9 Best Circular Knitting Needles to Help You With Your Project!

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 19, 2023
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Most circular knitting needles have a high rating, but this is not always true. To get a functional needle that is sturdy enough to handle your projects, you must know what you are looking for. Needles in this category are an invention of Sarah Hauschka. This needle-type gained popularity after Beverly Galeska’s review in her book The Magic Loop. The best circular knitting needles have an array of benefits, and we explore them herein.

The nine units we assess in this article are among the finest in the market. We focus on the key features of circular knitting needles to rank all the products we review. The fundamental components that you must consider are; weight, size, material, and whether they are interchangeable or not. The purpose of the needle should dictate the best features to assess when shopping. Read this article to the end to know more about circular knitting needles.

Quick Summary

Top 9 Circular Knitting Needles Review 2024

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Features
  • Material: stainless steel and red lace
  • Size: 5.5mm
  • Weight: 0.32 oz
  • Interchangeable: no

More features: different sizes available; high-grade material; durable; tapered tips

ChiaoGoo is a company with a name in the knitting industry. They are a reputable brand that brings some of the best knitting tools into the market. This Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle is a product of this company, and it is a top-quality product.

The materials they use to make this circular knitting needle are stainless steel and red lace. They use superior quality for both the materials elevating the strength of the needle. It is also a durable unit that you can use for a long time thanks to this feature. The lace is multi-string and highly flexible. The cable allows the yarn to glide easily from one end to the next.

This circular needle is available in different sizes. The in the picture above is 5.5mm and weighs 0.32 oz. There are over twelve sizes that you can pick from. Go for a size that you can use for multiple projects to avoid buying too many knitting needles.

Irrespective of the size, all the units are lightweight. The dimensions of the needles are etched on the surface to make storage easy and convenient. The satin finish and the perfectly tapered tips are among the other desirable qualities that this model has.

    What stands out?
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Available in different sizes
  • Tapered tips
  • High-grade materials
  • Satin finish
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Manufacture defects
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4696 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Material: steel cable coated with red nylon; surgical stainless steel
  • Size: 10cm tips and 20cm, 35cm and 55cm cables
  • Weight: 8.8 oz
  • Interchangeable: yes

More features: twist tips; memory free cables; T-shaped tightening keys; comes in a fabric case

This set from ChiaoGoo is a must-have for pro knitters who handle diverse projects at any given time. The materials they use for the different pieces of the set are; stainless steel and nylon.

The surgical grade stainless steel makes the tips. The cables are steel coated with red nylon to make it smooth for the yarn to slip through with ease during knitting. The coating also reduces the wear and tear of the unit, making it sturdy and resilient. The cables are memory free, and these together with the twist tips make this ChiaoGoo 7400-C Twist Tip Set unique.

The set contains tips and cables of different sizes. Confirm the sizes with the manufacturer or reseller to confirm if it fits your knitting needs or not. The availability of various sizes in this kit is among the reasons why it is popular. Read through reviews to ascertain what you receive before placing an order.

The entire package weighs 8.8 oz, which goes to show that this set is lightweight. The various parts come in a fabric bag that you can use for storage. Other things available in the package you receive are; easy-to-read, coded cable connectors, end stoppers, and T-shaped tightening keys, among other accessories.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Memory free cables
  • Twist tips
  • Fabric case
  • Hardy
  • Versatile
  • Lightweight
  • Assortment of accessories
    What could be better?
  • Rough tips
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9311 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
3
Best Multifunctional Set

Looen Circular Knitting Needles Set

Features
  • Material: aluminum needles
  • Size: 2.75mm 3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 7.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, and 10.0mm needles
  • Weight: 12 oz
  • Interchangeable: yes

More features: come in a storage case; ergonomic handles

This Looen Circular Knitting Needles Set is one that you should consider buying. You get an array of needles, each with different sizes. The unit is versatile and will see you knit different projects and patterns without worrying about buying new equipment.

The knitting needle is made of aluminum alloy. This material is strong and resistant to external factors such as corrosion. The sizes available in the case you receive are 2.75mm 3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 7.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, and 10.0mm needles.

The set has thirteen interchangeable needles, each with a role to play in your knitting venture. They come in a storage case that is of superior quality. You can use the case for storage, which helps you prevent damage or the loss of your needles.

Aluminum has a low mass, and this, therefore, means that the needles you find in this set have little weight. The surface is smooth, and they are no edges in the needles to disrupt you when knitting or destroy your yarn. The wire they use for the cable is flexible and not easy to break. This product is one of the best circular knitting needles for socks, among other things.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Multifunctional
  • Comes with storage case
  • Easy to use
  • Value for your money
  • Lightweight
  • Giftable
    What could be better?
  • Cables unscrew
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9392 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
4
Best Construction

Knit Picks Knitting Needle Set

Features
  • Material: wood
  • Size: 3.5mm – 8mm
  • Weight: 3.2 oz
  • Interchangeable: yes

More features: metal tightening keys; convenient carrying case; easy to use

The Knit Picks Knitting Needle Set is an interchangeable unit that you can use to combine needles in diverse ways to knit your projects. This set is on the list of the best wooden circular knitting needles available in the market currently.

The size of the needles ranges from 3.5mm to 8mm. You can explore the various combinations permissible by this set to knit socks, sweaters, hats, and many more items with ease.

This set has a total of nine pairs of wood needle tips, eight purple end caps, four cables, and two metal tightening keys. The purple color scheme of the accessories complements the rainbow on the needles making this one of the stylish units to own.

You can opt for a set with a different color scheme. The manufacturer has over five palettes that you can choose from. Go for a set that blends in with your existing equipment seamlessly. Smooth laminated birchwood makes the surface of the needles ideal for going through yarn without ripping it apart.

A vinyl case with a snap-shut closure houses the needles and the other necessary accessories. The memory-free cables are flexible, providing a seamless knitting experience. Use the metal tightening keys to secure tips for cables.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Easy to hold
  • Adjustable cord length
  • Straightforward assembly
  • Multipurpose
  • Heavy-duty
  • Beautiful color schemes
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Needles detach from the base
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4161 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
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8.5
9.0
Features
  • Material: bamboo
  • Size: 2mm (available in 9 sizes)
  • Weight: 0.16 oz
  • Interchangeable: no

More features: angled; easy to use; ergonomic

Bamboo is a sturdy material that has many uses. This CLOVER Bamboo Circular Knitting Needle is one of the units that you will find whose construction features this material. It is one of the best fixed circular knitting needles.

It is available in nine different sizes, and you can buy all the sizes and have the entire collection over time. It is an affordable circular needle that has many quality features.

The needles are bamboo, while the cord is nylon. The joint that brings these two parts together is stainless steel. All these materials are of superior quality; hence you do not have to worry about the needle breaking while in use.

This circular needle is light in weight. It weighs 0.16 oz, and this helps you knit for an extended period without tiring your hands. The bamboo they use for the needle provides a warm natural touch necessary for this equipment.

This ergonomic product is angled to ensure that you knit with ease. It is not interchangeable, and this may be a limitation for most people. Consider getting the different sizes to cater to your needs as they arise. This product has many reviews and reading, through them is prudent.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Angled
  • Smooth finish
  • Top-tier materials
  • Available in different sizes
  • Ergonomic
  • Easy to use
    What could be better?
  • Stiff cord
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7382 people in the past 30 days
8.6
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8.3
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8.3
Features & Benefits
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8.2
8.6
6
Best Upgraded Model

addi Knitting Needle

Features
  • Material: not specified
  • Size: 4.0mm
  • Weight: 0.32 oz
  • Interchangeable: no

More features: designed and manufactured in Germany; lifetime warranty; sharp tips; smooth joins

addi Knitting Needle is a German product with a design perfect for knitting a diverse range of items. It comes with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects, imperfection, and deficiency of any kind.

You must purchase this unit from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to get the lifetime guarantee. Read through the fine print with the terms and conditions to understand what the warranty covers.

Info on the material they use to make this unit is unavailable. Buying a circular knitting needle without knowing the components that make it is a rookie move. Seek this info from the seller or production company before you place your money on this unit.

This needle has sharp tips that favor intricate knitting. These extra-pointy tips are plated with shiny nickel, which brings out the classic look. The cable that comes with this unit makes it the best circular knitting needles for magic loop.

The construction of this loop includes smooth joins. These make you knitting snag-free. When you hit a snag while knitting is annoying, and you can prevent it from happening when you buy this circular needle. The size of the needle is 4mm, while its weight is 0.32 oz. This information is printed on the flexible blue cord.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Smooth joins
  • Sharp tips
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Valuable
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Short needle
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7077 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
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8.1
8.5
Features
  • Material: bamboo
  • Size: 3.0mm-10.0mm
  • Weight: 1.76 oz
  • Interchangeable: no

More features: semi-pointy; hollow tubing cord; non-slippery

Bamboo is one of the common materials that manufacturers use for circular knitting needles. This material provides a smooth join of the needles and cables. An even join is fundamental in knitting as it prevents the snagging of yarn while you are knitting.

The kit comprises of 11 pairs – Size 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15. Each needle tip is 3.25″ long. The tube is 9.5″ long. Total length is 16″ long, nice for small knit projects, like beanies, sleeves.

The sizes are diverse to enable you to work on projects of different magnitude. The best 9-inch circular knitting needle is part of the set, and it will come in handy in many projects.

Semi-pointy tips and hollow tubing make up the needles in this set. The structure of the tube makes the best shape for knitting in the round with two circular needles. The tube is slightly smaller than the needle to ensure that your knits have the correct tension.

The plastic that makes the tubing has an odor that will turn away most people. This is manageable; all you have to do is air them out, and the fresh air will get rid of the smell.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Non-slippery
  • Durable
  • Ideal for novice knitters
  • Great value
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Tubing has an odor
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3558 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.8
Features
  • Material: bamboo
  • Size: 2.75mm, 3.25mm, 3.5mm,3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 7.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, 10.0mm
  • Weight: 7.7 oz
  • Interchangeable: yes

More features: storage case; comfortable; easy control; ergonomic design

Interchangeable units avail a lot of options for a knitter. They also make work easier and efficient. The Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles by Katrina Yu is a set that you should consider getting due to the sought-after qualities that it has.

They use bamboo to make the needles. This material avails the strength and stability that these kinds of needles required. Working with this set is seamless, and the grip is strong.

You can control the needles in the set painlessly. The furnished surface provides a grip that makes it easy to manage slippery yarn. This feature also gets warm in the hands quickly and stays so for hours, ensuring you are snug as you knit.

This new edition set has an array of needles and accessories that weigh a sum of 7.7 oz. Items you will find in the box are 13 pairs Bamboo Interchangeable knitting needles set kit, (2.75mm, 3.25mm, 3.5mm,3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 7.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, 10.0mm), accommodate different needs for knitting project; The length of the needle cables coming together is 12″,15″, 16″, 20″ from end to end. The reinforced needle cables with four sizes come with two pieces for each size. Storage for all these pieces is easy since this set comes with a storage case.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Includes storage case
  • Ergonomic design
  • Comfortable grip
  • Variety in the sizing of the needles
  • Best for beginners
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Does not fit with other interchangeable brands
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9339 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Material: stainless steel; steel wire
  • Size: 1.5mm, 1.75mm, 2.0mm, 2.25mm, 2.50mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 4.7mm, 5.0mm
  • Weight: 9.1 oz
  • Interchangeable: no

More features: smooth surface; highly polished; convenient case

Packaging for the Ksmxos Professional Circular Knitting Needles is one of the top features that many knitters fall in love with. The manufacturer uses a convenient case that is elegant and easy to put away. This feature elevates the value of this set as you can take it with you on trips.

The case is separated in sizes since this set has circular knitting needles in various sizes. You can pick from any of these sizes 1.5mm, 1.75mm, 2.0mm, 2.25mm, 2.50mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 4.7mm, and 5.0mm when handling your projects.

Stainless steel and steel wire make up the different parts of the needles. These materials are hardwearing and easy to maintain. They are also sturdy and easy to work with for long periods. They are not interchangeable, but this should not be the reason why you overlook the other desirable qualities.

You get eleven needles when you buy this unit. Each is a different size, and we provide this information above. The needles are highly polished, resulting in a smooth surface perfect for the gliding of yarn. Reading testimonials from other clients will help you determine if these needles will serve you as you want or not.

    What are its best features?
  • Highly polished
  • Smooth surface
  • Convenient case
  • Stainless steel needles
  • Tough
    What could be improved?
  • Short needles

Things to Consider

Circular knitting needles are important for most, if not all, knitters. They enable you to achieve designs that the standard knitting needles cannot. When shopping for a needle in this family, you must bear in mind certain features. In this buying guide, we answer some of the questions that most knitters have regarding circular knitting needles. We also discuss the advantages of owning a set of these needles alongside the features to review before purchase. By the end of this buying guide, you will be in a better position to buy a circular knitting needle or a set of the same.

Advantages of circular knitting needles

9 Best Circular Knitting Needles to Help You With Your Project!

Circular knitting needles are an invention with the most to offer knitters. They are available in varied sizes to cater to an assortment of projects. Some of the advantages of circular knitting needles are below.

They are ergonomically designed

Circular knitting needles feature an ergonomic design that makes work easier and lighter. Needles in this category allow the weight of the project to lie on the knitter’s lap. It takes the strain away from the hand, wrist, and arm. Circular knitting needles encourage a relaxed body posture during knitting due to the shorter length of the equipment. Generally, the design of circular knitting needles helps knitters avoid strain on the different parts of the body.

They are portable

Circular knitting needles include tubing in their design. This feature plays a pivotal role in the flexibility of the unit. You can fold a circular knitting needle and take it with you wherever you go. Additionally, most circular needles come in premium packaging, which carries all the needles and accessories. You can carry your projects with you and enjoy knitting while on transit if you have a circular needle set.

Features to consider before you buy circular knitting needles

You cannot buy a circular knitting needle without assessing the vital features. Before you walk into a store or go on the internet to buy a needle, you must know the specifications that you are after. Assess your needs and the type of projects likely to come your way and buy a circular knitting needle that can handle the tasks you want. Below are the features that you cannot assume when shopping for a circular knitting needle.

Material

The material a manufacturer uses to make a circular knitting needle is crucial. Knowing what you are buying is necessary if you want to get a functional set. Plastic, metal, and wood are among the top choices that producers of this product use.

Evaluate the benefits of each material before you settle on one. Durability and sturdiness are among the things to have in mind when buying needles.

 

Bamboo is gradually becoming a go-to option for circular knitting needles due to its amazing properties. The Circular Knitting Needles by cuteDIY is a bamboo set with many positive reviews that we discuss above.

Size

9 Best Circular Knitting Needles to Help You With Your Project!

Knitting involves diverse projects, and each requires a specific set and size of equipment and yarn. No one size fits all in this industry. Manufacturers avail the same design in different sizes to provide knitters with the equipment they need for their projects. Buying a set helps solve the size issue. When you buy a kit, you get many circular knitting needles of varied sizes. It is inexpensive to buy a set when we compare it to buying one needle at a time. The Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles by Katrina Yu is one of the sets with a lot to offer.

Weight

The mass of a circular knitting needle may seem irrelevant until you get down to work. You should go for a lightweight brand. This way, you can work for many hours without straining your hands.

For circular knitting needles, the weight of the task is split along the length of the cable. This relieves the pressure exerted on the wrists making knitting an enjoyable activity.

 

Most of the needles that are best for circular knitting are lightweight. The materials and the designs they use help cut down on the mass considerably. The addi Knitting Needle is among the lightweight brands that you will come across as you shop.

Interchangeable / Non-interchangeable

Interchangeable circular knitting needles are those that you can put together and take it apart as you want. Models that are interchangeable come with pairs of tips and separate cables that you can set up as you prefer for your project. This gives you the flexibility to alter specifications of the equipment in use as per the project at hand. The non-interchangeable options are also called fixed circular knitting needles. You cannot manipulate units that are non-interchangeable in any way. Important to note is that the interchangeable options such as the Knit Picks Knitting Needle Set are pricier than the non-interchangeable ones.

Case

Single circular knitting needles may not have a case, but the kits will never miss one. The brand you buy should provide a case that you can use to carry the needles and accessories around.

Having a case for the needles helps to prevent from losing your needles or damaging them.

 

You can store your equipment without worrying if they are safe or not. If you are unsure if the model you want has a case or not, it is best to contact the seller or manufacturer to get this information. For brands that do not have a case, shop around for one before the purchase. The Looen Circular Knitting Needles Set is among those that come with a case.

Tips

9 Best Circular Knitting Needles to Help You With Your Project!

There are many factors regarding the tip that you cannot overlook. The first thing you have to get right is the size. A small tip will give you trouble with grip while a big one will be in the way. You have to find a balance and buy tips that will not give you any trouble. Pay attention to the needle points and consider your knitting style when picking one. For instance, blunt tips are a better choice if you work with yarn that splits easily. In some cases, you can consider brands with tapered tips like the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle.

Accessories

Circular knitting needles require certain accessories to perform optimally. Before you buy any unit, check the accessories that come with it. This will help you determine if you are getting your money’s worth or not. Metal tightening gear and memory free cables are some of the additions that manufacturers include. Listings that have a wide range of accessories have the most to offer. Go through the description and get to know what they deliver to you. Choose a circular knitting set that is most beneficial to the projects you handle. Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles by Katrina Yu is one of the units with the most accessories.

FAQ

Is it difficult to use circular knitting needles?

No, it is not difficult to use a circular knitting machine. First-time users are likely to have a challenge understanding how they work. Setup and usage for needles in this family is not as hard as it may seem. If you are not sure about how to use it, find resources on the internet to help you get through. Alternatively, you can contact the customer support service of the brand and ask any questions you have. Knitting books will also come in handy, especially those that feature patterns that require this equipment. Start with simple designs and patterns, and you will be an expert at using circular knitting needles before you know it.

How do you store circular knitting needles?

Storage is an issue that most people struggle with when it comes to circular knitting needles. It is difficult to store circular needles that do not come in a case. You can get around it by finding DIY solutions that will protect your equipment. If you can, buy a unit with a case if you do not want the hassle of finding a good place to store your needles. Exposure to environmental factors like humidity and heat can damage your needles—the material they use to make it should provide the stowage guidelines for you. A small protective bag with enough space will sort you if you are stuck with no way out.

What can you knit with circular needles?

There are so many things that you can knit with two needles with a cable linkage. The sharp tips that most needles in this selection have to allow for detail-oriented lace knitting. Other models feature rounded tips that are best for bulk size projects are another task that circular needles handle with ease. If you are also working on something like a blanket that requires you to knit back and forth, circular knitting needles should be your first choice. This is to say that you can use these needles for almost any project. Whether you are knitting a sweater, socks, or a hat, circular needles will come in handy.

Our verdict

All the brands we discuss above bring superior circular knitting needles to you. Customer reviews and testimonials are a good place to start if you want to get the finest. The ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle is our editor’s pick for this collection. It is durable and available in different sizes. The satin finish alongside the construction guarantees the durability of this needle. Tapered tips are part of the design, and they ensure that you achieve a neat knit.

Coming in second is the ChiaoGoo 7400-C Twist Tip Set. It is our premium pick and one of the best circular knitting needles that you will encounter while shopping. It’s a lightweight set that has essential accessories to make your work effortless. Our best value choice in this assessment is the Circular Knitting Needles by cuteDIY. The unit is versatile and will allow you to work on different projects and patterns without the worry of acquiring new equipment.

9,9
Total Score
ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle - Editor's Choice
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