Knitting is a lot of fun, and it can be relaxing. It is a fairly inexpensive hobby; however, different patterns call for different needles. If you are interested in knitting socks or other projects in the round, you need double pointed knitting needles.
But what needles are the best? To help you choose your next set of needles, I have listed my favourite double pointed knitting needles. Below are 7 of the best double pointed knitting needles. I have included sets that every knitter will love.
What are Double Pointed Knitting Needles?
You may hear double pointed needles referred to as DPNs. They are knitting needles that have points on both ends. DPNs are used for knitting small projects in the round. Because both ends of the needles are pointed, you are able to knit from both sides.
This makes it easy to join the needles in a round. Double pointed needles usually come in sets of four to five needles.
If you are new to using double pointed needles, learn how to knit with double pointed needles here.
Double Pointed Knitting Needles Materials
Double pointed knitting needles come in a wide variety of materials. Some knitters prefer wood, while others prefer metal. When choosing your double pointed knitting needles, it is all about preference. One is not better than the other.
- Bamboo
Bamboo double pointed knitting needles are lightweight and inexpensive. Bamboo is warm in your hands. The needles have a nice friction that helps prevent stitches from falling off easily. Bamboo needles often have round tips that are not suitable for complicated patterns. Bamboo is not extremely durable, and it can splinter or break.
- Hardwood
Hardwood double pointed knitting needles are usually a little heavier than bamboo. They are warm to the touch with a smooth finish and sharp tips. They are often more expensive than bamboo.
- Aluminium:
Aluminium double pointed knitting needles are very light. They usually have sharp tips that are not too slippery. Aluminium needles are easy to bend.
- Coated Aluminium
Coated aluminium double pointed knitting needles have a coating that adds some friction, so the stitches will not fall off easily. The tips are super slick. The coating can rub off after repeated use. Small sized will quickly warp and end up crooked.
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel double pointed knitting needles often have very sharp tips. They are usually lightweight and fast to knit with. Over time, the smaller sizes can become crooked. The needles feel cold in your hands.
- Coated Steel
Coated steel double pointed knitting needles are smooth, making it easier to knit quickly. They are often on the heavier side, which some knitters do not like. Depending on what the needles are coated with, they can be an issue for people with allergies. The needles can feel cold in your hands.
- Carbon
Carbon double pointed knitting needles are very light. They also feel warm in the hands. Being durable, they are very hard to break. Many knitters prefer carbon needles because the yarn smoothly slides making them fast to knit with. Carbon double pointed knitting needles are available in ultra small sizes.
- Plastic
If you are new to using double pointed needles and are not positive you will continue using them, you can find cheap, plastic needles. These needles are perfect for beginners that want to practice working with the needles. Plastic needles are durable and lightweight. However, they can feel sticky.
7 Best Double Pointed Knitting Needles
1. Lykke Blush Double Pointed Needles Gift Sets in Magenta Basketweave Pouch
Enclosed in a beautiful blush coloured case, the set of double pointed knitting needles make a wonderful gift. The beautiful pink birchwood needles are smooth and snag-free. Being made from wood, they will feel warm in your hands.
Included are 8 sets of 5 double point needles in sizes US 0 (2.00 mm), US 1 (2.25 mm), US 1.5 (2.50 mm), US 2 (2.75 mm), US 2.5 (3.00 mm), US 3 (3.25 mm), US 4 (3.50 mm), and US 5 (3.75 mm). Each needle is printed with its size.
2. Knit Picks Nickel Plated Metal 8″ Double Pointed Knitting Needles
These nickel-plated Knit Picks double pointed knitting needles have a slick, glass-like surface. Even the most stubborn sticky fibres will glide freely over the needles. The needles have a hollow brass core, making them lightweight.
Included are 5 8” double pointed needles in size US 6 (4.00 mm). The needles are also available in sizes US 10.75 (7.00 mm) and US 11 (8.00 mm).
3. Knit Picks Double Pointed Wood Knitting Needle Set
The double pointed knitting needles are available in 4”, 5”, 6”, and 8” sets. The DPN knitting needles are made from mosaic wood. Mosaic wood combines bright colours and hues, creating a distinctive series of colours. They are strong and smooth. Each set of double pointed knitting needles come in a flexible vinyl case with a snap shut closure.
Included are 42 beautiful knitting needles. There are 7 sizes with 6 needles per size. The sizes included are US 0 (2 mm), US 1 (2.25 mm), US 1 (2.5 mm), US 2 (2.75 mm), US 2 (3 mm), US 3 (3.25 mm) and US Size 4 (3.5 mm).
4. ChiaoGoo Spin Bamboo 6-Inch 3600 Double Point Sock Knitting Needle Set
These ChaioGoo bamboo double ended knitting needles are made of high quality Moso bamboo. Moso bamboo is one of the largest and strongest types of bamboo in the world. The needles have a beautiful patina colour that was produced with the use of thermal heat.
The bamboo knitting needle set includes five sets of 6” (15 cm) needles. Sizes include US 1 (2.25 mm), US 1.5 (2.5 mm), US 2 (2.75 mm), US 2.5 (3.0 mm), and US 3 (3.25 mm). You also get 12 stitch markers, a needle gauge, a zippered case, and a project bag.
5. Knitter’s Pride KP150303 Ginger Double Pointed Needles Set-Socks Kit
The Knitter’s Pride Ginger double pointed knitting needles have a rich, warm colour. They are made from laminated birchwood that is smooth to the touch. They have tapered points for effortless knitting.
Included are 12 sets, with 5 needles per set. Needle sizes are US 0 (2.0mm), US 1 (2.25mm), US 1.5 (2.5mm), US 2 (2.75mm), US 2.5 (3.0mm), US 3 (3.25mm), US 4 (3.5mm), US 5 (3.75mm), US 6 (4.0mm), US 7 (4.50mm), US 8 (5.0mm), and US 9 (5.5mm). They come in a premium denim and beige needle case with 20 Linea stitch markers and 1 needle gauge.
6. Knitter’s Pride Mindful Compassion 6″ (US 4-8) Double Point Needle Set
The Knitter’s Pride Mindful Compassion 6″ double pointed needles are made of stainless steel. They are ideal for all DK, worsted, and aran weight yarns. They and manufactured in an Eco-compliant facility. All packaging is made from natural materials. The family-owned company supports inclusion and human rights.
This set includes 5 sizes of DPN lace needles in US Sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 mm). Also included are 1 needle gauge, 2 darning needles, 10 locking stitch markers, 10 split stitch markers, and 10 round stitch markers. The set includes a zippered carrying case and a separate zippered pouch.
Find this Knitting Set on Etsy Here
7. Lykke Indigo 6-Inch Large Sizes Double Point Knitting Needle Set with Artsiga Crafts Project Bag
LYKKE Indigo double pointed knitting needles are made from strong birch wood. The needles are smooth and light with a gorgeous blue patina. The blue colour is all the way through the birch and is guaranteed not to stain your projects.
Included are 8 sets of 5 double point needles in sizes US 6 (4.00 mm), US 7 (4.5 mm), US 8 (5.00 mm), US 9 (5.5 mm), US 10 (6.00 mm), US 11 (8 mm), US 11 (8 mm), and US 13 (9 mm). The needles come in a durable canvas case.
Double pointed knitting needles are essential for making small items in the round.
Below are knitting patterns you can use your double pointed needles:
You can also head on to our Facebook Page for more fun knitting projects.
If you are ready to start working on small items in the round, you need new needles. Regular knitting needles will not be any help. Instead, you will need some good DPNs.
Double pointed knitting needles are a must-have tool for projects that are too small for circular needles.