles to the weight of your yarn. Yarn labels typically suggest a recommended needle size, with thicker yarns requiring larger needles and finer yarns needing smaller ones.

Next, determine whether you'll be knitting flat or in the round. Straight needles are suitable for flat projects, while circular needles can be used for both flat and circular projects. Other aspects of your project may also inform your knitting needle choice; for example, if you're making a lace project, you might prefer needles with pointed tips for intricate stitches.

If you have a specific gauge on your yarn label or pattern that you are trying to achieve, you may have to experiment with needle sizes until you find the one that gives you the correct gauge for your project.

In many cases, the ideal needle length will also depend on the type of project you’re making. For large projects like blankets or afghans, longer needles are convenient, while shorter needles may be suitable for smaller projects like socks or baby items. If you are using circular knitting needles, you will want to make sure that the length of your cord can comfortably accommodate the circumference of your project (if you’re knitting in the round) and/or the total amount of stitches you’ll be working with. Trust us, your project will be easier to manage if you have enough space to move your stitches without bunching up or being stretched out too far!

Many knitters prefer circular and interchangeable knitting needles because of their versatility - they can be used for both flat and circular knitting! Interchangeable knitting needles have the added advantage of allowing you to swap different needle tips and cable lengths as needed.

Last but certainly not least, choose needles made of a material that feels comfortable for you to work with. Some people prefer the warmth and grip of wood or bamboo, while others prefer the smoothness of metal or the flexibility of plastic. It may be helpful to try out different needles and materials to see what feels most comfortable for you. Additionally, if you have a specific pattern in mind, check for any needle size recommendations provided. Ultimately, your choice of knitting needle is a personal preference, and experimentation can help you find what works best for you.