Unlock Your Knitting Creativity: Discover Where to Buy Premium Knitting Needles!

AvatarByJill Nammar

Are you ready to take your knitting game to the next level? Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, the right set of needles can make all the difference in your projects. But with so many options out there, finding the perfect knitting needles can be a daunting task. Fear not, dear knitter! In this article, we’ll explore the various places where you can purchase knitting needles, from brick-and-mortar stores to online retailers. So grab your yarn and settle in as we uncover the best places to buy knitting needles.

Understanding Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are essential tools for anyone who enjoys knitting. They come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes, making it possible to create a wide range of stitches and knitting techniques. Knitting needles can be made from wood, plastic, metal, bamboo, and other materials. Each material has its own unique characteristics that affect the way it feels in your hands and how it impacts your knitting experience. Understanding knitting needles will help you find the right ones for your projects.

The three main types of knitting needles are straight needles, circular needles, and double-pointed needles. Straight needles are two separate rods with a point at one end and a cap at the other. These are used for flat knitting projects like scarves or blankets. Circular needles have two needle tips connected by a flexible cable that allows you to knit in the round or on large projects without having to join separate pieces together. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) have a point at each end and are used primarily for small circular objects such as socks or hats.

When choosing the right type of needle for your project, consider the yarn weight and the required gauge (stitches per inch). Thicker yarns may require larger needle sizes while thinner yarns will need smaller sizes to achieve the correct gauge. Thinner needles leave smaller gaps between stitches resulting in a tighter knit fabric while larger needles create bigger gaps resulting in looser fabrics.

Factors to Consider When Buying Knitting Needles

As mentioned earlier, there are various factors to consider when purchasing knitting needles. These factors include material, size, length, type of tip, and brand.

Material: The most common materials used for knitting needles include wood, plastic, metal (aluminum or stainless steel), bamboo, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own unique feel and weight. Metal needles are slick and smooth, making it easy for yarn to slide off but may be too slippery for beginners. Wooden and bamboo needles have a warmer feel and provide more friction, which can help prevent stitches from sliding off. Plastic and carbon fiber needles are lightweight and suitable for people with hand or wrist issues as they put less strain on the wrists.

Size: Knitting needle sizes are measured in millimeters or US sizes. Different countries may use different needle size scales, so it’s important to check the size before purchasing. The size of your needle will depend on the project you’re working on – smaller needles for finer yarns, larger needles for bulky yarns.

Length: The length of your knitting needle depends on the project you’re working on. For flat knitting, longer needles are preferred as they can accommodate more stitches, while shorter needles work better for knitting in the round.

Type of Tip: The type of tip can also vary based on your preference. Some knitting needles have sharp tips while others have blunter tips. Sharp tips make it easier to knit intricate patterns while blunt tips may be better suited for beginners.

Brand: There are many brands that produce high-quality knitting needles, each with its own unique features and price points. Some popular brands include Knitter’s Pride, Clover, ChiaoGoo, Addi, and HiyaHiya.

Where Can You Buy Knitting Needles?

There is no shortage of places to buy knitting needles – both online and in physical stores. Here are some options where you can buy knitting needles:

Craft Stores: Craft stores like Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby carry a variety of knitting needles in different materials and sizes.

Knit Specialty Stores: These stores specialize in all things related to knitting and are a great place to find high-quality and unique knitting needles. Some popular ones include Purl Soho, Knit Picks, and WEBS – America’s Yarn Store.

Online Retailers: E-commerce websites like Amazon, Etsy, and LoveKnitting offer a vast selection of knitting needles from various brands, materials, and sizes. They also often have customer reviews that can help guide your purchase.

Local Yarn Stores (LYS): LYS are dedicated yarn shops that sell all kinds of yarns and knitting supplies. They often carry a selection of knitting needles from different brands.

Tech Giants: Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Samsung have made it possible to find and buy almost anything online. A simple search with relevant keywords will direct you to various e-commerce websites where you can purchase your preferred brand of knitting needles.

Tips for Buying Knitting Needles Online

While online shopping offers convenience and a broader selection of products, there are some things you should keep in mind when buying knitting needles online:

Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, take the time to read reviews from other customers who have bought the same product. This will give you an

Types of Knitting Needles

When it comes to knitting needles, there are a variety of types available on the market. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different knitting projects and techniques. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of knitting needles.

Straight Needles: These are the most traditional type of knitting needles and are also known as single-pointed needles. They come in different lengths, ranging from 10 inches to 14 inches, and have a pointed end on one side and a stopper or knob on the other. The stitches are held on the pointed end while you use the other one to create new stitches. Straight needles are great for beginners and ideal for knitting flat pieces such as scarves, shawls, and blankets.

Circular Needles: As the name suggests, these needles have two pointed ends joined by a flexible cable. They come in various lengths, from as small as 9 inches to as long as 60 inches. Circular needles are perfect for both flat knitting and seamless circular projects such as hats, sweaters, socks, etc. They also eliminate hand fatigue as the weight of your work is distributed along the length of the cable.

Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): These needles have two pointed ends and no stopper or knob like straight ones. They usually come in sets of four or five needles that allow you to knit small tube-like pieces such as sleeves or socks in round form without any seam lines. DPNs are best suited for advanced knitters due to their complex technique.

Interchangeable Needles: These are becoming increasingly popular among knitters because they offer flexibility and convenience all in one set. Interchangeable needle sets typically include standard interchangeable tips ranging from US size 2 to US size 15 and multiple cables of varying lengths, making it possible to create different sizes of circular needles. This means that you don’t have to buy different sizes of cables separately, hence saving both space and money.

Fixed Circular Needles: These are almost like the interchangeable needles except that their tips are permanently attached to the cable. Unlike traditional circular needles, fixed circular needles come in a wider range of sizes, and there is no chance of them coming apart while knitting. They are perfect for working on smaller projects such as gloves or mittens.

Materials of Knitting Needles

Knitting needles come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique features. The choice of material often depends on your personal preference or the kind of project you are working on. Here are some commonly used materials for knitting needles.

Bamboo: Bamboo knitting needles feature a warm natural surface that provides excellent grip, making them ideal for beginners who may struggle to keep their stitches on the needle. They are lightweight and more flexible compared to other materials, which reduces strain on your hands and wrists while knitting.

Wood: Just like bamboo, wooden needles provide warmth and a smooth surface without having a lot of drag on the yarn. However, they tend to be sturdier than bamboo ones and perfect for heavy-weight yarns.

Metal/Aluminum: Metallic knitting needles are generally durable and provide excellent glide when working with slippery yarns such as silk or cotton. They also come in handy when creating lace projects due to their sharp points.

Plastic: Plastic is an inexpensive alternative to other types of knitting needle materials. They usually have more flexibility than metal or wood but are also much lighter in weight.

Factors to Consider When Buying Knitting Needles

When it comes to buying knitting needles, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right ones for your project. Let’s take a look at some of these factors.

Needle size and length: The needle size and length vary depending on the type and brand. It is essential to pay attention to the needle size as it can significantly affect your stitch tension.

Material: As we mentioned earlier, knitting needles are made of various materials with distinct properties. Consider your preferences, budget, and the yarn you will be using before making a purchase.

Project type: Different types of knitting needles are best suited for different projects. For example, if you are working on a flat piece, straight needles would be more suitable than circular ones.

Budget: Knitting needles come in different price ranges depending on their material, quality, and brand. Set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending or buying low-quality needles that may break easily.

Ease of use: Some types of knitting needles may be easier or harder to work with depending on your skill level or hand strength. Consider this when choosing your needles to avoid discomfort or frustration.

Where Can You Buy Knitting Needles?

1. Where can I buy knitting needles online?
There are several reputable websites that sell knitting needles, such as Amazon, Etsy, and Knit Picks. You can also check with your preferred craft store’s website to see if they offer online purchasing options.

2. Can I buy knitting needles at a local craft store?
Yes, most craft stores will carry a selection of knitting needles in various sizes and materials. It’s always helpful to call ahead to make sure they have the specific type you are looking for.

3. What kind of knitting needles should I buy as a beginner?
It is recommended for beginners to start with medium size (US 7-9) bamboo or wooden needles. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and provide good grip for beginners learning how to knit.

4. Do I need different types of knitting needles for different projects?
Yes, the type of needle you need will depend on the project you are working on. Circular needles are best for larger projects like sweaters or blankets, while double-pointed needles are used for small projects like socks or gloves.

5. Can I purchase specialty or vintage knitting needles?
Yes, you can often find unique or vintage knitting needles at specialized yarn stores or online marketplaces like eBay. However, keep in mind that these may be more expensive than modern versions.

6. Are there any physical stores that specialize in selling knitting supplies?
Yes, there are many brick-and-mortar shops that specialize in selling all sorts of yarns and related supplies including knitting needles. A quick search online should help you find a store near you.

In conclusion, finding the perfect knitting needles for your projects can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. It is important to consider factors such as material, size, and type of project when purchasing knitting needles.

Firstly, understanding the different materials used in knitting needles can help you make an informed decision. While bamboo needles are lightweight and comfortable to hold, metal needles are more durable and provide a smoother surface for yarn. Additionally, wooden needles provide warmth and flexibility while plastic needles are affordable and come in a wide range of sizes.

Furthermore, size plays a crucial role in selecting knitting needles. Different needle sizes produce different stitch sizes and ultimately affect the final outcome of your project. It is recommended to have a variety of needle sizes on hand to accommodate any pattern or yarn weight.

Another important consideration when buying knitting needles is the type of project you will be working on. Circular needles are best for larger projects such as blankets or sweaters while double-pointed needles are ideal for smaller projects like socks or hats. Straight needles are suitable for flat designs like scarves or blankets.

Lastly, it is essential to research and read reviews before making a purchase. This will help you determine the quality and durability of the knitting needles from other users’ experiences.

Overall, finding where to buy

Author Profile

Avatar
Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.