Why it's best: Addi Turbo knitting needles are considered the gold standard of knitting needles by many knitters. The metal needle is smooth and makes it possible to knit much faster. The stitches pass easily over the needles and the cable, including over the join. As knitters can have a hard time amassing a set of all the necessary needle sizes, it is useful to have a interchangeable needle set. This set includes three different cable lengths and ten different needle tips that range from size 4-15(US sizing), to create a large range of possible knitting needle options. This set avoids many of the problems that similar sets from lesser companies have, including kinking of the cord and tips that come off. Addi makes cables and tips that join securely, and no one who has used Addi Turbo needles before will not be surprised. The knitting needle set comes in a convenient carrying case. Circular needles are extremely versatile, as they can be used for both circular or flat knitting. The only possible downsides to this set are the lack of small needle sizes and short cables. In addition, some yarns may be too slippery to use with these slick needles. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Similar to the #1 pick above, Addi-click lace is an interchangeable circular needle set that is designed more for knitting lace or smaller projects such as socks. The tips range from US size 4-11, and the cables from 16 to 40 inches. The tips and cables provide for quick and easy knitting of smaller projects. They can be difficult to use with silk and other slippery yarns and some people prefer the individual, non-interchangeable needles for their smoother joins. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Another interchangeable knitting set, Dragonfly needles provides 6 pairs of needle tips and 6 cables of different lengths, allowing for a wide range of needle/cable combinations. Many knitters shy away from bamboo needles because of the many cheap versions out there, but these needles have an extremely smooth surface and allow for rapid knitting with no snags. In fact, the needle tips tend to become smoother with wear, instead of the finish coming off. The cables don't tend to separate from the needle tips when knitting, unlike many brands of interchangeable needles. These also come in a portable carrying case and provide the great versatility of circular needles. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Bamboo needles can be much quieter than metal needles, as well as lighter, making knitting easier on the hands and wrists. Any knitters worried about annoying people nearby with the constant clacking of needles would do well to try out this bamboo needle set. These single point needles are more traditional than circular needles, which some knitters are more comfortable with. The set includes 7 pair of 9-inch long needles, in US sizes ranging from 8-15. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Although these knitting needles are not quite as practical as wood or metal needles, they are smooth, enjoyable to use, and beautiful. Hand-crafted glass needles in different colors, patterns, and sizes, these needles are beloved for the smooth joins between the smooth glass tips and the cables. The points are also pointy enough to make knitting easy. Using these needles is like using art to knit – just be careful not to break them! (A lifetime warranty for repair is offered, but you'll need to pay shipping & handling.) See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
