The 5 Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles – [Reviews & Rankings]

There are no shortages of tools to buy if you consider knitting a hobby. Between needles, crochet hooks, stitch markers and knit counters, knitting requires a wealth of tools to make you a more versatile and well-rounded knitter (Source).

The best interchangeable knitting needles will prepare you for new patterns and can help you make dynamic works of art.

Interchangeable knitting needles are sets of needles typically used for the circular style of knitting. These sets often include needles of various sizes as well as cords of various lengths. Two interchangeable knitting needles are either screwed in or snapped onto a cord. You can then swap out different sizes based on your needs as you go (Source).

Interchangeable knitting needles can be metal, wood, or plastic with cords that are made of plastic. You can use them to make smaller pieces like hats, gloves, or scarves. However, you can also use interchangeable knitting needles to make larger pieces like a blanket.

If you spend a lot of money on individual high-quality circular needles, purchasing a set of interchangeable knitting needles may save you money in the long run. They’re made for both novices and experts alike.

Prior to purchasing interchangeable knitting needles, you’ll need to consider how many needles it comes with as well as the needle tip sizes it comes with. You’ll also need to consider the length of the cords, and if it comes with any connectors.  

Get going on your next knitting project with these top-rated interchangeable knitting needles.

Most Common Issues People Have with Interchangeable Knitting Needles

• Minimal Versatility: If you simply purchase the first affordable set of interchangeable knitting needles, it is common to encounter problems down the road. Many people won’t consider all the different jobs they want to do before purchasing a set which isn’t versatile enough for their needs.
• Low-Quality Parts: Many people who purchase their first set of interchangeable knitting needles are so concerned with money that they end up with a set with low-quality parts, cables, and connectors. Then, they might end up purchasing a new set in a year or so which is more like what they initially expected.
• Not Enough Sizes: The breadth options that your set comes with are an important indicator of the types of knitting jobs you can do. If you don’t enough spend time considering the width sizes, you can end up with a set that doesn’t work out as well as you hoped it would.

Comparing The Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles

1. Addi Click Turbo Interchangeable – Best Overall

Addi Click Turbo Interchangeable is a favorite for most knickers. It has locking connectors loaded with springs and a slick brass finish plated with nickel that allows all types of yarns to slide with ease. The set comes with ten needles with size 3.5mm to 10.00 mm

The needle has a sturdy case (usually black) with a smooth tip. The smooth tip is a little bit blunt but helps beginner-intermediate knitters by preventing them from splitting the yarns accidentally. That allows them to work accurately and faster.

In addition to the blunt tips, the needle has a bamboo interchangeable and two styles of sharp place interchangeable. The entire three share a common connector style, and they give the knitter a variety if they need to expand their collection.

All the Addi knitting sets come with extremely sturdy cases with a lining of faux suede, pocket to keep the cables and elastic loops.

2. Chiaogoo Red Lace Twist Interchangeables – Best Interchangeable With a Sharper Point

Chiaogoo Red Lace Twist Interchangeables have memory-free cables, sharper tips and are the most ideal for sock and lace knitting needles. The knitting needles have received plaudits of good quality reputation. The set has 13 pairs of needles with size 2.75mm – 10.00 mm

The knitting needles are made from stainless steel of surgical grade with a pliable cable (usually red in color) and with a fine point. The finer point makes the needle preferable to knitters who work in small-gauge or detail projects more often, where precision is paramount.

The needle is two sets in one package as it comes with three additional knitting needles compared to Addi (the first needle on our list). The Chiaogoo has two diameters of connections screwed in to accommodate the additional smaller needles.

However, the need for the additional key to loosen and tighten the screw-in connections is inconveniencing. That is due to the reason that sometimes keys go missing at inconvenient times. That keeps your needle at hostage until you re-switch the key.

3. Denise Interchangeable Brights – Best on Budget

Denise Interchangeable Brights are a cute and colorful set of needles made from specially formulated plastic resin. They are a reliable set of workhorse needles and come in bright colors. For that reason, they are suitable for children or beginner-knitters.

Being suitable for children does not mean that expert knitters do not find the needles of good value. In fact, Denise Company was the first to make interchangeable needles. That said, most knitters have stuck with them ever since even after some more interchangeable knitting needles emerged.

The cables for these needles are stiff however and are not recommendable for ‘Magic Loop’ knitting system. If you are starting out or even looking to sneaking needles into your carryon, the Denise Interchangeable Brights are a set you can lean on.

4. HiyaHiya Interchangeable Needles Set Sharp 5’’ – Most User-Friendly

HiyaHiya Interchangeable Needles Set is made of high quality stainless steel. The needle features a keyless screw-in connection with flexible cables. The size of the needles ranges from 2.75mm to 10.00mm, and a set contains 13 needles.

The needles boast of smooth joins and a slick finish. They have sharp tips useful for decreasing or increasing intricate stitch patterns. Additionally, they also have four cables measuring (26”, 18”, 34” and 42”) which makes them easy to use.

The needles come with many accessories, which are helpful to all knitters. By choosing this interchangeable knitting needle, you will not be disappointed.

They are lightweight and easy to handle and can also warm quickly to the hands when knitting.

5. The Lantern Moon Rosewood Interchangeable – A Really Unique Set

The Lantern Moon Rosewood is a covetable set of needles made from hardwood. They have gold-plated connectors with an attracting price tag. The needles have received plaudits for their ability to make the knitting experience enjoyable and treasurable.

The set comes with 10 needles with a lovely red grain and a polished finish. They are topped with screw-in, gold-plated connectors, with a silk zippered case and 4 cables. You cannot pick these needles and feel disappointed.

If you have not tried hardwood needles before, then by acquiring them, you are in for a texture that is somehow stickier than metal needles. That is an advantage, as most knitters prefer to keep stitches from accidentally sliding off the tips.

Wooden needles can as well warm the hand. This can be useful for knitters with arthritis, hand pain or in cold climates.

What is an Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set?

Interchangeable knitting needles, much like fixed circular needles, are designed to help you be a better and more efficient knitter. As the name implies, interchangeable knitting needles can easily change sizes without starting over or risking mistakes while changing your needle size.

Interchangeable knitting needle set can be used smaller projects like sleeved gloves and hats, or projects including sweaters and jackets.

However, for more features like auto thread cutters, needle threaders, endless stitches, consider buying the right sewing machine. A machine is used to sew fabric and other materials together with thread.

Features of the Best Sets of Interchangeable Knitting Needles

When you get one of the best sets of interchangeable knitting needles, you should be set for years of quality knitting. Most importantly, you should feel completely happy with your purchase, and not be worried about parts breaking or needing to get new needles.

Here are the top features you should look for if you want to get the best possible set of interchangeable knitting needles which avoids common issues like those we described.

Plenty of Different Breadth Sizes

If you use fixed circular needles or are an experienced knitter, you should already know which sizes you need. In order to avoid frustration down the road, only consider options that have all the sizes that you need.

Once you are confident that a certain option has the sizes you need, you will be able to carefully consider some of the other important features.

Includes All Necessary Parts and Accessories

From the cables which hold each of your stitches while you knit, to connectors and end caps, a great set of interchangeable knitting needles will include it all. The last thing you need is to purchase separate parts and accessories.

One exception to this might be concerning those who already have parts and accessories which they can use with their new set. Unless this describes you, make sure you purchase a set that comes with everything you need to start knitting.

Strong Parts & Connections

One of the common concerns people have with interchangeable knitting needles is that the quality of the parts is very fragile and easily broken. The same can be said for the strength of the needle and cable connections.

Make sure that all of the parts in your set are strong and durable enough for your needs. Consider what materials are used and if they will be strong enough for the knitting jobs that you do.

Simple Needle-Swapping Process

The whole point in purchasing interchangeable knitting needles is to easily gauge and adjust to different breadth sizes while knitting.

Try to purchase a set of twist-on interchangeable needles. This is the sort of needle connection which people can have great results with since it is both easy to change needle sizes and keep the needles securely in place once attached.

Lifeline Which is Easy to Use

When you make a mistake while knitting, the last thing you need is to lose your progress. Losing stitches is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to us as knitters.

For this reason, any of the best interchangeable knitting needles will come with an included lifeline. This way, you won’t ever lose any of your progress when you need to rip back during a job.

Factors to Consider When Buying Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Like circular needles, interchangeable needles work by combining two needs but kick it up a notch in functionality and convenience.

There are however a few imperative considerations you need to make to find the perfect interchangeable knitting needles.

Knitting Needle Type

Knitting needles and crochet hooks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at them below.

Straight Needles

Straight needles are the most common type of knitting needles. These come in a pair and can measure 7 inches all the way to 14 inches. These needles are best used for light jobs such as scarf or baby blankets sewing.

Circular Needles

Arguably, the most versatile knitting needles, circular needles are usable on any project sizes. The needles usually come in pars held together by a cord. These come in lengths of 16”, 20”, 24”, and 32”.

Circular needs are mostly used for large projects such as knitting blankets or seamless sweaters. One major advantage of this needle is its even weight distribution. This means it can rest on your lap while you knit making them light on your wrists.

Because they can also be used for small projects, circular needles are an excellent all-round choice.

Double Pointed Needles

Commonly known as DPN, these are pointed at both ends. Normally sold in batches of four or five these needles are for use when knitting without a seam. DPN’s best use comes when stitching baby hats, socks, or seamless sleeves.

Interchangeable Sets

Interchangeable needles are an excellent choice for a dedicated knitter. The set is normally comprised of short needle tips that are somewhat similar to circular needles but with different sizes. Interchangeable needles snap together, but some models require you to screw the pieces together.

Though buying the set might seem expensive, you are better off than buying different needle lengths separately. Most come with a casing that makes it easy when storing and organizing yourself before a knitting session.

Knitting Needle Materials

Different knitting materials have different attributes that might or might not make it ideal for you. At the end of it all, the material of choice comes down to personal preference. You could try out each and every material to find which one suits you best but this guide will save you from all that. Each material has its own benefits as outlined below:

Metal

The most familiar needle material metal makes knitting both smooth and fast. Metal is ideal for hairy yarns as it prevents snagging of the stitches as they slide. Metal needles have pointy tips that help when working with yarn weights and complex stitch works such as cable knitting.

Many knitters are fond of the classic ‘clicking’ sound that emanates while in use. Other people dislike this sound and find themselves opting for quieter options such as wood.

Wood

Wooden needles are slowly overtaking metallic ones as the standard tool with bamboo firmly holding its place as the most popular needle type.

Wooden needles are mostly made from hardwood trees and offer a quick knitting speed, soft touch, and warmth that lacks when using metallic needles. These benefits are what make wooden needles the most expensive type.

Bamboo needles offer a cheaper alternative to traditional wooden needles with an equal amount of warmth and softness. These are especially good for knitters who are suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel.

Plastic

Like wooden needles, plastic needles are soft to the touch, comfortable and warm. These are light in weight and are also the most affordable needles you can find. These come in a wide variety of sizes, therefore, making them best for knitting jobs that require large stitches.

Plastic is the best alternative when stitching other materials such as rope, plastic bags, and rags. They also come in a variety of rainbow colors making them a great choice for kids who are learning to knit.

Determine the Size Required

When choosing a needle size, it is important to consider the tightness of your knit. One foolproof technique of finding a proper fitting needle is by using a gauge. A gauge is the number of stitches per inch that a knitter does with a particular yarn and needle.

Generally, straight knitting needle lengths vary from 18 to 40 cm. Double pointed needles usually come in three lengths, 15, 20, and 23 cm. Circular needles on the other hand also vary from 20 to 150 cm.

Cables

Cables for use with interchangeable needles work in the same manner as circular needles. They provide a holding area while you stitch. The cables are usually made from plastic or steel coated in plastic.

The cable ends connect with the needle tip, connectors, and end caps. Some interchangeable needles have a swivel cord that enables 360-degree rotation while knitting so that the swivel cords can stay kink-free while knitting.

Connectors

If 60 inches is not enough, connecting cables can offer good spacing for your stitches. Most sets have this included so that you can easily knit blankets in one piece. When knitting, the chunky yarn connector will do a great job in holding the heavy yarn.

End Caps

End caps take point protectors to a completely new dimension and add more versatility to interchangeable needles.

The benefit of an end cap is that it can change a circular needle into s straight needle by simply connecting it at the end of each cable and placing a cap at the opposite end. When trying a garment’s fit, you can also hold stitches onto the cable when stitching needles.

Pins and Other Tools

Cables and needles easily connect together, but some manufacturers go the extra mile to include a small wire pin to help tighten the connection. The pin does not aid in tightening the screw but most importantly gives you leverage as you fasten the needle to the cable.

For knitters who are fond of losing parts easily, you will be better off with interchangeable that click together.

Ready To Buy The Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles?

Interchangeable knitting needles come in various sizes and different material constructions and making the right choice is difficult for many. Because finding the knit picks that meet your needs can be hectic, you are better off going through this review above or asking an experienced knitter.

Even so, his or her words are not final because you have personal preferences. You have to consider the needle material, and accessories such as connectors, end caps, grippers and other small but important parts.

Finding a good interchangeable knitting needle will definitely increase your affinity to knit and the sooner you do so the better.

Apart from knitting needles, are you a makeup artist? Are you beginning to tattoo? Consider buying a microblading needle in order to add shading, depth, and texture to your eyebrows.

Knitting needles can be used to produce narrow tubes of knitting for socks, mittens, and other items. In case you’re looking for an actual sewing machine that’s portable, consider buying the best handheld sewing machine.