The Best Circular Knitting Needles in 2021
For many people that are interested in knitting, the act is not just a hobby that they practice once in a while. It is a skill that should be perfected with constant practice. The end product is often a knit that’s well-crafted.
Creating masterpieces does not just stop at acquiring the right skills; it also needs the right tools. Knitting needles are among the most crucial knitting tools needed by knitters. Whether you are handling flat or round knits, you will need to have the best circular knitting needles for you.
To help, we’ve reviewed some of the best models of circular knitting needles that you can try. We’ve also researched and written a buying guide with several factors that you should consider when you are in the market to pick a circular knitting needle for your needs. Here is our top selection…
In a Rush? Check Our Top 5 Picks Of Best Circular Knitting Needles
[amazon table=”1740″]What is a Circular Knitting Needle?
Circular knitting needles are specially designed needles for circular Knitting. They come with two needle tips connected by a cable. They come in two types, including; fixed circular knitting needles and interchangeable knitting needles.
The second type is named interchangeable because of the ability that they offer users to disjoint and put them back together, depending on knitting needs. This feature makes the best circular knitting needles for hate and other related materials.
The circular knitting needles are great for a variety of projects. You can either knit in the flat or round on this kind of knitting needles, depending on your project.
Circular Knitting needles come in different looks and designs, depending on the brand. Like most other knitting needles, this type of Knitting needles feature materials like metal, bamboo, plastic, and resin.
The flexible cord that joins two hard tips together in this kind of needle also serves to hold most of the stitches together. When circular needles are purchased as part of an interchangeable set, that means that you can work with different sizes of needles and cords in the same set.
Circular Knitting needles are famous in the US, with sizes ranging from 3 to 15, depending on the brand. It is possible to buy different lengths of cords, but this will often depend on your projects’ circumference.
When using this type of needle, it is essential to use proper needle length for your particular project because of the need for the number of stitches to fit on the needle comfortably.
Top 5 Best Circular Knitting Needles Review of 2021
1. CLOVER Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles Reviews
The Clover Knitting needles are easily one of the best circular knitting needles set for beginners today. This set features unique detailing that tells you everything you need to know about the needles’ quality. Each set is fitted with twelve different needles, each designed to meet a specific knitting need.
These needles are incredibly lightweight, making each stitch easier and better. The smoothness of the tips and joints of this needle adds up to make every stitch light and relaxed.
Every feature of these needles solves a specific problem, but it is their inability to snag or catch unto the yarn during work that makes them the perfect knitting needles for beginners. The relatively low price of the set gives them even more value to the average user.
There’s also the availability of 12 tip sizes and five cords, all providing up to 60 combinations for you. To make it worth the while, the manufacturers packaged the needles set in a customized set to make storage and carriage more seamless. The carrying case helps to make the needles last longer, without bending, breaking, scratching, or warping.
Every needle in the set features a unique level of sturdiness that stands them out and makes them able to withstand hard treatments. The cords, on the other hand, are, however, made of plastic, making them smooth and flexible. There’s a likelihood of swiveling, but a simple dip in hot water can fix even that. The light color of the needles also stands out for moments when you need to work with dark-colored yarns.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Offers several different combination possibilities.Highly durable.
It comes with a carrying case to make storage easier.[/i2pros][i2cons]Possibility of its carrying case to swivel.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Exquiss Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles
Another top-quality circular Knitting needle that’s worth knowing about is the 18 pairs of bamboo Knitting needles from Exquiss. Straight of the pack, this is one needle that combines good quality with excellent functionality.
Each pack contains 18 carbonized needles, each featuring a colorful plastic tube that makes it very attractive to kids. Hence, it is the perfect option to get for your little one when you want them to develop an interest in creative skills like knitting.
Each pack comes with nearly everything you will need to begin your journey into the knitting world. Accessories like scissors, plastic pins, and sewing needles, measuring rules, and a variety of makers are all included to help make the process of stitching easier.
The pack’s content of a variety of straight and circular needles, as well as other Knitting accessories, makes it a perfect one for beginners.
It comes with a package that’s specially designed to make storage easier. The packaging also allows you to travel with the set when you have to.
In addition to all the features mentioned above, we also found that it is durable and affordable, standing it out from most others in its category. At 15 ounces, these are also some of the most lightweight knitting needles you will find out there in the market.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Very easy to use.An excellent choice for kids and beginners.
Contains several knitting accessories.
Features different sizes.[/i2pros][i2cons]Not a good option for professionals.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle
Over time, ChiaGoo has gained popularity as one of the best brands manufacturing knitting needles. The brand brings the expertise it is known for to the production of the Red Lace Circular needle.
One look at this set and you can tell that it is one of the best metal circular Knitting needles out there in the market. The needles combine features like flexibility, stainless steel materials, and several others to offer users nothing short of excellence.
You will find that the whole needle is manufactured with top-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and continuous usage across tough tasks. We found the tips to be a bit longer than usual, allowing a good level of precision, since it’s possible to work on smaller and more detailed stitches. Their tips are stainless steel, too, so you don’t have to worry about the possibility of ruining them with tougher tasks.
The stand-out feature of this needle set is the circular cable that it comes with. It is specially designed to feature flexibility, yet remaining firm enough to ensure that you achieve a continuous pattern. The main reason for this firmness is the multi-strand coated steel that it features.
To crown it up, there’s a red nylon coverage for the steel, and this is perhaps where it got its Red Lace name from.
These needles come in handy as they perfect for several projects, making them one of the most versatile options in the market. The sizes are also engraved on the needles, making them easy to identify.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]They are durable and long-lasting.A bit longer than the typical circular needle.
Very versatile option.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is relatively expensive.
There are situations when the lace comes off the needles.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Vancens 18 Pairs Bamboo Knitting Needles Set
This 18 pairs set from Vancens would be a great addition to your collection of needles. One of the most significant advantages of owning this needle set is the availability of 18 different needles, each with a different size for different Knitting needles.
The shape of these needles, as well as the materials that it features, makes it easy to use. Additionally, you will be able to identify each one of them from the sizes written on its body.
One reason why several Knitters prefer this option is their manufacture from natural bamboo. The bamboo used for their production is not tampered with by any chemical. This helps them maintain a pleasant smell.
Vancens knitting needles are one of the easiest to use needles for Knitting, and that’s why most parents prefer getting bit for your kids that are developing an interest in knitting. They are also incredibly smooth, light, and soft, making handling easier than it would have ordinarily been.
Their Bamboo design also makes them an excellent option for Knitters that may be suffering from back or joint pain. They also come with a thumb rest that’s comfortable to use. Combining all these makes them a good option for older people too.
Each needle in the pack comes with a marking of its size from 2mm to 10mm. The cords are not interchangeable, so you only need to change needles, and this helps you to save time during any work. With the design, you can also be sure that yarns would not get stuck on the needles.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]There’s a careful marking of size on each needle to make identification easier.Availability of a wide variety of needles.
Easy to handle.
Great for people suffering joint pains.[/i2pros][i2cons]Without proper usage, the lace may come off the needles.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needle
Right off the pack, you can tell that this set of circular knitting needles from addi is designed for tough jobs. The set would be a great addition to your collection of knitting materials. The robust build of the needles in this set has made it a top choice for many professional Knitters around the world.
Each needle in this pack features a nickel-plated brass tip, snag-free joins, and ultra-pliable cords, all to ensure durability and efficacy. The needles come in different sizes, and as usual, the sizes are engraved on the body of the needles. This feature makes it easy to Identify every needle in the pack by their sizes.
A significant feature that stands this needle out is the immense versatility level that it comes with. Such a level of versatility allows you to do nearly everything with the pack. The pack is also stocked with several knitting accessories, making the knitting process more convenient for every knitter.
This option also comes with a durable carrying case that enables you to pack the needles and accessories in one pack. This feature of the needle set is particularly Beneficial to people that would need to travel a lot.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Very versatile needle set.Made of solid bronze material.
Long-lasting option.
It comes with a good carrying case.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is relatively expensive.
Beginners may find it a bit complex to use.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What is the Different Materials of Circular Knitting Needle?
Knowledge of the material used to produce your circular Knitting needle is essential. It affects a lot of things about the needle from price to longevity, and even ease of usage. Here, check out some of the most popular materials for manufacturing circular Knitting needles.
1. Bamboo
While in the market, you will find that most of the popular crochet needles feature is designed with bamboo; hence, their ease of usage. Bamboo needles are often very light in weight, making them the most suitable option for Knitters that would want to reduce the stress of knitting with hands.
You’ll notice that bamboo needles do not drop stitches as much as other types do. They are relatively slower, too, compared to others like steel or aluminum needles.
2. Plastic
These days, you will commonly find plastic knitting needles in the market, and most knitters find it useful for designing chunky yarns. They are also impressively lightweight, reducing the stress of working.
One downside of plastic circular needles is their tendency to break even a smaller-sized needle is used on a bigger yarn. The best needles in this category are the ones that have a smooth finish, because of their ability to reduce snagging of the yarn.
3. Stainless Steel
This is perhaps the fastest type of needle. Hence, if speed is something you are concerned about, then you should be going for circular Knitting needles made of stainless steel. They are a perfect choice for projects that require smaller-sized needles. They are also long-lasting.
4. Aluminum
Needles made of aluminum have similar features to those made of stainless steel. They are lightweight and tend to last long with proper maintenance. However, their ability to scratch quickly when dropped on the floor is a downside most people detest.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Circular Knitting Needles
Now that we’ve shared some of the best circular knitting needles online for you to pick from, we hope that you can find the perfect product for your needs. As mentioned earlier, there are many brands and models of circular needles in the market. Therefore, you don’t have to limit yourself to the few that we’ve shared in this article.
If you are adventurous and want to try out a few others, then there are several factors that you need to know about. These factors would guide you on the right path of picking the perfect circular needle for your need from the numerous options you will find in the market. Check them out:
1. Needle Type
As mentioned in the section above, there are two main types of circular needles. A proper understanding of the two types and what they are used for would help you land on the perfect one for your needs.
Inexperienced Knitters often go for needles without considering their types, and these often end in regret. Your choice of needle type should generally be determined by what you intend to do with it.
Thankfully, most manufacturers identify the type of needle on their packs, so you would hardly mix things up if you are attentive enough.
2. Materials
Different models of circular needles are made with different materials. The material used for the design of your needle will mostly affect its usage. The most popular circular Knitting needle materials in the market are steel, bamboo, aluminum, and others.
The needle materials primarily determine your speed, the longevity of the needle, and accuracy, hence the need to pay proper attention to materials when getting your choice Knitting needles from the market.
3. Cables
For starters, you also need to look out for the cable that your choice needle features, considering that it plays a significant role in its use. It is the cable that holds the stitch during any work. The cables are mostly not hidden, and you can see them in plastic-coated steel.
Bear in mind that the type of cable your needle features will affect your knitting stitches to a large extent. Therefore, you need to pay extra care to this feature.
4. Budget
Just like any other thing, your budget also affects your choice of knitting needles. It is a critical factor to check before making your choice of circular knitting needles.
It is, in fact, the most crucial factor, although several Knitters tend to overlook it. Circular Knitting needles are often not expensive, but it is still advised that you inquire about the price beforehand. The last thing you would want is to get to the market, only to realize that you didn’t go with enough money to buy your needed needle.
5. Accessories
Whether you are a beginner or a professional knitter, the accessory is something you don’t want to joke with. Most models of circular Knitting needles come with several different accessories that you will need throughout your knitting journey.
However, there are still a few that don’t. The best deals are the ones that come with more accessories and a good carrying case. This will make usage and storage easier for you.
6. Ease of Usage
You don’t want a circular Knitting needle set whose operation is as difficult as rocket science, especially if you are a beginner. Different needles feature different levels of usage ease.
Irrespective of skill level, you want to ensure that the set you settle for is one that’s not so difficult to use. The need to look at this factor becomes even more pressing when you are a beginner or when you are buying the knitting needles for your little ones.
7. Versatility
Finally, you want to pay particular attention to the versatility level bot your choice of circular Knitting needles. Yes, you probably have a specific need that you want to solve with your choice needle. However, we recommend that you should not limit your scope of thought to that problem alone.
You can’t tell what need would arise in the future, and you don’t want to be running to the market again every time there’s a new need. Therefore, you want to purchase a needle that can handle several different tasks for you.
Straight Needles Vs. Circular Needles
For most knitters, the debate has always been about, which is better between straight knitting needles and circular Knitting needles. Of course, the answer would always be that it depends on what you are knitting.
However, it is essential to point out that what you select between straight or circular knitting needles would not affect the knitting difficulty in any way. Instead, the ease or difficulty of your knitting will depend on the specific pattern you are knitting or the project that you are handling.
It often boils down to personal choice and Knitting needs. Although both types of needles are designed for knitting, their differences often affect your choice of one ahead of the other for working on specific projects.
Straight knitting needles are easy to hold, especially for starters in the knitting world. This ease is mostly because of the ability to position the needles under the arm during the knitting process. However, this needle is only an excellent fit for Knitting flat pieces.
Many Knitters do not like the heaviness of these needles, which is often a direct impact of material and shape. Sometimes, the limited space makes it difficult to cast on as many stitches with this type of needle because of the small space that’s available for work.
Circular needles, on the other hand, would handle the same task that the straight ones handle, including working in rows and knitting flat pieces. This type of needle comes particularly handy for the creation of cylindrical items like snoods, sleeves, and cowls.
One significant benefit of the circular needle is its ability to be used in Raglan patterns. The wooden part of this type of needles also comes shorter, making them lighter and more flexible. It is available in a variety of sizes, making it convenient for beginners too.
Frequently Asked Question’s About the Circular Knitting Needles
To further help you make the right choice when you go to the market to buy circular Knitting needles, here are answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic.
1. What are the best needles for a beginner?
Ans: Most beginners and curious to know what’s right for them as they start their journey into the knitting world. By now, you already know that there are different types of knitting needles available.
Every kind of circular knitting needle solves a specific problem, and it is left for you to test them and find out the best for your needs. However, medium-sized circular needles are often preferred because of the ease of handling they offer. They are also relatively suitable for learning how to make loops.
2. Do I need a knitting needle case?
Ans: Yes! Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the knitting world, you need a case for your Knitting needles. Because of their tiny nature, knitting needles can easily get missing with a little carelessness.
There’s no better way to handle this area than by owning a storage case for your needles. Most needle models feature storage cases to help you store your needles.
3. What are the best needles for arthritic hands?
Ans: Different Knitting needles serve different purposes, and the best choices are lightweight needles that easily slide and don’t bring and additional stress to the whole knitting process. Most experts would generally recommend wooden and bamboo needles for their softness to the hands compared to other types of needles.
4. Can my little children use circular Knitting needles?
Ans: Yes, your little children can use circular knitting needles. Most needles under this category are designed for ease of handling.
Therefore, if your kids want to adopt knitting as their hubby, why not? Get them one or more of these needles, to begin with. Bamboo needles and wooden needles are the best choices for this purpose.
5. What is the best size of a needle for circular knits?
Ans: The answer to this question would often depend on the type of project that you are working on. Of course, small-sized needles are perfect for tight stitches, because of their ability to seldom drop yarns compared to larger types. We recommend that you experiment with different sizes to find the ideal size for you.
Final Verdict
That’s a wrap, some of the best circular knitting needles in the market today. These needles were chosen after careful research on their material, types, longevity, and other features.
We hope that the information you’ve gotten in this article will help you make the right choice as you get set to buy a circular Knitting needle for your needs. We’ve also included a buying guide to help you know the various factors that you should look out for.