Best Circular Knitting Needles of 2026
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Circular knitting needles are a popular choice for knitters due to their versatility and ease of use. These needles feature two needle tips connected by a flexible cable, allowing knitters to create seamless, tubular projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. The cable length can be adjusted to accommodate different project sizes, and the smooth, rounded tips make for a comfortable and efficient knitting experience. Circular knitting needles are available in a variety of materials, including bamboo, metal, and plastic, making them suitable for knitters of all preferences and skill levels.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Circular Knitting Needles
ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular 40 inch Stainless Steel Knitting Needle US 7
The ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Needle is a must-have for knitting enthusiasts. Made of high-grade stainless steel, this needle is not only durable but also lightweight, making it easy to handle. The laser-etched size markings on each needle ensure convenience and easy storage. The satin finish and perfectly tapered tips allow for smooth and precise knitting. The needle also features a highly flexible, nylon-coated steel cable, which allows your yarn to easily slide end-to-end. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Needle offers the perfect combination of quality and functionality.
Clover Takumi Combo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles
The Clover Takumi Combo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles set comes with 12 needle sizes and 5 cord sizes, allowing for 60 combinations. The set includes a customized case for easy selection and storage. The needles have a perfectly shaped tapered tip and silky finish, while the joint connection between needle and cord has a precision finish for smooth sliding. Made in Japan.
Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Needles Size 10
The Clover Bamboo Needles come from Japan, a country known for high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring you get reliable knitting tools. These needles have a compact package height of just 0.254 centimeters, making them easy to store and carry. With a length of 6.096 centimeters and a width of 22.606 centimeters, the packaging is designed to be convenient for organization and travel. If you enjoy knitting on the go or need tools that are easy to manage at home, these bamboo circular needles offer a practical and portable option for your crafting projects.
Aeelike Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles Set (100 cm, 9 Sizes)
The Aeelike Circular Needles Set offers nine different needle sizes, ranging from 2.5 mm to 10 mm, all attached to a 40-inch (100 cm) cable. This variety lets you pick the perfect needle size to match your knitting project, whether it’s scarves, sweaters, or blankets. Made from stainless steel, these needles glide smoothly over yarn, reducing snags and making your knitting easier. The cable is sturdy, and the smooth connection between the cable and needle ensures comfortable use. Each needle size is clearly engraved, so you won’t have to guess or use labels, making it especially helpful if you’re new to circular knitting.
ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needle
The ChiaoGoo Red Lace Needle is designed for your knitting comfort. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, these needles are lightweight and durable, making them easy to handle for long periods. The bright red, flexible cable allows your yarn to glide smoothly, preventing snags and tangles. With perfectly tapered tips, you can enjoy precise stitches, enhancing your knitting experience. Plus, the size is permanently laser etched, ensuring you can easily identify them and store them conveniently without worrying about fading labels.
Generic 4-inch Aluminum Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles Set, 13 Pairs
The Generic 4-inch Knitting Set offers a complete kit with 13 pairs of needles in various sizes, making it easy for you to handle any knitting project from small socks to larger scarves. It includes six cables of different lengths, so you can connect needle tips for circular knitting of all sizes, whether you're working on a tiny hat or a big blanket. The needles are made from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum that lets your yarn glide smoothly, reducing frustration and making knitting more enjoyable. Plus, all accessories come neatly stored in a leather bag, helping you keep everything organized and portable.
ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needles
The ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Knitting Needles are made of high-grade stainless steel with a bright red, multi-strand, nylon-coated, steel cable that makes it easy for yarn to slide end-to-end. The needles are lightweight, durable, and precisely machined with a satin finish and perfectly tapered tips. The size is permanently laser-etched on each item for added convenience and easy storage. These circular knitting needles come in a size US 7 (4.5mm) and are 16" (41cm) long. They are environmentally friendly and recyclable.
Aeelike Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Set
The Aeelike Circular Needle Set is perfect for knitters who want versatility and convenience. It includes 13 pairs of smooth, size-marked aluminum needles ranging from 3mm to 10mm, allowing you to work on various projects like blankets, clothes, and decorations. The durable cables connect easily to any needle and stay securely attached without damaging your yarn, making your knitting experience smooth. Plus, the needles and cables come in a handy red storage bag that keeps everything organized and easy to carry, whether you're at home or on the go. This set offers everything you need for knitting both small and large items with ease.
BsHooker Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles Set 13 Pairs
The BsHooker Bamboo Needles Set offers 13 pairs of circular needles in various sizes, covering most knitting projects from small to large stitches. This variety lets you easily choose the right needle for your work, whether you're making socks or scarves. The set comes with all the accessories you need, like end caps, connectors, cables, and stitch markers, so you won’t have to buy extras separately. Made from smooth, high-quality bamboo, these needles provide a comfortable grip and glide effortlessly, reducing hand fatigue during long knitting sessions. Plus, the elegant storage case keeps everything organized and protected, making it simple to carry your knitting supplies wherever you go.
Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Needles
The Clover Bamboo Circular Needles are perfect for your knitting projects. Made from bamboo, these needles provide a warm and natural feel, making them comfortable to hold for extended periods. The circular design allows for easy manipulation of stitches, which is great for creating seamless pieces. With a 36-inch length, these needles are ideal for larger projects, giving you ample room to work without feeling cramped. You’ll appreciate how lightweight and flexible they are, making your knitting experience enjoyable and less tiring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are circular knitting needles used for?
Circular needles are the perfect choice for knitting in the round and also knitting flat pieces. They consist of a needle tip on each end with a cord joining them. These are used for projects like hats, sweaters, socks, sleeves, mittens and more.
2. Is it better to knit with circular needles?
A circular needle will hold the stitches a little better and make it easier on your body because the needle holds more of the weight of the project. Knitting flat on circular needles is the same as working on straight needles. Do not join in the round, just cast on and knit.
3. How do you know what size circular knitting needles to use?
To calculate the maximum length of needle you can use for knitting in the round, divide the number of stitches you will be knitting by the stitch tension (gauge) per cm (or inch) to find the diameter of the knitting, and then use a needle length of that dimension or smaller.
4. Does length of circular needles matter?
You may have thought all along that bigger circular needles produce better stitches but you are wrong! Every circular needle size and cord length has its own purpose. Each needle size is numbered and the smaller this number is, the smaller the circular needle will be and you will also have to use a thinner yarn.
During our circular knitting needle research, we found 24 circular knitting needle products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 57,471 customer reviews through our big data system to write the circular knitting needles list. We found that most customers choose circular knitting needles with an average price of $24.52.
The circular knitting needles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of circular knitting needles, including ChiaoGoo, Clover, Aeelike, BsHooker. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 442 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.