Walk up to a wall of knitting needles and the choice looks endless. In truth there are only three kinds, and once you know what each is for, you will know exactly which to reach for.
The needle you choose changes how your knitting feels. The right one carries the weight of your work, keeps the stitches where they belong and lets you knit for hours in comfort.
The three kinds
Straight needles
A pair, each with a point at one end and a stopper at the other. You knit flat pieces in rows. This is where most people start.
Circular needles
Two short tips joined by a flexible cable. Knit in the round for hats and seamless jumpers, or back and forth for wide pieces such as blankets.
Interchangeable needles
Tips that screw onto separate cables. You build the exact needle each project needs, and one collection covers nearly every pattern.
Why so many knitters move to circulars
On a blanket or a jumper, the weight of the fabric rests on the cable and in your lap, not on your wrists. Your stitches also cannot slide off the far end.
Needles we recommend
The budget starter
In Stitches Aluminium Needles
From KES 325 a pair
Smooth, light straight needles at a price that lets you learn without worry. A sensible first pair for scarves and squares.
See aluminium needles
Gentle on the hands
DMC Bamboo Straight Needles
From KES 800 a pair
Bamboo is light, warm and quieter than metal, with a slight grip that keeps stitches from slipping off. These 40 cm needles have a small hand-painted flower on each end.
See bamboo needles
Your first circular
In Stitches Aluminium Circulars
KES 450
Two smooth aluminium tips joined by a flexible cable. Try knitting in the round, or take the strain off your wrists on a wide blanket, for less than the price of a ball of good yarn.
See aluminium circularsThe smooth upgrade
Clover Takumi Velvet Circulars
KES 1,600
Bamboo tips with tapered points, polished in several stages so yarn moves over them easily while the stitches stay put. A lovely needle for hats, cowls and anything knitted in the round.
See Takumi Velvet
Build your own set
Clover Takumi Interchangeable Tips
From KES 2,500 a pair
Bamboo tips in twelve sizes from 3.25 mm to 10 mm that screw onto Clover interchangeable cords. Buy the sizes you use most and add to your collection one project at a time. Cords are sold separately, so ask us which lengths are in stock.
See Takumi tipsSee the interchangeable system
Clover explains how the tips, cords and connectors fit together.
Video: Clover
Which should you buy first?
Learning to knit: one pair of straight needles in 4 or 5 mm, with a smooth DK or aran yarn.
Knitting hats or jumpers: a circular needle in the size your pattern asks for.
Knitting often: start an interchangeable collection. It costs less than buying every size and length as a fixed needle.
Teaching a child: the short Prym children's needles are far easier for small hands to control.
New to knitting? DMC's short videos show how to cast on and the knit stitch.
Bring your pattern
Tell us what you are making at our shop on the 1st floor of Sarit Centre, and we will find the needle size and length it calls for.
Shop all knitting needlesOr call us on +254 798 316860
Prices correct at the time of writing.
