While reading a book and doing yoga are seen as relaxing activities, there are other people out there who prefer to knit as a form of relaxation. This activity allows them to zone out and recharge their batteries after a stressful week.
While all this sounds perfect, knitting is not easily, especially if you are working with bad needle sets. If you are a beginner, picking the right set is crucial because you will have better results.
Because there are so many products on the market to choose from, this article will look at the top 12 best knitting needles for beginners.
Table of Contents
What is The Best Knitting Needles for Beginners?
From the chart above, you can see some of the things you get with each needle set however, ones are head and shoulders above the rest?
- Best bamboo knitting needle set: LIHAO Bamboo Needles
“Smooth and light, great value, awesome for beginners and amazing bamboo quality” - Great needles for knitting hats: Wood Knitting Set from Knit Picks
“Good quality wood, perfect for newbies, can be used on a variety of projects, versatile, smooth and affordable” - Top-quality double-pointed needles: LIHAO 75 Piece Needle Combo
“Made from top quality bamboo, awesome for newbies, lightweight, smooth and offers a fantastic range of needle sizes” - Great for knitting sweaters: BCMRUN Stainless Steel Sweater Needles Set
“Made from stainless steel, lightweight, extra long needles, versatile and is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves knitting” - Great Aluminium set of needles: Needlemaster 40-Piece Interchangeable Aluminum Knitting Set
“ Comes with 40 pieces, perfect for a variety of projects and you also get a travel case to store the set it when you are on the go” - Great circular knitting needles: CLOVER 3683 Needle Set
“Comes with a customized case for easy selection and storage, perfectly shaped tapered tip and silky finish of the needle surface” - Perfect knitting needle set for newbies: KP200608 Knitting Needles Set
“Set comes in the 7 most useful sizes, a full range of 11 radiant colors, easy to use and perfect for beginners” - Perfect for knitting socks: HiyaHiya 4-inch Sharp Stainless Steel Small Interchangeable Needle Set
“Smooth, slick, lightweight stainless steel, comes with either an interchangeable case or a circular case.”
Top 12 Best Knitting Needles for Beginners 2021 Comparison Chart
As stated above, this article will highlight 12 knitting needles for beginners. To help you choose the right decision, the comparison chart below shows the material, warranty, sizes and number of needles of each product.
Top 12 Best Knitting Needles For Beginners in 2021 Review
When the winter months come, good quality knitting needles allow you to knit a hat or scarf for yourself. If you are a novice, below are the pros and cons of the top 12 best knitting needles you can buy in 2021.
1. LIHAO Bamboo Knitting Needle Set
(Best bamboo knitting needle set)
These are one of the best knitting needle sets on the market because of the top quality bamboo they are made from. This makes them durable, stronger and last longer.
What you get when you purchase this needle set is an incredible range of sizes. These sizes start from 2mm – 10mm meaning you will be able to knit a variety of things with ease.
Since they are light and smooth, they are perfect for someone who is just getting into knitting. If you suffer from any joint pain or arm problems, this needle set is a great investment because they are so comfortable to use and required less tension.
Key features
- Made from top quality bamboo
- Fantastic range of needle sizes
- Great set for beginners
- Light and smooth
- Money-back guarantee
- Excellent value
Pros
- Less tension is required
- Perfect for kids and beginners
- Very light, comfortable and smooth
- Durable thanks to the top quality bamboo
- Come in a variety of sizes which allow you to perform different knitting projects
Cons
- The size marking is known to rub off especially if you use them constantly
- The small-sized needles are not very strong and tend to bend very easily
2. Wood Knitting Needles Set from Knit Picks
(Great needles for knitting hats)
If you are a novice looking for the perfect set of needles, you won’t regret when you buy the Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set. These are the perfect needle for someone who wants to knit hats.
These needles are sharp and gentle on the hands. You will be able to finish any project without feeling tired or pain especially if you suffer from arthritis. Everything from sweaters, hats, and mittens, there’s nothing you can’t do with these needles.
Key Features
- Includes 9 pairs of 4-3/4” long needle tips
- Comes in size 4 – 11 (3.5mm – 8mm)
- Comes with 4 purple cables (2 each in 24″ and 32″ lengths)
- 8 purple end caps and 2 cable keys
- come with a 9 inch x 5.5 inch vinyl case
Pros
- Perfect for a variety of projects
- Good for newbies
- Very affordable and versatile
- Made from good quality wood
- Excellent design
Cons
- These needles can break easily
- Many customers have said these needles unscrew a lot
3. LIHAO 75 Piece Needle Combo
(Top-quality double-pointed needles)
Another set of bamboo needles to make this list is the reliable and dependable LIHAO 75 piece Needle Combo. Just by looking at the name, one can see that these needles are double pointed and made for very strong bamboo.
Your purchase comes with different sizes that range from 2mm -10mm. This lets you complete different projects and if you are a beginner or passionate knitter, this is an excellent set.
Super lightweight, smooth and durable, LIHAO 75 piece Needle Combo is absolutely incredible.
Key Features
- Made from top quality bamboo
- Fantastic range of needle sizes
- Great set for beginners
- Light and smooth
- Money-back guarantee
- Excellent value
Pros
- Great gift for someone passionate about knitting
- Good for kids and beginners
- Affordable
- Durable thanks to the bamboo
- Super lightweight and smooth
- Excellent variety of sizes
Cons
- Most customers find the coating on these needles a bit rough
- You will rarely use the smaller sizes
4. BCMRUN Stainless Steel Needles Set
(Great for knitting sweaters)
There are not many needles sets out there that are perfect for beginners like the BCMRUN Stainless Steel Sweater Needles Set. If you are looking to learn the basics of knitting, this is a good set to buy and it fits in your backpack, suitcase, and luggage easily.
This makes it become one of the most portable sets on the market and if a child or a family member enjoys DIY crafts, this is a good investment because it is very durable.
When compared to other needles on the market, these are longer and sizes range from 2mm – 8mm.
Key Features
- Made from stainless steel
- Lightweight
- 11 pair full-size knitting needles
- Easily identify extra-long needles
- Wonderful gift
- Versatile
Pros
- A wonderful gift for any knitting enthusiast
- Perfect for newbies
- Longer than most needles on the market
- Durable
- Clearly marked
Cons
- Does not suit anyone who is experienced
- A few people have said these needles are slightly heavier
5. 40 Piece Needlemaster Knitting Set
(Great Aluminium set of needles)
One of the best things about the 40 piece Needlemaster Knitting Set is it comes with a carrying case. You don’t need to spend money or time looking for a case because it already comes with one.
This set offers you a nice variety of sizes which range from 2.75mm – 10mm plus all the needles are color-coded. You will not be confused or use the wrong needles for a specific project. Made from aluminum, these needles are very firm and durable.
The Needlemaster 40-Piece Interchangeable Aluminum Knitting Set is very convenient and versatile making it perfectly for both pros and newbies. You don’t need to break the bank to afford these needles because they are reasonably.
Key Features
- Comes with 40 pieces
- Sizes 2.75mm – 10mm
- Handy metal knitting needle set for a variety of projects
- Comes with a travel case
Pros
- Excellent variety of sizes
- Color codes make it easy for you to identify needles
- Comes with a travel case
- Affordable
Cons
- Some customers say that the metal points are cold and heavy
- Difficult to knit with at times screwing the cables can be a challenge for some people
6. CLOVER 3683 Needle Set
(Great circular knitting needles)
The CLOVER 3683 set is one that many beginners recommend to each because it is made from Takumi bamboo sticks.
These sticks are very strong, reduce your chances of dropping your stitches plus they grip yarn better. It comes with a customized case for easy selection and storage. These cords allow you to make up to sixty combinations which is amazing.
You also get 12 needle sizes which range from 3 to 15. The perfectly shaped tapered tip provides you with a smooth and precise finish all the time. Made in Japan, quality is guaranteed and you will not get a product that is floppy, flexible and travel-friendly.
Key Features
- 12-Needle sizes
- 5-cord sizes (16, 24, 29, 36 and 48-inch )
- 60 combinations
- A customized case for easy selection and storage, needles and cords
- A perfectly shaped tapered tip
- Silky finish of the needle surface
- Precision finish of the joint connection between needle and cord, smooth slide for every stitch
- Made in Japan
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comes with a case
- Good for beginners
Cons
- The bamboo they are made from is known to break easily
- Expensive for those on a budget
7. KP200608 Needles from Knitter’s Pride
(Perfect knitting needle set for newbies)
Made from top quality wood, the Knitter’s Pride KP200608 Dreamz Deluxe Special Interchangeable Needles Set is very robust. You get the 7 most useful sizes which range from 4 to 11. When you join the cords and tips together, they measure 16 inches.
What you also get is 11 radiant colors allowing you to tell the needles apart. Very easy to use and perfect for beginners, this set will exceed the expectation of anyone plus it comes with 4 cables (24 inch, 2 x 32 inches, and 40 inch), 8 end caps and 4 cable keys.
Key features
- Comes in seven great sizes.
- 16 inch cords and tips.
- Each tip measures 4 inches.
- Comes in eleven amazing colors.
Pros
- Versatile needle set
- Excellent design
- Smooth and solid
- The variety of colors make it easy for you to identify them
Cons
- Hard to find replacement needles on the market
- When connected to metal, these needles can break
8. ChiaoGoo 7500-C Needles
The ChiaoGoo 7500-C needles are ideal for anyone interested in knitting. One of the standout features of this set is the Moso bamboo the needles are made from.
This makes them very strong, durable and will not break on you while in use. Many people even go as far as saying that the Moso bamboo is the largest and strong you can find on a needle.
They come in a variety of sizes which range from 2.75mm – 10mm and you don’t have to break the bank for this set because it is very affordable.
The natural brown color is very eye-catching because no stains or dyes are used to make them. On top of the features above, you also get a set of 9-inch needles (single) and a durable case which helps you perform a variety of projects.
Key Features
- Made in china
- Variety of sizes
- High quality
- Value price
- Natural brown color
Pros
- Very affordable especially for people on a budget
- Comes with a very strong case
- Very good quality needles with a natural brown color
- Very point and comfortable
- Super lightweight
Cons
- You can easily lose the tightening key if you’re not careful
9. Denis Knitting Blue Needle Set
Denis knitting is a very popular name and has been making good quality needles for many years. The Denis Knitting Blue Knitting Needle Set is very flexible and comes with ten knitting needle sizes.
Whether it is for a knitting enthusiast or home use, this is a very good set to buy because it comes with a hard-shelled case that holds everything perfectly in place. You also get sizes from 5 to 15 and the length of the needles is between 9 to 34 inches.
It also has four end buttons to turn any cord into a stitch holder or to use as an end cap. Made from very strong plastic, you can have these for a long time as long as you look after them.
Key Features
- Ten knitting needle sizes
- Flexible needle
- Hard-shelled case that holds everything perfectly in place
Pros
- Comes with a variety of colors
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Durable thanks to the hard plastic
Cons
- The cables and cords are not very strong
- The needles easily come apart
10. 14-Inch Bamboo Needles from Knitter’s choice
Knitter’s Choice Bamboo 14-Inch Knitting Needles Set with Case Organizer makes this list because you get value for your money. It comes with a canvas carrying case that allows you to store all your needles when you are on the go.
The sizes range from 4mm to 15 mm which makes it one of the best beginner kits on the market. What you get from a product that is made from high-quality bamboo is durable and this set is very strong and will not break easily.
The design of this needle set on by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Very quiet and comfortable, you can use this set on a variety of projects.
It also comes with a money-back guarantee that is how confident the manufacturers are in their product.
Key features
- 100% Canvas
- Good beginner kit
- High-quality bamboo
- Comfortable and quiet
- Comes with a canvas carrying case
Pros
- Versatile needle set
- Comes with a great canvas bag
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Quiet and comfortable
Cons
- Under too much tension, these needles can break
- Some people find the needles rough to work with
11. 4 Inch HiyaHiya Needle Set
(Perfect for knitting socks)
The HiyaHiya 4-inch Sharp Stainless Steel Small Interchangeable Needle Set is certainly a product that needs to be on any knitting enthusiast’s list. HiyaHiya is a very popular brand and if you are a fan of knitting socks, this is the perfect set to buy.
This set comes with either an interchangeable case or a circular case. You also get a 5-inch sharp steel tip that comes in a variety of sizes. Smooth, slick and lightweight steel, the needles are very comfortable and you will not feel tired while using them.
Key Features
- Smooth, slick and lightweight stainless steel.
- The product will come with either an interchangeable case or a circular case
Pros
- Comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to travel with the set
- Durable thanks to the stainless steel they are made from
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Connection is smooth
Cons
- The large size needle tips cannot be used with the small one
12. 22 Piece LIHAO Aluminum Needles
Last on the list is the LIHAO Mixed Aluminum Handle Knitting Needles Weave Yarn Set. What’s great about this set is it comes with 22 pieces that are all in different sizes.
Every piece is marked with its size and there a good color scheme on the larger needles for easy recognition. If you have anyone close to you who loves knitting or they are a novice, this set is a perfect gift for them because it is comfortable and easy to use.
Lastly, the aluminum material it is made from makes it very durable and will not break on you after a few projects. This set does hold its own even under so much strain.
Key Features
- A leather bag with 22 pieces
- Every piece marked with its size.
- Material: Aluminum
- Perfect gift
Pros
- Very comfortable to use
- Beautiful design and colors
- Smooth
- Affordable especially for knitting enthusiast on a budget
- Durable thanks to the high-quality aluminum
Cons
- Some customers say that the hooks are a bit unstable
- Only get sizes in millimeters
- The small needles are not very strong
Buying Guide
When you are a beginner looking for the right needle set on the market, you should prioritize making sure you buy something that is comfortable and gets the job done. To help you make the right choice, there are three elements you need to keep in mind.
1. Know What Needles You Want
There are different types of needles on the market and you need to pick one that suits your project. Straight needles are one of the most popular because they are durable and made from bamboo.
They can handle a variety of projects. Single pointed needles are good for tubular pieces of fragments. Cable needles are good for many projects because they come straight or curved.
Circular needles are also a favorite for many customers because their cable is joined by double pointed needles. Double pointed needles are also loved by many people because of their versatility.
Lastly, interchangeable needles are loved because they are affordable and can be used on a variety of projects. To get a clear picture of how easy interchangeable needles are to use, click the following link:
2. Know the Size You Want
The size of needles depends on pattern specific, yarn specific and gauge specific. As a beginner, chances are you are following a tutorial or pattern.
To be at your best, you know to properly pick the right size needles. When it comes to yarn, plenty of skeins of yarn will have labels that will help you pick the right size.
Use this label to make your choice and once you improve your skills, you can explore other patterns. A measure of rows and stitches is what gauge is and it plays a key role in projects where sizing matters the most like clothes.
3. Know the Material the Needle Is Made From
While needles are made from different types of materials, the most popular ones are bamboo, plastic and aluminum/steel.
These all have different levels of tension, feel, durability and comfort. Pick the one that suits you the most, however, many people prefer bamboo since its durable.
For a full guide on how to choose knitting needles, click on the following link:
Why Do Some People Like to Use Large Needles?
While small needles are the preferred option, large needles have become the go-to option for some knitting enthusiasts for a variety of reasons. The first reason is they are easy to handle.
No one likes to use needles that are uncomfortable and not easy on the hands. Large needles are some of the most comfortable on the market. The second reason why large needles have become popular in recent times is they help you knit faster.
Laboring through projects can be exhausting and tiring. Large needles help you finish your projects faster compared to small ones. You can see large needles in action by clicking the following link:
FAQs
Our Top Pick
Made from densified laminated birch wood, Knitter’s Pride KP200608 Dreamz Deluxe Special Interchangeable Needles Set is our top pick and is perfect for any novice.
You get a needle set that comes in the 7 most useful sizes, a full range of 11 radiant colors allowing you to mix and match, and they are comfortable.
If knitting is something you are passionate about, getting the right set first time is never easy at all.
If you want a set that help you produce quality as a beginner, the Knitter’s Pride KP200608 Dreamz Deluxe Special Interchangeable Needles Set is worth every penny.
For a detailed look at how this needle set works, click the following link:
Conclusion
Before splashing expenditure you need to know for you to produce good quality work, you need to educate yourself on the materials and sizes of knitting needles.
With the market filled with so many knitting needles, buying a set that meets and exceeds your needs is not easy. This top 12 best knitting needles for beginners’ article has highlighted some of the best product one should keep an eye out for on the market.
Each has its fair share of pros and cons but your decision has to be based on the projects you have in mind, budget, size, and materials. When you are clear on these, you will always make the right choice when you buy a knitting set.
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