The fastest places to buy needles depend on what you need right now
If you need needles today, a local yarn shop or craft store will have them in stock. If you can wait a few days and want the widest selection and lowest prices, online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty knitting sites ship quickly. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target carry basic needles but in limited sizes and materials. Each option trades off speed, price, variety, and the chance to touch the needles before you buy.
The needles you choose matter more than where you buy them. Bamboo needles grip yarn better than metal, metal needles work faster, and plastic needles are cheapest. Needle size, length, and whether you want straight needles or circular needles all depend on your project. Knowing what you want before you shop saves time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Local yarn shops let you hold needles and get information the same day, but charge more than online retailers.
- Online stores like Amazon, Etsy, and KnitPicks offer the most sizes and materials, with prices 20 to 40 percent lower than brick-and-mortar shops.
- Craft chains like Michaels and Joann carry basic needle sets but rarely stock specialty sizes or premium materials.
- Bamboo needles cost slightly more but last longer and feel better in hand than plastic or metal for most knitters.
- Buying a full needle set is cheaper per needle than buying individual sizes, but only if you will actually use them.
Local yarn shops: higher price, when ready access, and real information
A yarn shop is the best place to start if you are new to knitting or unsure what needles you need. Staff can watch you hold the needles, feel the weight, and test the grip. They know which needles work best for different yarn weights and hand sizes. You walk out the same day with needles in hand.
Expect to pay 30 to 50 percent more than online prices. A set of bamboo needles that costs $15 online might cost $20 to $25 in a shop. Single needles or specialty sizes cost even more. Many shops also sell yarn, so you can buy needles and yarn together and get when ready feedback on whether they work well as a pair.
To find a yarn shop near you, search "yarn shop near me" or check Ravelry.com, which lists shops by location. Call ahead to confirm they have the size and type you want in stock, especially if you need something specific like size 0 needles or 32-inch circular needles.
Online retailers: lowest prices and the most variety
Amazon stocks thousands of needle options from budget brands to premium makers. Shipping is fast if you have Prime, and you can read reviews from other knitters. Prices range from $3 for a basic plastic set to $40 for high-end bamboo or metal needles. The downside is you cannot hold them first, and return policies vary by seller.
Etsy specializes in handmade and artisan needles from small makers. Prices are higher than mass-produced needles, but the quality and design are often exceptional. Shipping takes longer because most sellers ship from home studios. Etsy is best if you want something unique or if you have already knitted before and know exactly what you want.
KnitPicks (knitpicks.com) is owned by a knitting company and sells their own needles plus other brands. Their house brand needles are affordable and well-reviewed. They offer free shipping on orders over $25 and a 100-day return window. Their website has a filter tool to search by needle type, size, and material, which saves time if you know what you need.
Webs (yarn.com) and LoveCrafts are other online shops that carry multiple brands and offer competitive pricing. Both ship quickly and have good return policies. Webs is based in Massachusetts and LoveCrafts is UK-based but ships to the US. Compare prices across all three before you buy, because prices shift and sales rotate.
Craft chains: convenience, but limited selection
Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby all carry knitting needles in their craft sections. The advantage is you can walk in without planning ahead, and they run frequent sales and coupon promotions. A 40 or 50 percent off coupon can make their prices competitive with online retailers.
The downside is selection. These stores stock basic needle sizes and materials—usually plastic and metal, rarely bamboo. They rarely carry specialty sizes like size 0 or 000, and circular needles are often limited to common lengths like 24 inches. If you need something outside the basics, you will not find it. Staff also rarely know much about knitting, so you cannot get information.
Michaels and Joann both have websites where you can check stock at your local store before you go. This saves a wasted trip if the size you need is out of stock.
Budget options: starter sets and discount retailers
If you are just starting and do not want to spend much, a needle set is the cheapest way to buy. A set of 15 needles in assorted sizes costs $8 to $15 and works out to about $1 per needle. Buying needles individually costs $3 to $8 each, so a set saves money if you think you will use multiple sizes.
Dollar stores and discount retailers like TJ Maxx sometimes stock knitting needles, though selection is unpredictable. Prices are very low, but quality is often poor—needles may be dull, warped, or uncomfortable to hold. These are fine for testing whether you like knitting, but not worth buying if you plan to knit regularly.
Thrift stores and estate sales occasionally have vintage needles, often at very low prices. Older metal and bone needles are often higher quality than new budget needles. The catch is you have to hunt, and you cannot count on finding what you need.
What to compare when you shop
Before you buy, decide what matters most to you: price, speed, or the ability to hold the needles first. Then use this comparison to narrow your options.
| Where to Buy | Price Range | Speed | Selection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local yarn shop | $15–$40 per set | Same day | Good (specialty sizes available) | Beginners, trying before buying |
| Amazon | $3–$40 per set | 1–2 days (Prime) | Excellent | Budget shoppers, fast shipping |
| KnitPicks | $5–$30 per set | 3–5 days | Very good | Knitters who know what they want |
| Etsy | $15–$60 per set | 5–10 days | Excellent (artisan options) | Unique or handmade needles |
| Michaels/Joann | $8–$25 per set | Same day | Fair (basics only) | Last-minute buys, coupon deals |
| Thrift stores | $1–$5 per needle | Varies | Unpredictable | Vintage needles, treasure hunting |
Material matters as much as where you buy
Bamboo needles are warm to the touch, grip yarn well, and are forgiving if you are still learning tension control. They cost $10 to $20 for a set. Bamboo needles last for years if you do not drop them on hard floors. They are the best choice for beginners and for knitters with arthritis or hand pain.
Metal needles are fast—yarn slides easily, so experienced knitters can work quickly. They are durable and inexpensive ($5 to $15 for a set). The downside is they can feel cold and slippery if you are still learning, and they make a clicking sound that some knitters find annoying.
Plastic needles are the cheapest ($3 to $8 for a set) and lightest. They are good for travel or for testing a new project before you commit to better needles. They wear out faster than bamboo or metal and can feel cheap in hand, but they work fine for casual knitting.
Wood needles (other than bamboo) are premium options made from rosewood, ebony, or other hardwoods. They cost $20 to $50 per pair and are beautiful to look at. They feel similar to bamboo but are more durable. Buy them only if you knit regularly and want something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a full set or can I buy needles one size at a time?
A set is cheaper per needle if you will use multiple sizes. But if you only knit one type of project, buying individual needles in just the sizes you need saves money. Most knitters end up with a mix—a set for basics and individual needles for specialty sizes.
What size needles should I buy if I am just starting?
Start with size 8 to 10 needles and worsted-weight yarn. These are forgiving and straightforward to work with. Once you finish a project, you will know whether you want to try smaller or larger needles. A beginner set usually includes sizes 6 through 15, which covers most common projects.
Are expensive needles worth the money?
Premium needles feel better and last longer, but they are not necessary to learn. Start with bamboo needles in the $10 to $15 range. Once you knit regularly and know your preferences, upgrading to higher-end needles makes sense.
Can I return needles if I do not like them?
Most online retailers accept returns within 30 days if needles are unused. Local yarn shops have varying policies—ask before you buy. Amazon and KnitPicks both have generous return windows. Thrift store and discount store purchases are usually final sale.
Should I buy circular needles or straight needles?
Straight needles are traditional and work for flat projects like scarves and blankets. Circular needles work for flat projects too, but are essential for knitting in the round (like hats and socks). If you are unsure, start with straight needles. You can always buy circular needles later once you know what you want to make.