Circular knitting needles may look intimidating to use. However, once you know how to use them, they are very simple. To help you understand how to use circular knitting needles, we have put together a short guide. We have also included a list of the best circular knitting needles.
What Are Circular Knitting Needles?
Circular knitting needles are two short knitting needles connected with a cable. The cable length you need will vary depending on the number of stitches you will be working with.
If the number of stitches varies throughout your project, you will need to change the needles during the project. Once you understand how to use circular knitting needles, you will know how to pick the correct length.
Best Circular Knitting Needles
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Overall
Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set
You will be able to complete a lot of different sized projects with these colour-coded circular knitting needles. And they are so smooth and easy to use.
Premium Choice
Addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System
The Addi circular knitting needles in this kit are high quality and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The cords stay fastened and yarn slides easily over the needles and the cord.
Great Value
Celine lin Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles
Are you looking for a set of circular needles at an affordable price? You cannot go wrong with the stainless steel circular knitting needles from Celine Lin.
How to Use Circular Knitting Needles for Knitting in the Round
Circular needles are the perfect choice when knitting in the round. Below are the basic steps you will need to learn how to use circular knitting needles to knit in the round.
- Choose Your Knitting Needles
When choosing the knitting needles, you will want to take into consideration the length of the circular needles. You will want to select needles that are a touch shorter than the width of the project. You will want the stitches to move smoothly around the circular needles as you knit.
- Holding the Circular Knitting Needles
Hold the needles just as you would your regular knitting needles, but let the cable hang down.
- Casting On
Cast on your stitches and let them slide onto the cable as you go. Once you have cast on all the stitches, they should stretch all the way over the cable and up the right needle.
- Joining the Stitches
Before you can begin working in the round you need to join the stitches. To do this, turn the project over. Look at all the stitches and make sure they have not twisted. Now start stitching into the very first stitch that was cast on.
- Knitting the Project
You will never need to turn the work over because you will always have the right side facing you. Now that you know how to use circular knitting needles, you can start your next project.
How to Use Circular Knitting Needles for Knitting Flat
You can use circular knitting needles to make flat projects. The cord is remarkably helpful when knitting large, heavy projects. The circular needles will hold the stitches and help distribute the weight, making it easier to complete the project.
When using circular knitting needles to knit flat projects, you will not join the last stitch to the first stitch you cast on (step 4 of How to Use Circular Knitting Needles for Knitting in the Round). Instead, you will knit as you would with regular needles and switch hands when you reach the end of a row.
The 10 Best Circular Knitting Needles
Many people enjoy knitting, but they only use straight knitting needles. This is usually because they do not know how to use circular knitting needles. Once you learn how easy it is to knit with circular knitting needles, you will wonder what took you so long.
But before you can start, you need to get a good pair of circular knitting needles. Below are 10 of the best circular knitting needles.
1. Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
The Knit Picks kit is versatile. The kit gives you the ability to easily create dozens of different needle combinations. So, you will be able to make the perfect circular needles for your project.
Why We Like It:
With this kit, you will be able to knit all types of projects.
- Interchangeable Needle Tips
You get 9 pairs of 4.75 inch long interchangeable wood needle tips.
- Flexible Memory-free Cables
The Flexible memory-free cables move with stitches and connect easily to tips for snag-free knitting.
- Beautiful Colours
The Knit Picks Caspian circular needles are beautiful.
Pros and Cons of the Knit Picks kit:
Pros:
- 9 pairs of 4.75 inch long interchangeable wood needle tips
- Needles measure from US 4 to US 11
- 2 Cables 24 inches in length
- 2 Cables 32 inches in length
- 8 End caps
- 2 Metal tightening keys
- Convenient carrying case
- Flexible memory-free cables
Cons:
- Metal ends can come off
- Carrying case is not the best
Find these Circular Knitting Needle Set on Amazon HERE
2. Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
You will be able to complete a lot of different sized projects with this one set. And the needles are easily identifiable since each size is a different colour.
Why We Like It:
The Knitters Pride Dreamz needles are smooth, and the joint does not snag the yarn.
- Colour-coded Tips
Easily find the needles you are looking for thanks to the colour-coded tips.
- No-kink Cords
The flexible cords lay flat and will not kink or twist.
- Wide Range of Projects
The variety of no-kink cords gives you the ability to work on a wide range of projects.
Pros and Cons of the Knitters Pride:
Pros:
- 9 Sizes of wood interchangeable circular needles
- 4 Cords (24”, 2 of 32”, and 40”)
- 4 Cord keys
- 1 Set of size markers
- Vinyl pouch
- Cord case
Cons:
- Dark coloured yarn can be hard to knit
Find the Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
3. Bamboo Circular Knitting Needle Set with Colorful Plastic Tube
If you work on a wide variety of projects and do not want to change the cords, check out this set. You get 18 needles that vary in size from 2 mm to 10 mm.
Why We Like It:
These circular knitting needles are extremely lightweight, which is good for those that suffer from joint pain.
- Large Variety of Needles
There are 18 circular knitting needles that vary in size from 2 mm to 10 mm.
- Lightweight
The Vancens circular knitting needles are made from lightweight, natural bamboo.
- Extra Accessories
These needles come with a small bag of additional accessories. You will get a crochet hook, scissors, a plastic measuring tape, crochet locking stitches, and plastic lacing needles.
Pros and Cons of the Bamboo Knitting Needle Set:
Pros:
- 18 different sizes of circular knitting needles
- Lightweight
- Natural bamboo
- Sizes are permanently marked on the needles
- Crochet hook
- Scissors
- Plastic measuring tape
- Crochet locking stitches
- Plastic lacing needles
Cons:
- Not interchangeable
- Bamboo can break easily
- Some types of yarn can stick to the cable
Find the Circular Needles on Amazon HERE
4. ChiaoGoo Red Lace Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needle
The ChiaoGoo Red Lace circular needles are made of high grade stainless steel and come with a bright red, highly flexible, nylon-coated, steel cable. These features allow your yarn to easily slide end-to-end
Why We Like It:
You can knit quickly with the tapered tip and smooth needles. The yarn will slide smoothly along the cable and needles.
- Steel Cable
The flexible, nylon coated steel cable does not have memory. It unrolls easily and lays flat.
- Tapered Tips
The tapered tips make it easy to get into the stitches.
- Smooth
Yarn slides smoothly over the needles and the cable.
Pros and Cons of the ChiaoGoo Red Lace circular needles:
Pros:
- High grade stainless steel
- Flexible, nylon coated steel cable
- Satin finish
- Perfectly tapered tips
- Laser etched size
- Durable
Cons:
- Some yarns do not slide easily on the needle tips
Find this Circular Knitting Needle on Amazon HERE
5. Addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System
Each Addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System includes US sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, along with 3 pliable blue Addi-Lifeline cords.
Why We Like It:
The circular knitting needles in this kit are high quality and easy to use. The cord stays fastened and yarn slides easily over the needles and the cord.
- Cords “Click” into Place
You do not have to worry about the cord coming unscrewed from the needles. These needles “click” into place and stay put.
- Nickel Plated Tips
Addi uses an electrostatic process that produces a smooth, rounded edge, where the tip and the cord click together.
- Lifetime Guarantee
We all know that needles can have problems. These Addi circular knitting needles come with a lifetime warranty from any manufacturer’s defects.
Pros and Cons of the Addi Click Rocket Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Set:
Pros:
- 8 Different sizes of needles
- 3 Pliable cords (24”, 32”, and 40”)
- 1 Addi click connector
- Gold Addi heart pin
- Vibrant pink case
- Lifetime guarantee
- Nickel plated tips
Cons:
- Price
- They may be too slippery for beginners
Find these Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
6. Love2Knit Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
There are 50 circular and straight needle possibilities in one petite set.
Why We Like It:
All parts are interchangeable with Denise Knitting & Crochet products. Add a few more kits to your knitting stash and you will have all the needles you need.
- Great for Children and Adults
The plastic resin needles are perfect for teaching young children how to knit. And they are good enough for adults too.
- Durable Vinyl Case
The case is perfect for storing your needles and keeping them organised.
- Works With Other Kits
Since all the parts are interchangeable with Denis Knitting & Crochet Products, you can create a large knitting stash. No more looking for parts that work with each other.
Pros and Cons of Love2Knit Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set:
Pros:
- 5 Pairs of needle heads (US10/6 mm through US15/10 mm)
- 3 Cords to make 20″, 24″ and 32″ circulars
- 2 End buttons
- 1 Extender
- Handy vinyl case
Cons:
- Some people do not like plastic
Find these Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
7. Celine lin Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles
This is an inexpensive circular needle set that is versatile and capable of meeting most of your knitting needs.
Why We Like It:
The Celine Lin circular knitting needles are a good value for your money.
- Stainless Steel
The needles are made from high-quality stainless steel that is smooth and lightweight.
- Storage Case
The case will allow you to keep all the circular knitting needles organised by size.
- Price
You get 11 different sized circular knitting needles for a very low price.
Pros and Cons of the Celine Lin:
Pros:
- 11 Different sizes
- High grade stainless steel
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Satin finish
- Tapered tips
- Smooth joints
Cons:
- All the needles are 32” in length
- Not interchangeable
- Stiff cable
- Needles are not marked
- Some people say the sizes are not correct
Find these Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
8. Knitter’s Pride Karbonz Fixed Circular Needles
Are you looking for the strongest circular needles on the market? You cannot go wrong with the Knitters Pride Karbonz needles. They are strong and lightweight.
Why We Like It:
These needles are so easy to use. They do not snag, and the yarn slides smoothly.
- High-tech Carbon Fibre Needles
Carbon fibre is one of the strongest materials today. Ensuring that your needles will last for a long time.
- Flexible Cord
The cord is light and flexible. It lays flat with no kinks, and the even join ensures no snagging.
- Even Joints
These circular knitting needles have even joints that ensure no snagging.
Pros and Cons of the Knitters Pride Karbonz needles:
Pros:
- High-tech carbon fibre
- Light and flexible cords
- Smooth finish
- Brass coated needle tips
Cons:
- Fixed Length
- Price
Find these Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
9. Exquiss Circular Knitting Needle Set + Weaving Tools Knitting Kits
Are you new to knitting or are looking to purchase a kit for a child? The Exquiss kit has everything you need to get started.
Why We Like It:
All the popular sizes and tools are provided to get you started on some fun DIY knitting projects.
- Made from Bamboo
The circular needles are made for smooth lightweight bamboo.
- Brightly Coloured Cords
The brightly coloured cords are visually appealing to kids.
- Large Set
This is a large set that has everything someone would need to get started knitting. And it is inexpensive.
Pros and Cons of the Exquiss Circular Knitting Needle Set:
Pros:
- 18 Pieces of carbonised bamboo circular knitting needles
- 18 Pairs of single pointed bamboo knitting needles
- 15 Grid plastic storage box
- 24pcs locking stitch makers
· 24 Circle makers
· 16 Needle point protectors
· 12 Plastic pins
· 12 Flexible circle makers
· 4 Plastic sewing needles
· Soft measurement ruler
· Scissors
Cons:
- Cord is flimsy
Find these Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
10. Knit Picks Options Nickel Plated Fixed Circular Needles
The Knit Picks classic circular knitting needles have a super flexible cable, smooth surface, and tapered tips.
Why We Like It:
These circular knitting needs are so smooth, which allows you to work quickly with no snagging.
- Hollow Tubes
The hollow brass tubes make these needles lightweight for comfortable knitting.
- Available in Many Sizes
The Knit Picks Options Nickel Plated Fixed Circular Needles are available in sizes from 2.00 mm to 8.00 mm.
- Sharp Tips
The sharp tips are perfect for getting into those stitches.
Pros and Cons of the Knit Picks Needles:
Pros:
- Electroplated hollow brass tubes
- Optimally sharp tips
- Sanity smooth finish
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Flexible cable
Cons:
- Not interchangeable
- It may be too slippery for beginners
Find the Circular Knitting Needles on Amazon HERE
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Overall
Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set
You will be able to complete a lot of different sized projects with these colour-coded circular knitting needles. And they are so smooth and easy to use.
Premium Choice
Addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle System
The Addi circular knitting needles in this kit are high quality and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The cords stay fastened and yarn slides easily over the needles and the cord.
Great Value
Celine lin Stainless Steel Circular Knitting Needles
Are you looking for a set of circular needles at an affordable price? You cannot go wrong with the stainless steel circular knitting needles from Celine Lin.
WE HOPE OR TUTORIAL ON HOW TO USE CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES HAS TAKEN AWAY ANY FEAR THAT YOU MAY HAVE HAD.
Try making one of these Free knitted Hat patterns using circular knitting needles.
Circular knitting needles can come in handy for a lot of projects. If you have been putting off these projects because they require circular knitting needles, do not put them off any longer. Instead, study our easy to understand how to use circular knitting needles tutorial and get busy knitting.