The main places to find knitting needles
You can buy knitting needles at craft stores, yarn shops, general retailers, and online marketplaces. Each option has different advantages: craft stores stock a wide range of sizes and materials but may have limited specialty options; yarn shops offer informed staff and premium needles but fewer locations; general retailers like drugstores carry basic needles cheaply but limited selection; and online retailers have the broadest inventory and often the lowest prices, though you cannot inspect the needles before buying.
The best choice depends on whether you need needles today, want to feel the material in your hands, or are looking for a specific type like bamboo or interchangeable sets. Most knitters use a combination of these sources depending on what they are looking for.
Key Takeaways
- Local yarn shops and craft stores let you hold needles and get information from staff, but online retailers usually have lower prices and more options.
- General retailers like Target and Walmart carry basic aluminum and plastic needles for under $5 per pair, but specialty materials are harder to find there.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites like KnitPicks and Webs ship needles to your home and often have detailed reviews from other knitters.
- Thrift stores and secondhand sites sometimes have vintage or used needles at low cost, though you may need to clean them before use.
Local yarn shops and craft stores
A local yarn shop is the most direct place to buy needles because the staff knit themselves and can answer questions about needle size, material, and what works best for your project. They stock bamboo, metal, wood, and plastic needles in most common sizes. Prices are usually higher than online—a pair of bamboo needles might cost $8 to $15 instead of $4 to $8 online—but you can hold the needles, test the weight, and see the finish before buying.
Craft stores like Michaels and Joann carry knitting needles in a dedicated section, usually near yarn and other supplies. They stock basic needles from brands like Boye and Caron in aluminum and plastic. These stores run frequent sales and coupons (often 40% to 50% off a single item), which can make needles cheaper than online. However, staff may not knit and cannot advise on material or technique. Inventory varies by location, so call ahead if you need a specific size.
To find a yarn shop near you, search "yarn shop near me" or check the directory at the Craft Yarn Council website. Many yarn shops also host knitting circles and classes, which can be valuable if you are learning.
General retailers and drugstores
Stores like Target, Walmart, and CVS carry basic knitting needles in the craft or hobby section, usually in sizes US 6 through US 11 and in aluminum or plastic. A pair costs $2 to $5. These needles work fine for practice or casual projects, though they are lighter and less durable than specialty needles. The selection is small—usually 10 to 20 options—and staff cannot advise on knitting.
The advantage is convenience: you can pick up needles while shopping for other things, and prices are low. The disadvantage is that you cannot find specialty sizes (very small or very large), specialty materials (bamboo, wood, or carbon fiber), or interchangeable needle sets. If you know exactly what you need and want it today, a general retailer is fast. If you are still exploring what works for you, a yarn shop or online retailer gives you more options.
Online retailers and marketplaces
Online sites have the broadest selection and usually the lowest prices. Amazon carries thousands of needle options from budget brands to premium makers; you can read reviews from other knitters and compare prices across sellers. KnitPicks is a specialty retailer owned by knitters that sells its own brand of needles (bamboo, metal, and wood) at mid-range prices, plus needles from other makers. Webs (also called Yarn.com) stocks needles from many brands and offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Etsy has handmade and vintage needles from individual makers, useful if you want something unique or hard to find.
The drawback to online shopping is that you cannot hold the needles or see the finish before they arrive, and shipping takes 3 to 10 days depending on the retailer and your location. Read the product description carefully—it should list the material, length, and size in both US and metric measurements. Check the reviews for comments about weight, smoothness, and durability. If the needles arrive damaged or feel wrong, most online retailers accept returns.
Prices vary widely: basic aluminum needles run $3 to $8 per pair, bamboo needles $5 to $12, premium wood or metal needles $15 to $30, and interchangeable sets $30 to $100 or more. Specialty sizes (very small or very large) are easier to find online than in stores.
Secondhand and thrift options
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online secondhand sites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay sometimes have used knitting needles at low cost. Vintage needles—especially wood or bone needles from decades ago—are often high quality and can be found for $1 to $5 per pair. This is a good option if you want to experiment without spending much money or if you collect vintage tools.
Before using secondhand needles, clean them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Check for cracks, splinters, or bent tips. Metal needles that are bent can sometimes be straightened gently, but wood or bamboo needles with cracks should not be used because they can split further and damage your yarn. Vintage needles may have sizing marked in old systems (like "00" or "1/0") rather than modern US sizes, so you may need to measure the diameter to figure out what size they are.
What to look for when buying needles
Before you buy, decide what you need: the size (usually marked in US, metric, or both), the length (typically 7 to 14 inches for straight needles, or 16 to 40 inches for circular needles), and the material. Bamboo needles grip yarn well and are good for slippery yarn or if you are learning because stitches do not slide off as easily. Metal needles are smooth and fast, good for experienced knitters and tight stitches. Wood needles are warm to hold and quiet, a middle ground between bamboo and metal. Plastic needles are cheap and light but can feel cheap and may bend or break.
If you are new to knitting, start with bamboo or wood needles in a medium size (US 8 or 9) and a length of 10 inches. They are forgiving and comfortable. As you develop a preference, you can experiment with other materials and sizes. If you plan to knit many projects, an interchangeable needle set (where you buy needles and cables separately and mix and match) saves money over time, though the upfront cost is higher.
Comparing price and convenience
| Source | Price range per pair | Selection | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General retailer (Target, Walmart) | $2–$5 | Small (basic sizes only) | Same day | Quick, budget purchases |
| Craft store (Michaels, Joann) | $4–$12 (with coupon $2–$6) | Medium (common sizes and materials) | Same day | Sales and coupons, local pickup |
| Yarn shop | $8–$20 | Large (specialty sizes and materials) | Same day | informed information, feeling needles first |
| Online (Amazon, KnitPicks, Webs) | $3–$30 | Very large (all sizes and materials) | 3–10 days | Lowest prices, specialty items, reviews |
| Secondhand (thrift, eBay, Facebook) | $1–$5 | Variable (depends on what is available) | Variable | Budget, vintage, experimenting |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size needles should I buy if I do not know what I am making yet?
Start with US 8 or 9 in bamboo, 10 inches long. These sizes work for most beginner projects and yarn weights. Bamboo needles grip yarn well, so stitches do not slide off. Once you pick a specific project, the pattern will tell you what size you need.
Are expensive needles worth the money?
Premium needles (wood, high-end metal, or specialty brands) are smoother, lighter, and last longer, but basic needles work fine for learning and casual knitting. If you knit regularly, upgrading to bamboo or mid-range metal needles ($8 to $15 per pair) is worth it. Very expensive needles ($30+) are a luxury, not a necessity.
Can I use needles from different brands together?
Yes, as long as they are the same size and length. Mixing brands does not affect how they work. However, they may feel different (one might be smoother or heavier), which can be distracting. Most knitters prefer matching pairs.
Where can I find very small or very large needle sizes?
Online retailers like Amazon, KnitPicks, and Webs stock specialty sizes (US 000 to US 50) that are hard to find in stores. Yarn shops sometimes order specialty sizes if you ask. Thrift stores occasionally have vintage needles in unusual sizes.
Do I need to buy a whole set or can I buy needles one pair at a time?
You can buy one pair at a time. Most knitters do this because you only need the size your current project calls for. Needle sets are useful if you plan to knit many projects and want to save money over time, but they cost more upfront ($30 to $100).