Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting needles are an affordable choice. They suit beginners looking for their first knitting needle set. The quality materials used are high quality. Like wood or metal? You’ll find a set to suit.
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The sizes of the needle tips is based on the most used by their customers. Started knitting? These are something to invest in. Read on for more information in my review.
My Quick Recommendations
- My Top Pick – Rainbow Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needles
- Best Luxury Option –
- Best Budget Pick – Nickel Options
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on Apr 9, 2024.
Table Of Contents
- Metal Knitting Needle Tips
- Nickel Interchangeable Circular Knitting Set
- Prism Aluminum Needles
- Wooden Knitting Needle Tips
- Rainbow Wood
- Radiant Wood
- Mosaic Wood
- Majestic Wood
- Sunstruck Wood
- Caspian Wood
- What Makes The Best Knit Picks Interchangeable Circular Needles
- Which Is Best?
- Q&A
Metal Needles
Nickel Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
Nickel-plated needles are available for those who enjoy speed knitting! (Note: Have an allergy to this metal? These aren’t for you.) These are hollow nickel-plated brass needle tips. The surface is super slick. The points are sharp but not as sharp as the addi lace needles. An affordable alternative to the Addi Turbos.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – 4 3/4″ (when the needles are attached to the cable, they’re 5 1/2″)
- Sizes – 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8mm)
- Purple Cables – 2 x 24″ and 2 x 32″ (when the tips are attached to the cable)
- Extras – eight end caps, 2 tightening keys, and clear vinyl case
- Comfort – Super lightweight
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – The needles are slick, so stitches could slide off
- Long-lasting? – Metal needles are sturdy
Product Design: Excellent slick nickel metal surface that’s glass-like for fast knitting.
Pros
- Fast needles
- The long taper and sharp point are excellent for lace and cable projects
- Smooth join between tip and cable
- Use the little hole for tightening the connection to add a lifeline to your project. A thin piece of thread is inserted into the tiny hole at the beginning of your row
- Cables are sturdy, flexible and easily straighten out
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t squeak when needles rub together
- Excellent value for money
- They differ to fixed circulars because the needle tips aren’t fixed to the cable
- Knit flat projects and circular projects
Cons
- Not suitable for people with nickel sensitivities
- The tightening keys are small and are easily lost if not kept in a secure place
Nickel Short Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
This is the shorter needle tip version of the Nickel options interchangeable set. The same hollow brass tube and nickel-plated surface. This circular knitting needles set doesn’t include sizes 10.5 and 11.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – 2 3/4″ (When attached to the cable they measure 3 1/4″)
- Tip sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6mm)
- Green Cables – Two cables make a total length of 16″
- Extras – 4 green stoppers and 2 tightening keys
- Comfort – Being shorter, they feel comfortable when knitting in the round for hats and baby projects
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – The metal surface is smooth, so be careful with slippery yarn
- Long-lasting? – Sturdy metal tips lasts for years
Product Design: When connected to the cords, the shorter tips make the popular the same needle size 16″ version of a circular needle. Ideal for small circumference knitting. Try hats, sleeves, baby garments, mittens and gloves.
Product Evolution: Knit Picks created a smaller needle tip set in their nickel-plated interchangeables to suit knitters who regularly knit smaller projects and prefer metal.
Pros
- Cables are sturdy, thin, and have little memory
- Kinking isn’t an issue
- Tips are smooth and fast
- Excellent for smaller hands
- Perfect for projects like hats, socks, and sleeves
- Value for money
Cons
- Being a smooth surface, it might be difficult to tighten. Use a rubber needle grip
- The surface could show slight wear and tear with lots of use
- Accessories like stitch markers aren’t included in the interchangeable set
- Not suitable for magic loop knitting technique
Prism Aluminum Interchangeable Circular Knitting Set
What more could you ask for than lightweight, anodized aluminum with smooth finishes, smooth joins, and flexible cables? Ideal for speedy knitters or those who prefer metals. It comes in bright hues with chrome tips.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, 2 cable keys
- Comfort – Lovely and lightweight. As you knit, the surface warms up
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – The anodized aluminum surface is smooth, so there is not as much friction as a wooden needle
- Long-lasting? – Aluminum is a strong metal that lasts years. You may notice general wear and tear like minor scratches, but they don’t impede knitting
Product Design: For people who love color and knitting with lightweight aluminum.
Pros
- Different colors for each size
- Markings on the needle tips are easy to read and have the US and mm size
- Sharp tips and medium all-purpose taper
- There are two sides to the clicking sound: you either love it or hate it
- This style has the smoothest surface
- Simple and easy to use
- These needle sets are great for magic loop and lace shawls
Cons
- Sometimes the needle catches the yarn
- People reported the color coming off
Wooden Knitting Needles
Branded under Knit Picks Options, these wooden needles have beautiful colorways.
Rainbow Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needles
The laminated birchwood has lovely rainbow hues of a variety of gorgeous colors. These are beautiful, colorful wooden needles. I’ve used my 3.5mm Rainbow Options tips with the 32 inch cord for sock knitting using the magic loop technique. No need for double points.
I found the cable length of the cords included in the set perfect for knitting socks. The thin cable is flexible. Unfortunately, there are no short tips alternative for this version.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Needle Size – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, two cable keys, one connector
- Comfort – They feel lovely and light in your hand and warm to the touch
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – These are excellent for all yarns
- Long-lasting? – You’ll get lots of projects knitted on these circular needles
Pros
- Smooth surface, no snagging of the yarn
- A pointy tip without splitting the yarn
- Great option for patterns with cables and lace stitches
- Stunning colors
- An excellent investment for your knitting journey
- Ideal for yarns that split as the point is slightly rounded
- The cables are flexible enough for the magic loop technique
- More comfortable than straight needles for projects with any weight. The cable holds the stitches in your lap
- The connector joins cords together to make longer lengths, creating the perfect knitting experience for shawls and blankets
- Ships to the United Kingdom
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller gauge knitting
- The clear case packaging is basic
Radiant Wood
Red, yellow, orange, and purple make a vibrant, lovely colorway. The black cables make a stunning contrast.The needle tips and cords easily create dozens of different needle combinations to suit your knitting projects. Here are the shorter tips alternative for this product.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, 2 cable keys
- Comfort – The wood feels lovely in your hands, and they’re quiet
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – Being wooden, they have a slight grab
- Long-lasting? – They’re sturdy but keep them secure when not in use. You don’t want to leave them on the couch for someone to sit on!
Product Design: The surface colors are warm tones and make knitting more fun. Another reason why they’re an excellent set of knitting tools!
Product Evolution: One of the laminated birchwood colorways Knit Picks offers in their Options sets
Pros
- Affordable
- Smooth in your hands
- Gorgeous colors, reminds me of a sunset
- Warm to the touch
- Yarn doesn’t snag
- Pliable cords don’t kink but have great flexibility
- The points of the needle tips are slightly rounded
- Lightweight
- Easy to hold
- Snap lock clear case
Cons
- The etched sizes on the metal end of the needle tip are a little challenging to read. Put under a light to see the size more clearly
Mosaic Wood
One product, Mosaic, incorporates three of Knit Picks’ gorgeous Options colorways. Here’s the short tip Mosaic Interchangeable Knitting Needle set.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Needle Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, 2 cable keys
- Comfort – Lovely and light. Warm in your hands
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – These are great for slippery yarns like mohair as there’s grab
- Long-lasting? – Handled with care, these last
Product Design: The same smooth surface of the laminated birchwood offers different colors from each wooden option set. Oranges and purples from Radiant, blues, greens, and purples from Majestic and Greens and blues from Caspian.
Pros
- Smooth joins
- Easy to connect the cables and tips
- Pliable cables
- Prevents yarns from sliding off
- Tight knitters appreciate the slight grip of the surface
- Create dozens of needle combinations
Cons
- Defective items sometimes occur, but Knit Picks customer service help with a replacement if you have a problem
- If they’re not screwed properly, they might come apart
- The cables might kink, but soaking them in hot water corrects it
Majestic Wood
Colored in shades of blue, green, and royal purple, this is a collection of colors worthy of the name.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Needle Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cable Lengths- 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, 2 cable keys
- Comfort – Lightweight and smooth
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – A little grab
- Long-lasting? – They last a long while
Product Evolution: Here are the shorter tips in this colorway. The difference is the needle shaft is square. There are four rounded edges. This design is ergonomic and suitable for people experiencing hand and wrist pain.
Pros
- Everything in the case is organized
- Super smooth knitting needle tips
- These brands have stunning colors
- Points are sharp enough for knitting lace
- Joins with no snags
- Use them to knit almost anything!
- Each tip has the size in the US and mm etched on the metal end
- Enjoy bamboo needles? These are an excellent alternative
- These knitting needle sets have an affordable price
Cons
- Joins sometimes come loose
- The cables don’t twist as you move, so don’t let them get tangled
- Occasionally, the finish rubs off on the tips
Sunstruck Wood
The birchwood is laminated and polished to reveal the colors of the different wood grains. It has a rustic and beautiful appearance. Unfortunately, there are no short tips alternative for this.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 3/4″
- Needle Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, two cable keys
- Comfort – Wood feels light
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – Excellent for working with slick fibers like mohair, silk, and angora as the surface has a good grip
- Long-lasting? – Handled with care, these tools are in your collection for a while
Pros
- The surface is lovely and smooth
- Suitable for dark or white yarns
- Easy to assemble
- Wonderful for knitting sweaters
Cons
- Occasionally, needles come apart from the metal connection piece
- Snags can occur at joints, but this is rare
Caspian Wood – Beautiful Green & Blue Details
With its vibrant blue, green, and aquamarine tones, this colorway takes its name from the Caspian Sea.
How Does It Compare?
- Length – Tips – 4 1/2″
- Needle Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
- Cables – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
- Extras – A case, eight stoppers, two cable keys
- Comfort – The wooden tips feel lovely and light
- Do The Stitches Stay Put? – Slight grab, which works well with slippery yarns
- Long-lasting? – Being wooden, don’t leave them anywhere they could be sat on
Product Evolution: Here’s the shorter tips alternative for the Caspian Wood needles.
Pros
- The cables are flexible
- Smooth needle surface
- It’s a pleasure to knit with them
- Feels warm in the hands
- Quiet when working on your project
Cons
- Occasionally, connectors can lose tightness over time, but this is a defect that’s easily fixed or replaced
- Unscrewing can occur as the cords don’t swivel as you knit. Use the cable key to tighten
What Makes The Best Knit Picks Interchangeable Circular Needles
Here are key decision-making factors to consider when choosing the best KnitPicks Interchangeable Circular Needles.
What Material?
Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting Needles are made from different materials.
- Metal Options – Nickel and Aluminum
- Wooden Options – Laminated Birch Wood and Cocobolo natural wood
They don’t sell anything made with stainless steel. Try others like HiyaHiya or Chiaogoo needles for that.
(Knit Picks is owned by the Crafts Americana Group Inc, who also owns WeCrochet. They sell a fantastic crochet hook.)
What Needle Type?
The needle tips from this brand have a sharp point and medium taper. The versatility should suit almost any knitter!
What Length?
The standard length of the tip is 4 3/4″, and in the shorter sets, 2 3/4″.
What Sizes?
The sizes of each set are chosen to suit most projects – US 4 -11 (3.5-8mm).
Are They Comfortable?
The needles in the Knit Pick range are lightweight and smooth. They have the comfort factor of being warm in your hands.
Do The Stitches Stay Put?
The wooden versions have more friction than the metal ones.
Are They Long-Lasting?
With care, these needles last. The nickel plated brass and aluminum versions are more durable than the laminated birchwood. Knit Picks customer service organize a replacement if there’s a manufacturing defect.
What’s Your Budget?
These have more affordable prices than other options. However, they offer occasional discounts and promos if you sign up for emails. (They send weekly emails.)
Which Knit Picks Interchangeables Are Best For You?
- Nickel – Excellent for fast knitting
- Prism – Metal tips are colorful and lightweight
- Radiant – Laminated birchwood with lovely warm colors
- Mosaic – Laminated birchwood with 3 different colorways
- Majestic – Laminated wood in gorgeous blues, greens, and purples
- Sunstruck – Laminated birchwood in natural tones
- Caspian – Laminated wood in greens and blues
- Rainbow – Laminated wood in colors of the rainbow
- Cocobolo – Natural hardwood featuring lovely grains
Comparable Products To Consider
Interested in testing a couple of pairs out before buying a whole set? Try one of the Knit Picks Mini sets (Try It Needle Set.) These include two interchangeable needle, like the Radiant Wood and the Nickel. There are other options for the mini set. Look at my reviews of other brands of Interchangeable Knitting Needles.
FAQs About Knit Picks Interchangeables
How To Tighten Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles
Knit Picks include a card that shows in pictures how to connect the cord and needle and tighten with the wire key. They also have a handy video tutorial.
Will Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles Fit Knitters Pride?
Yes, Knit Picks Interchangeable tips and cords are compatible with interchangeable Knitter’s Pride Needles (aka KnitPro.)
How To Use
These Interchangeable Needles are circular. You attach the two needle tips to each end of the flexible cables. The beauty of interchangeables is you change the sizes included in the set to suit your project.
Are Knit Picks Interchangeables Compatible With Other Interchangeables?
Knit Picks and Knitter’s Pride tips and cords can be used with each other. No other brands match with KnitPicks needles.
What Is The Difference Between The Purple And Green Cords On KnitPicks Interchangeable Circular Needle?
They’re made with flexible plastic, but the green cords are for the shorter tips to make 16-inch lengths. It’s best not to use these green cords with the longer tips.
How To Secure Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles
With any screw connection, use the tightening key to secure the connection.
Instructions On How To Attach The Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting Needles By Knit Picks
Look at this helpful video on attaching the Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting needles by Knit Picks.
Are The Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles And Takumi Cord Compatible?
The Knit Picks Interchangeables and Takumi Cord aren’t compatible. Clover has the screw end attached to the needle, and the cable end is hollow. For Knit Picks, the screw end is attached to the cable, and the needle is hollow.
How Sharp Are The Knit Picks Needles?
They’re sharp with a slightly rounded point. The needle tips have a medium taper which suits many projects.
How To Fix Knit Picks Interchangeable Cable
Don’t fix the them yourself. Ask their excellent customer service, who offer a replacement.
What Happens If My Knit Picks Needles Cable Came Out?
If your cable came away from the needle tip during your knitting, the screw connection needs to be tightened. Screw together with your hands as tight as possible. Use the wire key that’s supplied with the set to tighten.
How Flexible Are KnitPicks Interchangeable Needles?
Knit Picks set interchangeable needles have flexible cords, and the needle tips are not flexible. The materials used are laminated wood, nickel, and aluminum.
Does The Clover Interchangeable Loop Work With Knit Picks Needles?
Clover Interchangeables aren’t compatible with Knit Picks interchangeable circular knitting needles.
Do Knit Picks Have Double Pointed Needles?
Double pointed needles are available from KnitPicks in a range of materials.
Conclusion
These needles are highly recommended by many experienced knitters in the knitting community. They’re exceptional, durable knitting tools. Purchase the big set of needle tips and longer cord separately. Knit Picks Customer support look after any manufacturing defects. They offer a replacement or a refund.
Have questions? Leave me a comment below.