The Best Sock Knitting Needles (Review Guide)

Looking to knit socks but are overwhelmed by so many types of different needles available in the market?  If so, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to help you choose the best sock knitting needles. 

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This post is about the best sock knitting needles 

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Let’s explore the different sizes and types of sock needles available in the market for knitting..  Knitting has gained immense popularity in recent years, with people of all ages and genders interested in this age-old craft.  As a new knitter, you might find the variety of options and knitting terms overwhelming. As a knitter myself, I found that the only way to find out if knitting is fun for you is to dive right in and start exploring.

Closer Look

When it comes to knitting, choosing the right needle size is important for achieving the desired result of your project. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of needles available and which ones work best for sock knitting.  In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at sock needles, outlining the various types available and discussing the pros and cons of each.  Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, let’s find you the perfect sock-knitting needles to suit your needs.  So, let’s explore the world of sock knitting needles and find the perfect match for your next project! 

Straight Needles

1. Double Pointed Needles (aka dpn’s) – are a type of needle with sharp points at both ends and are commonly used when working in the round. These needles are ideal for creating items that are cylindrical in shape, such as socks, sweater sleeves, baby clothes, pet clothes, mittens, and hats.  Using double-pointed needles is the most traditional way of knitting socks.  The needles are available in packs of 5 or 6 and come in various sizes and materials to suit your project. Pros: enables you to knit small cylindrical items. Cons: they appear to be more challenging to figure out due to the presence of 4-6 needles on your project at the same time.
2. Bamboo Needles or Wooden Needles – Bamboo needles have an advantage over metal needles and are usually preferred because they provide more control over the yarn due to their non-slip surface. The yarn tends to “grab on” more to the wood as opposed to metal needles where the smooth surface is more slippery. This makes it easier to control the yarn while knitting, especially when knitting your first sock. Also, some people find metal needles to be noisy, whereas wooden needles are quiet, strong, sturdy, and difficult to break. However, it is important to note that like any natural material, the tips of wooden needles can wear out slightly over time.

Needles with Cables

1. Interchangeable circular needles – are needles that have interchangeable needle tips. These needle tips are connected via a long flexible cable that can accommodate the project you are working on. They come in a variety of sizes and lengths, making them a versatile choice for knitters. Some people prefer these interchangeable needle sets over purchasing one size of needles at a time, as it is more economical in the long run. The needles stay the same size but the cables vary in length.  The cable length you need depends on your project.  A shorter cable for instance would be used for a narrower scarf while a longer cable would be used for a wide blanket.
2. Tiny Circular Needles (aka mini circular needles) – these needles (with a very short cable) are used primarily for knitting small items that have a small circumference.  Like socks and baby hats.  They come in lengths of 20-25 cm.  They are very small and some knitters find that it takes a bit to get used to them because of the small tips.  A little hand cramping may occur when first using these needles but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it.  My knitter friend said she finds it easier to knit the Continental style over the English style when using these little needles.
3. Circular Needles for knitting socks – (using the magic loop method) These needles come in a variety of sizes and cable lengths.  The magic loop method is primarily used when these types of needles.  After some mastery, you will even be able to knit two socks at a time using the longer cable.  This is usually referred to as “knitting socks 2 at a time”. The process is fascinating!

Factors to consider when choosing knitting needles for socks

1. Material
2. Needle size
3. Needle type
4. Length
5. Comfort

Here is a list of popular Knitting needle brands that are known for their quality and durability:

HiyaHiya Sharps – (9 inch / 23 cm) made of stainless steel and a pliable cord.  They are 9 inches long (23cm) from tip to tip.  Each hiya hiya needle tip is 2 inches long and has very sharp tips. 

Clover Circular Bamboo Needles – (9 inch / 23 cm) These needles are much loved by the knitting community.  The bamboo tips create a “dragging effect” where the yarn seems to cling to them.  This helps the yarn from slipping off the needles.  Some people think it slows down the knitting process but others love them.  I find them comfortable especially when working with fingering weight yarn.

Addi Sock Wonder – (25 cm) is a round tip needle that makes it easier to work with when you’re working on small projects with a small circumference. The needles at both ends have different lengths; the long needle is 70 mm (2.75 inches) and the short needle is 45 mm (1.77 inches). The longer needle is used on the knitting hand and the shorter needle is where the stitches are waiting to be stitched.  You might find these more comfortable because of this.  The overall length is 25 cm.

Addi Turbo Needles– These are the classic blunt tips and they measure 12 inches from tip to tip.  Made in Germany.

Addi EasyKnit Rocket Circular Knitting Needles – (10 inches from tip to tip) One needle has an extra pointy tip, and the other has a standard turbo tip.

ChiaoGoo 9-inch Red Line Circular knitting needles – these stainless steel needles have a flexible steel cable coated in nylon that allows your yarn to slide easily with a very smooth join between the cable and the needle.

List of FREE and Paid Sock Patterns:

Project sock patterns are widely available.  There are free basic sock patterns and sock patterns that you can buy online.  There are also knitting books you can purchase.  I have listed and provided links to some patterns and books that you will enjoy:

Pattern and Gauge Information

There are so many different projects you can choose from and the pattern will tell you the right size of needles you need.  It is highly recommended that you complete a gauge swatch.  This is a small piece of completed knitting that you do before you start working on your main project (socks).  It will help you test the yarn, the needles, and most importantly the gauge.  The gauge is the number of stitches that fit in a square.  The sock pattern will tell you the recommended gauge.  If for some reason the gauge is off, you will need to either change the yarn or needle you are working with.

Final recommendations for readers looking for the best knitting needles for socks.

1. With small circular needles for knitting socks, you can knit in the round continuously which could increase the speed at which you knit.  
2. The longer needles work with the magic loop technique and you can either knit one sock or two socks at the same time. Interchangeable cords come in a set of needles that vary in size and cord length. These tend to be more economical in the long run.
3. Bamboo dpns tend to grab onto the yarn and make it harder to slide as opposed to more slick metal needles. This helps the yarn slide better for faster knitting.  

There are different ways of knitting and everyone has a certain knitting style whereby it be an English knitter or a Continental knitter.  Neither way is better than the other, it just depends on what is most comfortable to you and what you prefer. People who have a background in crocheting tend to lean more towards the Continental style of knitting. (That would be me).

The KEY is to find knitting needles that suit your style since they come in so many sizes, colors, and different materials – Find something that speaks to YOU and makes you happy.

-angiehernandez365.com

After reading this post, you’ll be able to determine the best sock knitting needles and knit so many pairs of socks. Join the sock knitters around the world and bask in the satisfaction of making something tangible for yourself and your loved ones.

This post was about the best sock knitting needles

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Talk soon!