Don’t think you have to keep them for special occasions though….. oh no.…. circular needles are the go to for me, it’s so easy to work a flat project then swap your needles over just as you would with straight needles and when your ready for a coffee break those stitches are MUCH less likely to slide off if they’re sitting pretty on the cable ;o)

When most people think about knitting needles, they picture straight needles. These come in sets of two, and each has a point at one end and a knob or stopper at the other. This type is great for your first set of needles, as they are straightforward and easy to use.

Customer reviews

Metal needles may move more smoothly for fast knitters, but softer materials such as bamboo or wood are generally recommended as they have slightly less resistance when clashed together and can be easier on the joints. US 000 (1.5mm), 0 (2mm), 01 (2.5mm), 02 (3mm), 2.25mm, 2.75mm, 3 (3.25mm), 3.75, 4 (3.5mm), 5, 6 (4mm), 7 (4.5mm), 8 (5mm), 9 (5.5mm), 10 (6mm), 10.5 (6.5mm), 10.75 (7mm), 11 (8mm), 13 (9mm), 15 (11mm), 17 (12mm), 19 (15mm), 36 (20mm), 50 (25mm)

It depends on how many stitches of wool you need to have on the circular cable. Too short a cable could mean you can’t fit all the stitches. No matter what type of knitting needle you use, the points of the needles can make a big difference. Sharp points make it easier to accurately work with the stitches, especially on fine yarn. Needles with a more rounded point are good for bulky yarn and safer for kids. Straight knitting needles are useful for beginners as they can be easier to handle. They tend to come in a standard 35cm length which is great for everything up to sweater size but they can become heavy if you are aiming to create a blanket or afghan. There’s every reason to get creative here though, if you’re planning to switch between projects regularly then a simple pot or jar on your craft table is perfect. Circular needles come in both fixed lengths and with interchangeable cables so you can always find something to suit the project you have planned.Once you have more knitting experience you’ll start to notice the characteristics of different yarn materials. The diameter or size of knitting needles determines the gauge of your knitting. But beyond this, they also come in different lengths, which affects how big of a project you can work on the needles. Inexpensive and a no-frills option for a beginner knitter, Boye products are a good choice for economic needles. These are handy for larger, heavier projects such as blankets as the weight of the knitting can sit in your lap rather than strain your wrists and is easier to work if the stitches are not all crammed onto the length of the needle .

The longest knitting needles are 19 inches/50cm for straight needles. The longest length in a circular knitting needle is 80 inches/200cm. I personally prefer interchangeables such as these KNIT PRO interchangeables as they offer so much more flexibility and are easier to store than buying each size of needles in several cable lengths! (this set on the right below is good for helping you decide whether you prefer wood or metal too) Hopefully, this post helped you find the best extra long knitting needles. Though sometimes hard to find, if you’re knitting a large project, spending a bit of time looking for the right length makes a real difference. Another way to knit smaller projects in the round is with double-pointed needles, also known as DPNs. These shorter straight needles have points at both ends and usually come in sets of four to six needles.When knitting in the round, have the right length in a circular needle is important. A needle length too long means the end stitch and the beginning stitch can’t be joined without over stretching the stitches. Refer to the pattern you’re using. What Are The Longest Knitter Needles? The cord portion also varies, though nylon and coated steel are popular. Some circular needles hold their shape or have a memory. This can make it awkward to work with the needle because it feels like it has a mind of its own. To avoid this, look for circular needles that say they are memory-free.