Special knitting needles are known as double pointed needles, and the best double pointed needles can make a lot of difference to your project at hand.
These kinds of double pointed needles are used when you are knitting something circular, or in the round. Whereas we use a pair of knitting needles in regular projects, double pointed needles come in sets of four, five or six.
Both ends of these double pointed needles are, as the name suggests, pointed instead of only one end being so. With these needles, you can knit from any one end of the needles, or from both ends simultaneously. This is why these kinds of special needles are used when you are knitting circular garments and accessories like socks, hats and other similar things.
If you are looking forward to knitting something special and circular, you’ll need to know everything about the best double pointed needles, which you will find in this article.
Best Double Pointed Needles Reviews
These are some of the top double pointed needles that you can choose from, all of them of extremely high quality.
1. Z-COLOR 11 Size Double Pointed Knitting Needles
In this one affordable set of double pointed knitting needles, you aren’t just getting four or five; you’re actually getting 55 pieces of similar looking knitting needles, each one different from the other. Starting from 2.0 mm to 6.5 mm, you get 11 different sizes of double pointed knitting needles, 5 in each set.
55 in total, the different sets of needles have a circumference or a thickness of 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm and 6.5 mm. In 11 different sizes and 5 in each size, you can work on a number of projects at the same time without having to remove your needles from your yarn.
These double ended knitting needles are also 20 sm or 7.9” in length, made of stainless steel and silver in color. They have a smooth finish and are very easy to work with, especially if you are making hats, socks, gloves, scarfs or sleeves on sweaters.
Each of the sets of 5 come in their separate packaging so that you won’t have to store them together, and lose track of them when knitting. With perfectly tapered tips, knitting with the smoothest and the thinnest of yarns can be quite easy with these stainless steel knitting needles.
Key Features:
- Complete set of 55 pieces of double pointed knitting needles
- Comes in 11 individual sizes, thickness and circumference
- Each size has 5 needles in a set
- Circumference of needles range from 2.0 mm to 6.5 mm
- Each needle is 20 cm or 7.9” in length
- Made from stainless steel
- Silver in color
- Perfect for knitting hats, socks, sweater sleeves, gloves and scarves
- Perfectly tapered tips
- Each set comes in separate packaging
- Smooth finish
- Easy to work with
2. RELIAN Double Pointed Knitting Needles
From the stainless steel to the bamboo! This is a set of 75 pieces of double pointed knitting needles that are all 8” in length. Made from carbonized bamboo, these needles are environment-friendly, smooth, easy to use and durable.
Although made from bamboo, they don’t have any king of splinters or snags on them – perfect for softer work with thin and soft yarn. You’ll feel much more comfortable working with these bamboo knitting needles than with the artificially made metal ones.
This set comes with 75 bamboo knitting needles in total, in 15 different sizes: 2.00 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.50 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm and 10.0 mm.
All the needles are clearly labelled so you won’t have trouble finding the one you are looking for. 15 sizes and 5 needles in each set – a complete set of the best double pointed knitting needles you are ever going to need in your projects.
These needles, made from natural bamboo rather than metal, will be free from any static reactions because of two or more needles hitting against themselves. You can use the needles in knitting anything with a circular base like socks, gloves, hats, mittens and scarves, but also in weaving, stitching and crocheting.
Key Features:
- Complete set of 75 double pointed knitting needles
- Comes in 15 different sizes
- Each size has 5 needles in a set
- Circumference of needles range from 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm
- Each needle is 8” in length
- Made from natural carbonized bamboo
- Perfect for knitting hats, socks, sweater sleeves, gloves and scarves
- Can be used in weaving, stitching and crocheting
- Each needle is individually marked
- Lightweight needles
3. Knitter’s Pride Zing Double Pointed Needles
Specifically for knitting socks, this is a set of 30 knitting needles that are comparatively thinner than the ones in other similar sets. 6” in length, the needles come in 6 sets of 5 needles in each one, starting from 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm.
They are made from aluminum and come with tapered silver tips, making them perfect to work with thin and soft yarns.
Although they are designed for making smaller objects like socks and mittens, you can definitely use these knitting needles in all kinds of knitting projects. Best of all, these needles all come in a portable and travel-friendly zipper case that you can carry with you everywhere.
The needles are all color coded in three different colors with the numbers individually engraved on them, so that you don’t mix up the needles when looking for one set.
Key Features:
- Set of 30 double pointed knitting needles
- Comes in 6 different sizes
- Each size has 5 needles in a set
- Circumference of needles range from 2.0 mm to 3.25 mm
- Each needle is 6” in length
- Made from Aluminum with a tapered tip
- Perfect for knitting socks and mittens
- Can be used in all kinds of knitting projects
- Each needle is individually marked and color coded
- Comes in a handy and portable zipper case
4. Exquiss Knitting needles Set
There’s absolutely nothing else you’re going to need again if you get this mega knitting set from EXQUISS! As well as 75 pieces of bamboo knitting needles, this set also has 18 pieces of circular knitting needles and a complete set of weaving and knitting tools.
In short – this one single set has almost everything you’ll ever need for your first knitting and weaving projects.
With a height of 7.9”, the carbonized bamboo double pointed knitting needles come in sets of 5, with 15 different sizes. The sizes include 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm and 6.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm and 10.0 mm.
These double pointed knitting needles are perfect for knitting smaller accessories and clothes, such as socks, mittens, sleeves, hats and sock heels, but can be used in any other knitting projects.
Beside the knitting needles in 15 different sizes, this set also comes with 18 pairs of circular knitting needles, connected to each other with colored tubes of different colors. The circular needles are 31.5” in length when measured, and comes in 18 different sizes from 2.00 mm to 10 mm.
One of the tips are pointed and tapered, while the other end is connected to the colored tubes, and the other end of the tube is yet connected to another pointed knitting needle. These kinds of circular knitting needles are also perfect for knitting circular accessories such as sleeves or necks on sweaters, looped scarves, large hats or wooly socks.
With the double pointed knitting needles and the circular knitting needles, this set also contains a 15-grids plastic storage box that comes with a pair of 4”x2” scissors, one soft measurement ruler of 60” height, 4 sewing needles, 8 needle point protectors, 12 locking stitch markers, three pieces of cable stitch holder and 24 pieces of circle makers.
The grid box – 6.4” x 3.4” in size, is a lockable box that you can carry with you anywhere!
If you have this complete set of knitting needles and weaving tools with you, you won’t need to buy anything else for your knitting projects except the yarn! This set has everything you are going to need for years to come, for hundreds of projects at a wonderfully affordable price.
Key Features:
- Complete set with hundreds of individual pieces
- Comes with 75 pieces of double pointed knitting needles
- Comes with 18 pairs of circular knitting needles
- Comes with 53 weaving tools in a plastic grid box
- Knitting needles are 7.9” in height and comes from 2.00 mm to 10.0 mm in size
- Circular needles are 31.5” in length and comes from 2.00 mm to 10.0 mm in size
- Comes with a 15-grids plastic storage box
- Plastic storage box is 6.4” x 3.4” in size
- Plastic storage box comes with multiple scissors, stitch makers, measurement tape, sewing needles, needle point protectors, circle makers and stitch cable holders
- All needles made from carbonized bamboo
- Can be used in all kinds of knitting projects
- Each needle is individually marked
- Each circular knitting needles are color coded
5. CJESLNA 15-sizes Double Pointed Knitting Needles
Another rather large and elaborate set of best double pointed knitting needles that come in 15 different sizes. With 5 pieces of knitting needles in each set, this is actually a complete set of 75 needles that are 6” in length each.
The knitting needles come in sizes 2.00 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5. Mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 8.00 mm, 9.0 mm and 10.0 mm – from extremely thin ones to relatively thicker ones.
The needles are made from carbonized bamboo, polished to perfection with a smooth surface and no barbs. You can easily use these needles with any kind of yarn and wool without feeling static or splinters.
All the needles have well-formed, polished tips so that your yarn wouldn’t be damaged in any way. You can find all the needles distinctively and individually marked for your convenience, too.
Key Features:
- Set of 75 double pointed knitting needles
- Comes in 15 different sizes
- Each size has 5 needles in a set
- Circumference of needles range from 2.0 mm to 10.00 mm
- Each needle is 6” (15 cm) in length
- Made from carbonized bamboo
- Perfect for knitting socks, mittens, hats and sleeves
- Can be used in all kinds of knitting projects
- Each needle is individually marked with black ink
- Polished for a smooth surface
- Has no barbs or splinters
- Well formed tips
6. CLOVER Takumi Double Point
Compared to the other sets, this is a relatively smaller one – a single set of 5 double pointed knitting needles. This can be a perfect addition to your knitting supplies and tools, or something handy if you are working on a small project.
The knitting needles are all 5” in length, with a thickness of 5.5 mm. They adhere to the US size 9/13 and are made from well-polished carbonized bamboo.
Key Features:
- One set of 5 double pointed knitting needles
- Comes in a size of US 9/13
- Needles are 5.5 mm in circumference
- Each needle is 5” (13 cm) in height
- Made from carbonized bamboo
- Perfect for knitting socks, mittens, hats and sleeves
- Can be used in all kinds of knitting and darning projects
- Polished for a smooth surface
7. Yansanido Mini Size Double Pointed Needles
This is another elaborate set of 55 double pointed knitting needles, but rather short in size.These needles are only 5” in height but come in a range from 2.0 mm to 5.00 mm in circumference.
Compared to all the other sets, these needles are both shorter and come within the circumference range of 5.0 mm. They are perfect for knitting smaller accessories like socks and baby mittens, gloves and hats, and also for darning your woolen clothes.
A total of 55 pieces in the whole set, these double pointed knitting needles are made from carbonized bamboo. The measurements are engraved on each of the needles so that you can easily distinguish between them. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, you are absolutely going to love having these needles in your tool box.
Key Features:
- Elaborate set of 55 short double pointed knitting needles
- Each needle only 5” in height
- Needles come in a range of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm in circumference
- Made from carbonized bamboo
- Perfect for knitting socks, baby mittens, hats and sleeves, darning clothes, etc.
- Polished for a smooth surface
- Numbers are engraved on each needle
- Shorter than the average knitting needles
8. Knitter’s Pride Basix Double Pointed Knitting Needles
This set of 5 pieces of double pointed needles in a single set, with a height of 8”. They adhere to the US Size 13, which means they are 9.0 mm in circumference, making them perfect for both smaller and larger accessories.
You can use these double pointed needles for making socks and baby blankets, but also full-sized hats, sweaters, scarves and gloves.
Made from light birch wood, they are soft yet strong, perfect for chunky yarns without creating any static. The lightness of birch wood makes these great knitting needles to handle with all kinds of yarns, gentle on your hands and easy to move.
There will be no snagging or no chances of your stitches gliding with these knitting needles, no matter what kind of yarn you are using.
Key Features:
- One set of double pointed knitting needles
- 5 pieces of knitting needles in a set
- Comes in a size of US 13
- Needles are 9.0mm in circumference
- Each needle is 8” in height
- Made from light birch wood
- Perfect for knitting socks, mittens, hats and sleeves, blankets and gloves
- Can be used in all kinds of small and large knitting projects
- Soft yet sturdy, lightweight material
- Gentle on your hands and easy to use
- No static, snagging or stitches gliding
- Perfect with all kinds of wool and yarn
Factors to Consider While Buying Double Pointed Knitting Needles
With most sets of double pointed knitting needles, you get a huge option of size and thickness of the needles. At the same time, there are some other features that should be considered when buying these needles, i.e. the circumference, the material, the type, etc.
1. Materials
There are mainly two types of materials when it comes to the best double pointed knitting needles: metal and natural (wood, bamboo, etc.). While bamboo is the most popular option for these needles, there are a few brands that use wood and stainless steel as materials, as well.
Wooden and bamboo needles have become a standard for knitting needles because bamboo makes the needles both easier to use, smoother and easier to handle. While needles made from stainless steel are smooth, they can create static in case of some yarns, especially the woolen ones.
Wooden needles don’t have that problem but they also happen to be much more expensive compared to stainless steel or bamboo ones. For these reasons, bamboo knitting needles are the most popular and the most affordable options.
Most double pointed knitting needles in this list are made from bamboo, except the Z-COLOR 11 Size Double Pointed Knitting Needles which is made from stainless steel and the Knitter’s Pride Zing Double Pointed Needles which is made from Aluminum.
The Knitter’s Pride Basix Double Pointed Knitting Needles are also made from birchwood instead of bamboo.
2. Length
Although you get a variety of options when it comes to the circumference of knitting needles, you get the same length in a particular set.
So if length is important, you need to decide on a particular length of the needles you require for your project before deciding on a set. In terms of length, you get an option from 5” to 8” in height.
The CLOVER Takumi Double Point and the Yansanido Mini Size Double Pointed Needles are the shortest ones in the list, with a height of 5”, while the Knitter’s Pride Basix Double Pointed Knitting Needles is the longest with a height of 8”.
With the shorter needles, it is easier to make baby socks and mittens, as well as darn holes in your kitted clothes.
3. Number of Needles
Most sets come with multiple sizes of numbers, depending on the brand and the price. Each individual set of double pointed knitting needles come in 5 pieces, which is the standard number of needles in any set.
If you want a complete set in one purchase, there are options for 30, 55 or even 75 needles in a single set. The Exquiss Knitting needles Set is the largest set in the list, with a total of 75 double pointed knitting needles, as well as 18 circular knitting needles and more than 50 weaving tools in a separate box.
This is truly a complete set that can make up your entire knitting, crocheting, darning and sewing box. You won’t need to buy anything else apart for your yarns and threads.
The CLOVER Takumi Double Point, on the other hand, is a single set of only 5 knitting needles with a circumference of 5.5 mm and a height of 5”. This is both the smallest set and the shortest needles of the list.
Apart from these features, it is also important that the needles are clearly marked with their circumference number for easy and quick recognition, that they come in reusable packets or boxes, or that they have a smooth finish. These are the features that are important when it comes to choosing the right double pointed knitting needles for yourself.
How to Switch to Double Pointed Needles?
Although most people are used to regular knitting needles, the double pointed ones are more suitable for specific projects and accessories. These types of needles may look intimidating and difficult, but they are quite easy to use. In fact, they aren’t very different from regular knitting needles or circular knitting needles.
Double pointed knitting needles are extremely helpful if you are trying to make hats, socks, gloves, sleeves or similar circular garments and accessories. They can also be used to make other kinds of clothes and accessories that require regular or circular knitting needles.
As you may have already understood, double pointed needles or DPNs are needles where both ends are equally pointed, which means you can knit from both ends simultaneously on the same project.
Unlike regular needles that are pointed at one end and circular needles that are connected to each other at one end, DPNs are open and pointed at both ends.
With circular needles, knitting is like doing so on a big loop. No matter how long you knit, you’ll always do so in a circle, never going off it until you’re done with the whole thing. You can increase or decrease the size, but the design is always going to be a circular one.
Double Pointed Needles, however, means you can change the direction of your designs in certain ways, which is why these needles come in sets of multiple pieces. Just like knitting a glove or a hat, you can complete the whole project with multiple DPNs together, and then joining all the parts to make a complete accessory or a piece of clothing.
Sometimes, you can start your project on a pair of regular needles or circular needles, but switch to DPNs in the middle. There are two techniques of doing so.
The Easy Way
The easy way to transfer your stitches to a double pointed needle is to first, count the number of stitches you have on your needle. Then, you need to roughly divide the total number of stitches you have by the number of DPNs you’ll be using.
If you are knitting with four DPNs, you’ll need to divide the number of existing stitches on your circular or regular needles by 4.
Next, pick up each of the DPNs and transfer the number of stitches they should have each, according to your calculations. Do so for all the double pointed needles. When you are finished, add another DPN to the mix and start knitting with the new one, one by one. After a while, you’ll have fully transferred your project to your double pointed needles.
The Hard Way
This is not just the harder way, but also the shortest way to transfer your stitches from a circular needle to a DPN. The first steps are the same. Divide your existing stitches equally into the number of DPNs you’ll be using.
However, instead of transferring them to the DPN one by one, use the first DPN to directly start knitting with the circular needle. After stitching only one line, you’ll successfully transfer the stitches from your circular needle to your DPN.
Do this with all the DPN you’ll be using and you can switch the whole thing, by skipping a step in the middle but getting the same results.
These processes might seem a little hard to a beginner or the first few times, but they are actually quite easy when you understand the mechanism.
Conclusion
Not a lot of knitters use double pointed knitting needles unless they are making something specific or unless they are experienced knitters, but these specialized knitting needles can actually make it easier for you to knit smaller clothes and accessories.