Top 15 Best Circular Knitting Needles To Buy

I use circular needles often, and all my knitting buddies do, too. One of the reasons why I prefer them over straight needles is because they're easy to find and use.

The best circular knitting needles can't hit your lap or table while you're knitting and you can't lose them easily. These are just a few of the reasons why I like circular needles. Today, I will discuss circular knitting needles in great detail to help you buy the right knitting needle set.

I'm going to compare some best-selling circular knitting needles, talk about brands, and how to pick the proper circular knitting needles for your next knitting projects.

Whether you prefer bamboo, wood, or metal, I've got circular knitting needles for you. Without further ado, let's jump into my top 15 best circular knitting needles.

What Are The Best Circular Knitting Needles?

If you're looking for something specific, this list with labeled products can help you in your search. I have summarized the best circular knitting needles and their features.

• Best Overall: CLOVER Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles
  "Quality bamboo knitting needle, circular 16-inch, affordable, great joins and pliable clear nylon wires."
• Best Budget: Celine Lin 11 Sizes 32-inch Stainless Circular Knitting Needles
  "Durable stainless steel and steel wire, cheap, comfortable to use, highly-polished, a nice case included."
• Best for Beginners: Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Circular Knitting Needle Set
  "Interchangeable needle set, lightweight, beginner-friendly, wonderfully smooth finish, color-coded tips."
• Best for Blankets: Ksmxos Professional Circular Knitting Needles
  "Comfortable to use, highly polished, great for experts and newbies, 11 different sizes, smooth surface."
• Best Circular Knitting Needles Set: CO-Z Circular Knitting Needles
  "13 pairs color-coded aluminum interchangeable knitting needles, aluminum alloy handles, a nice case."
• Best for Socks: Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles
  "Designed and produced in Germany, exclusive blue wires, lifetime warranty, snag-free joins, cheap."
• Best for Hats: Vancens Circular Knitting Needles
  "Colorful set, comfortable to use, smooth and long-lasting, bamboo knitting needles, 18 different sizes."
• Best Bamboo: Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles
  "A lovely knitting accessories bag included, durable hard bleached bamboo wood, lightweight, versatile."
• Best Stainless Steel: ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needles
  "Multi-stranded steel cable coated with red nylon, a beautiful fabric case included, cheap, memory-free."
• Best Wood: ZXUY Circular Carbonized Circular Knitting Kits Needles
  "Good quality warranty, completely different feel to metal needles, smooth and quiet work, lightweight."

Best Circular Knitting Needles Comparison Chart

If you deal with large projects all the time, you should consider buying the best circular knitting needles. They make a perfect choice for large projects because of the flexible cable, pointed sharp ends. If you're interested in buying circular needles, make sure to read my reviews below the chart.

Top 15 Best Knitting Needles Reviews 2021

For many passionate knitters, knitting isn't just something they do to kill time. It's a practice that asks for attention, effort, and practice to master. And the outcome is a well-made knit.

However, to be able to produce masterpieces, even with your skills, you will need the proper tools. And knitting needles are one of them. For flat and round knits, you will need a circular needle.

Over the years, I have had the chance of trying a few knitting needles and I had a hard time choosing the right type. Finally, I opted for circular knitting needles. They're common and easy to utilize.

That's why I dedicated this article to circular knitting needles. I have inspected some of the best circular knitting needles on the market. Without further ado, let's start with the reviews.

CLOVER Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Circular Knitting Needles)

The Clover brand makes high-quality circular knitting needles. They have bamboo tips for a stress-free job. The best part? They're available in various size options.

However, I find the size eight perfect for circular knits. Also, they're simple to utilize and the bamboo tip keeps your yarn from slipping off while utilizing the needles.

They're great for all types of knits, including sweaters, hats, or a decent pair of shorties for children. The sizes 4, 5, and 8 needles make a great choice for standard yarns.

The size 10 needle, on the other hand, works amazingly for bulky wool yarn. The Clover needles come at a reasonable price while providing guaranteed quality.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	CLOVER
Material:	Bamboo
Weight:	0.32 ounces
Size:	16-inch
Amount:	1

Key Features:

• Bamboo knitting needles
• 16-inch circular knitting needles
• Perfect for bulky wool yarn

Celine Lin 11 Sizes 32-inch Stainless Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Budget)

Celine Lin stainless circular knitting needles come in 11 size options. They feature a needle length of 5.3 inches. Their wire length is 21.4 inches, which results in 32 inches in total.

Each of these needles features first-class stainless steel that's capable of sustaining everyday use which makes it perfect for dedicated knitters who're looking for long-lasting needles.

You will get an affordable circular needle that responds to your needs in full. It's a versatile needle which brings great value for money. It's one of my favorite products on the list.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Celine Lin
Material:	Stainless steel
Weight:	9.6 ounces
Size:	32-inch
Amount:	11

Key Features:

• First-class stainless steel
• 16-inch circular knitting needles
• Long-lasting, cheap needles

ChiaoGoo 32-inch Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles

If you're looking for stainless steel circulars, look no further than the ChiaoGoo red lace knitting needles. They have a flexible nylon-coated, multi-strand cable.

This allows your yarn to slide easily. The joins and tips are precisely machined. This product by ChiaoGoo is available in 16 inches, 24 inches, 32 inches, and 40 inches.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	ChiaoGoo
Material:	Stainless steel
Weight:	0.64 ounces
Size:	32-inch
Amount:	1

Key Features:

• Available in hot selling colors
• Perfect for home decor and apparel
• High-quality stainless steel circulars

Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Circular Knitting Needle Set

(Best Circular Knitting Needles for Beginners)

The Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe needles make a great choice for beginners. They're ideal for practicing and learning new techniques. You will get 9 pairs of needles.

They're available in various sizes. The variety of accessories will impress you. You will receive 8 end caps, a kit of size markets, 3 cord keys, and different color-coded wires.

These interchangeable needles make a perfect option for circular knots. However, you can use them for magic loop knits as well. The cords provide flexibility and ease of use.

They're equally laminated. Therefore, your yarn doesn't get snagged. Overall, Knitters Pride represents a decent set of interchangeable needles. They're easy on the hands.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Knitters Pride Dreamz Interchangeables
Material:	Wood
Weight:	1.92 ounces
Size:	US 4 - 11 (metric 3.5 - 8mm)
Amount:	9

Key Features:

• Available in many sizes
• 9 pairs of first-class needles
• A lot of accessories included
• Flexible and easy to use cords
• Perfect for practicing

Ksmxos Professional Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Circular Knitting Needles for Blankets)

Created of hard stainless steel body and wire, these professional knitting needles make a nice choice for custom orders that require accuracy.

If you buy this set, you will get 11 needle sizes. What's great about this set is that you will have the right size for any type of project at all times.

When the length of the wire and needle is combined, you receive 32 inches. This is sufficient to work on sweaters, afghans, and other long projects.

The surface of these knitting needles is nice and polished which enables a smooth slide on the yarns and hands. Also, they feature blunt tips.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Ksmxos
Material:	Stainless steel
Weight:	9.1 ounces
Size:	32-inch
Amount:	11

Key Features:

• Good price
• Nice and polished surface
• Stainless steel wire and body
• 11 needles included
• Storage case

Exquiss Circular Knitting Needles

Exquiss Circular is another quality product worth considering when looking for the best circular knitting needles. The set includes 18 carbonized needles with a vivid plastic tube.

This part of the needle makes it highly-appealing to children. It also includes a lot of accessories such as plastic sewing needles and pins, measuring tape, scissors, and many markers.

If you're looking for a kit that brings great value for money, look no further than Exquiss Circular knitting needles. You will get a lot of circular and straight needles at a great price.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Exquiss
Material:	Bamboo
Weight:	14.4 ounces
Size:	31.5-inch
Amount:	18

Key Features:

• 18 carbonized needles
• Weaving equipment and case
• Circular bamboo needles

24 Inch Circular Knitting Needles

If you're focused on completing projects with chunky yarn, then you will find these 24-inch circular tools quite helpful. The set includes 3 knitting needles in different sizes.

You will get a size 19, 35, and 50 that reach a length of 47 inches from peak to bottom. What I love most about them is the smooth finish that enables easy gliding of the patterns.

The tapered points and no twisted wire ensure quick completion of your projects. Additionally, there's a storage holder for your knitting accessories including your needles.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	KnitPal
Material:	Wood
Weight:	4.2 ounces
Size:	24-inch
Amount:	3

Key Features:

• Smooth finish
• 3 needles in different sizes
• Storage holder for accessories
• 24-inch circular needles
• 47 inches in total

Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Circular Knitting Needles for Socks)

If time is important to you and you prefer to complete your projects sooner than later, consider the Addi Turbo knitting needles. They will help you speed things up!

They're made for knitting tasks where speed is super important. You will gain nothing less than precision if you use these needles. They're perfect for lace knits, socks, and crafts.

The tip has brass material. It's equally tapered and has blue wires and break-free joins from Skacel. The best part? You will receive a lifetime warranty on any defect.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Addi
Material:	Metal
Weight:	0.32 ounces
Size:	32-inch
Amount:	1

Key Features:

• Equally tapered brass tip
• Covered by a lifetime warranty
• Break-free joins and blue wires

ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles)

If you're looking for knitting needles created of surgical stainless steel, then you should consider this set of circular knitting needles by ChiaoGoo. They come in different sizes.

Therefore, you can easily find the size that responds to your crafting needs. You will also get coded wire connectors, needle gauge, t-shaped fastening keys, and a storage case.

End stoppers and stitch markers are also included in the purchase. The sharp tips make it easy to pick up yarns. This can help knit big round lace table garments.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	ChiaoGoo
Material:	Stainless steel
Weight:	8.8 ounces
Size:
Amount:

Key Features:

• A lot of accessories
• Different sizes available
• Surgical stainless steel

Vancens Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Circular Knitting Needles for Hats)

If you prefer bamboo knitting needles and want a top-notch product for circular knits of different types, then you should consider the circular knitting needles by Vancens.

It's one of those knitting needles that would never let you down in the middle of your project. They're beginner-friendly, versatile, and durable needles for avid knitters.

You will get a kit of 18 different sizes that can perform with all types of projects including mittens, scarfs, hats, gloves, and socks. There's also a wide selection of free accessories,

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Vancens
Material:	Bamboo
Weight:	3.2 ounces
Size:	31.5-inch
Amount:	18

Key Features:

• A lot of accessories
• Lovely colored bamboo needles
• Versatile and durable

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Fixed Circular Knitting Needles

Knitter's Pride is one of the most popular brands. Their Dreamz line is created from densified laminated birch wood. It's much harder than rosewood and ebony.

It's also more expensive. The line is available in a full range of 11 vibrant colors. Each size is labeled with a color. That color carries through in all the needle styles including circular, straight, crochet hooks, and double-pointers.

This will keep your needles well-organized.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Knitter's Pride
Material:	Laminated birch wood
Weight:	0.16 inches
Size:	32-inch
Amount:	1

Key Features:

• The product is manufactured in India
• The line is available in a full range of 11 vibrant colors
• Made of highly-durable laminated birchwood

CO-Z Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Circular Knitting Needles Set)

If you're searching for double-pointed needles for delicate knitting tasks where you don't need to drop patterns, this product by CO-Z might be the perfect choice for you.

It provides 13 pairs of aluminum interchangeable needles. They're suitable for various knitting projects. The aluminum handles have a good grip. They're perfect for arthritic hands.

The aluminum points, on the other hand, don't feature rough edges. Therefore, your yarn can't snag or slip. If you buy this product, you will get color-coded needles.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	CO-Z
Material:	Aluminum
Weight:	12 ounces
Size:	21-inch, 16-inch, 14-inch, and 12-inch
Amount:	13

Key Features:

• Color-coded needles with aluminum tips
• 13 pairs of aluminum interchangeable needles
• Durable aluminum handles with a good grip

Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles

(Best Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles)

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your favorite knitter, nothing can top this set of bamboo circular knitting needles. They're made of durable bamboo that's also smooth.

You will get lightweight but durable knitting needles fastened to a colorful plastic tube. This set includes all the sizes necessary for both professional knitters and absolute beginners.

They come in a beautiful case along with stitch markers, measuring tapes, needlepoint protectors, and holders. All of this makes this set a great gift for all skill levels and ages.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Athena YY
Material:	Bamboo
Weight:	1.41 ounces
Size:	31.5-inch
Amount:	10

Key Features:

• 10 pairs of needles
• A lot of free accessories
• Smooth bamboo needles

ChiaoGoo 16-inch Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles

Another product that is worth your attention is this 16-inch stainless steel circular needle. It comes with a bright red, highly-flexible, nylon-coated, and multi-strand steel cable.

This allows your yarn to slide easily end-to-end. If you're looking for a lightweight but durable, precisely machined needle with satin finish and perfectly tapered tips, look no further than ChiaoGoo.

The size is laser etched on each needle permanently for easy storage and added convenience. Most of the ChiaoGoo items come from Hangzhou, China. They're 100% recyclable.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	ChiaoGoo
Material:	Stainless steel
Weight:	2.08 ounces
Size:	16-inch
Amount:	1

Key Features:

• Lightweight and durable
• Not noisy or cold like aluminum needles
• Satin finish and perfectly tapered tips

ZXUY Circular Carbonized Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles Kits

(Best Wood Circular Knitting Needles)

If you choose this incredible set by ZXUY, you will get a set of 18 different sizes. They're bamboo knitting needles with a different feel than metal needles.

If you're looking for something lightweight and smooth, look no further than this set. It's suitable for any knitting project. I love playing with these circular knitting needles.

However, I was slightly disappointed by the quality. They're affordable but I was expecting better quality for the price. Overall, they're worth considering.

Product Specifications:

Brand:	ZXUY
Material:	Bamboo
Weight:	0.35 ounces
Size:	16-inch
Amount:	18

Key Features:

• 18 different sizes
• Bamboo knitting needles
• Reasonably-priced

How to Choose the Right Circular Knitting Needles?

The circular knitting needles can appear like specialty tools. However, they're the most practical tools in your knitting bag.

They're perfect for larger projects and working seamlessly in the round because of the tapered needles joined by a stretchable cord. However, they're so much more than that. You can use this type of needles instead of straight needles in different knitting projects.

They can be also utilized instead of double-pointers with the assistance of a magic loop. If you're on the lookout for best circular knitting needles, learn cord lengths first.

The same rules of straight needles apply to the needle tips of circular needles. However, circulars usually arrive in a variety of lengths.

If your design requires a size 7 17-inch needles, the first number applies to the needle size also known as the size of the needle head.

The second digit is the length of the needles from point to point. Usually, most designs will point out the right length you need for your knitting task. However, if you're going rogue, make sure to read this short guide on cord lengths.

9 inches

This size is ideal for narrow crafts including sleeves and baby hats. It's the shortest length. Anything with a smaller perimeter will need to be worked on with double-points.

16 inches

16 inches is perfect for knitting in the round and small projects. They're perfect when your project is too much for double-pointed needles.

This includes collars, baby-sized booties and sweaters, sleeves, and hats. Hat patterns will often require a 16-inch circular needle to handle the brim. Then, you can change to double-pointers as your item gets smaller and smaller at the crown.

24 and 29 inches

The 24 inches make a great choice for any type of project, especially sweaters. The 29 inches is good for medium-sized items knitted in the round or flat.

A 29-inch needle can be utilized for projects like cardigans or baby blankets that are big. But not as large or heavy as an adult-sized blanket or a big shawl.

36 inches

36 inches makes a perfect choice for large or heavy items that will be knitted flat. It's also great for small perimeter items knit with a magic loop.

Making something heavy like an adult-sized blanket or shawl on straight tools can be a nightmare for the wrist. That's when you use 36-inch needles.

They place all the weight of the item onto the wire enabling you to work fast while the rest of the task is on the table or your lap. It's also a perfect length if you want to try creating a sleeve with the magic loop technique instead of DPNs.

40 inches

This needle size is ideal for knitting sleeves and socks two at a time. It's also great for bed-size blankets. Circular needles come in lengths of 47 and 40 inches.

Interchangeable Kits

If your collection of circular knitting needles gets out of control, turn to interchangeable kits. They often arrive with needle points in a variety of sizes that can be applied to various wire lengths. In one kit, there can be a size 7 needle in 3 different wire lengths at the minimum.

Are Circular Knitting Needles Better?

A circular knitting needle will keep your patterns a lot better. It also makes things easier for your body because the needle keeps more of the weight of your knitting project.

How to Measure Circular Knitting Needles?

Simply measure from point to point with fixed circular knitting needles. However, with interchangeable needles, measure the points and wire to tie up your final measurement.

The screw shouldn't be included when you're measuring needle points or wires. Therefore, if you have a 22-inch cable and 5-inch points, you would end up with a 32-inch needle.

Which Type of Knitting Needles Are Best?

It depends on your knitting project. You can use 1 to 5 US size needles for socks, baby clothes, and laces. For sweaters and afghans, use needles of 5 to 9 US size needles.

If you want to make scarves, hats, and rugs, use a big needle size like 9 to 11 US. The end size of needles that come to 17 US and over is utilized for larger projects like winter clothes.

If you have arthritis, you need to consider the material of your needles as well. Opt for lightweight ones. Knitting needles come in different styles, materials, tips, and lengths.

Length

The length applies to the amount of space from the needlepoint to the other end. If you're using a big-sized yarn such as worsted weight or higher or DK, a longer needle, whether circular or straight provides extra room to space out the patterns.

Another important thing to consider is the number of stitches in a design and how your project will be made. For instance, with circular knitting projects, knowing that casting on and producing 25 patterns of lightweight yarn such as fingering or lace, on 16-inch circular knitting needles will work.

However, casting on and producing those same 25 patterns on 40-inch circular needles just won't work because the patterns must circle all 40 inches and there aren't enough patterns for this.

Tip

It's important to consider the tip of knitting needles when searching for the best circular knitting needles on the market. They come in 2 types including pointed and sharp.

Or blunted and round. You should utilize needles with pointed, sharp points also known as lace yarns when working with fine yarns like fingering, lace, or cobweb.

When making gloves or socks with smaller needle sizes, a pointed sharp point makes it simpler to work with tighter designs. Also, twisted patterns such as knitting through back loops or multiple patterns such as purl 3 together work-up simpler with pointed tipped needles.

Blunt rounded tipped knitting needles perform best with yarn that easily cracks and larger yarn weights such as loosely spun fibers, novelty, cotton, and acrylic yarns.

Material

Knitting needles come in different materials including bamboo, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, wood, and stainless steel. Let's learn more about each type of material.

Bamboo

These needles are created of grass. The bamboo traits make these needles strong but stretchable. A lot of knitters enjoy the feel of bamboo knitting needles.

The weight of these needles makes them perfect for users with arthritis or hand or wrist pain. However, keep in mind that your yarn catches more to these needles than to others.

This issue means less dropped stitches. New knitters may prefer the sticking ability of these needles but for serious knitters, that same thing may slow them down.

Wood

If you enjoy the feel of wood, then wood circular knitting needles make a perfect choice for you. They share characteristics with bamboo needles. Softer wood such as birch and pine may dent with over-use which causes the yarn to tangle and slows down the knitting process.

Carbon Fiber

Knitting needles made of carbon fiber will take your crafts and skills to another dimension. They weigh more than wood or bamboo needles but less than metal ones.

Knitting needle points in a kit can differ unless the supplier added a metal point such as brass or realized the significance of the needlepoint. Lace makers may want to explore the points of carbon fiber needles to assure the utilization will respond to their crafting needs.

Plastic

Many people utilize plastic circular knitting needles when they utilize super chunky or super bulky yarns. They're lightweight and perfect for arthritis hands.

Smaller sized plastic knitting needles crack more easily. They're not as durable as metal ones. Search for needles with a smooth finish to prevent yarn snags.

Aluminum

Strong and lightweight, aluminum circular knitting needles make a perfect choice for serious people who prefer sturdy options over wood or bamboo knitting needles.

Aluminum knitting needles can bend, especially if you're not taking good care of them. Also, the surface can get damaged just like wood and bamboo knitting needles.

Stainless Steel

For knitters who want to complete their projects in record time, consider stainless steel knitting needles. If you're looking for a long-lasting set of knitting needles with the ability to scratch, bend, or dent, select stainless steel needles. Like aluminum tools, they hold up well in smaller sizes.

Style

Choose from straight, circular, interchangeable, or double-pointed knitting needles. The unique type of straight needles performs better for working back and forth, known as flat knitting.

Flat knitting provides pieces that are joined together later or complete when finished, such as towels or sweaters. Straight needles have an inbuilt stop on one end and a point on the other end.

The weight of your knitting projects depends on your knitting needles which place additional weight on your hand. If you can't hold anything heavy, then straight needles won't work for you.

Utilized for both knitting in the round and flat knitting, circular knitting needles provide extra flexibility. Joined by a length of plastic wire, two pointed needles fit smoothly in your hands while the wire loops or drapes between. The wire removes the weight of your project.

This helps users with arthritic hands. A smooth joining point where the wire meets the needle makes life much easier as patterns will glide instead of getting snagged at the join.

Opt for interchangeable knitting needles if you're searching for something versatile. If you enjoy circular needles, you will enjoy them as well. They have mixes of lengths and sizes.

Look for kits that don't require much effort for attaching or removing. One downside of interchangeable needles is that they can come apart while you work or can require special equipment to attach or detach the needles from the wire. Last but not least, you can utilize double-pointers.

They're widely used for creating hats, gloves, and socks. They're identical with straight knitting needles — simply add a tip protector at one end. Available in kits of 4 or 5 needles, double-pointed knitting tools make a perfect choice for flat knitting, basic projects, or places such as sock heels.

Are Wood or Metal Knitting Needles Better?

Metal knitting needles make a better choice than plastic or wood needles because they provide sewers faster speeds. Also, they have a super smooth surface. They perform great with yarns with a tendency to catch. They make knitting smoother and less annoying.

What Are Circular Knitting Needles Used for?

You can utilize circular needles for working in lines and knitting flat pieces. They can also be utilized for designs knitted in the round. This is useful when making cylindrical pieces.

Do You Need Circular Knitting Needles to Knit a Blanket?

I recommend utilizing circular knitting needles when making a blanket. You will still work back and forth in lines. However, the weight of the many patterns and growing material will rest on your lap as you knit instead of putting weight on your wrists.

What Size Circular Needles Do I Need for a Blanket?

Utilize 36-inch needles for adult cardigans, blankets, or shawls. Long length knitting needles are usually utilized for large blankets, shawls, or cardigans.

Wrap Up

Knitting is one of the most rewarding crafts. It's a fun way to kill time but also attracts a lot of benefits such as exploring your creativity and making gifts for your loved ones.

There's nothing more satisfactory than making a gift for ourselves or someone we love but to be able to make masterpieces, you need the right tools such as proper knitting needles and yarn.

Circular knitting needles make a great choice for both experts and beginners. They're suitable for round and flat knitting projects. Celine Lin 11 Sizes 32-inch Stainless Circular Knitting Needles are my favorite.

They deliver great value for money. You will receive 11 different sizes packed in a nice storage case. The knitting needles are easy and comfortable to utilize, highly polished, and beginner-friendly.

If you're looking for something cheap but durable and easy to use, look no further than Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles. They're beginner-friendly, long-lasting, durable circular knitting needles.

Hopefully, my unbiased and detailed reviews can help you pick the best circular knitting needles for your next project. What' s your favorite choice? Share your thoughts and questions below.