Picking Needles

My preferred needles as an experienced knitter are my Chiaogoo Twist Interchangeables. I also have the Red Shorties set, the Blue Shorties set, a selection of DPNs, and a selection of 16″ fixed circulars. I keep them all in this case, where they fit very nicely.

I recommend beginners start with just a few wood needles, because they’re not as slippery as metal needles are. Once you have a good idea of how to knit, you can decide if you want something different. Metal needles are typically used for their smoothness and speed. It’s also not a great idea to start with a full interchangeable set just because of the upfront cost – definitely make sure you know you like them before spending that much money.

If you decide to buy Chiaogoos, I do suggest buying them at your local yarn store – Amazon carries them but they also have a problem with counterfeiters. Local stores also deserve your business more than Amazon and can offer support and guidance when crafting. Plus while you’re there you can get more yarn, which is always a plus.

I highly recommend Chiaogoo for their stainless steel and “memory-free” cables. Other metal needles are usually nickel-plated and the nickel can wear off (also bad if you have a nickel sensitivity, like me). Memory-free means the cords won’t stay coiled just because they were stored coiled for a long time. Chaiogoo red cables straighten out without “remembering” how they were stored. Other brands of plastic cables need to be boiled to get the kinks out after long periods in storage.

Interchangeables are a great way to have every size of circular needle you need in every length, without needing to buy quite as many needles. I also find them easier to store and organize. Circulars can be used in place of straights in every instance. If you don’t have DPNs or a short enough circular for your project, you can use the two circulars method or a longer circular in the magic loop technique to knit it just as easily. Even I-cords, which are usually made on DPNs, can be made with circular needles by slipping the stitches back to the left needle before knitting them again.