Where to find knitting needles in your area
The fastest way to buy knitting needles is usually a yarn shop within a few miles of your home. These stores stock needles in multiple sizes and materials, let you hold them before you buy, and staff can answer questions about what works for your project. If no yarn shop is nearby, craft stores like Michaels and Joann carry basic needle sets, though selection is smaller and staff knowledge varies. For the widest range and specific sizes, online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites ship to your door in two to five business days.
Your choice depends on what you need right now. If you're starting a project this week and want to feel the needles first, a local shop is worth the trip. If you know exactly what you want and price matters, online is usually cheaper. If you need needles today, a big-box craft store or general retailer may be your only option.
Key Takeaways
- Independent yarn shops carry the widest selection and staff who know needles well, though you'll pay more than online.
- Craft chains like Michaels and Joann stock basic needle sets and are open late, but may not have specialty sizes or materials.
- Online retailers offer the lowest prices and largest selection, but require planning ahead for shipping time.
- Big-box stores like Target and Walmart carry needles in the craft section for same-day pickup, though choice is limited.
- Thrift stores and estate sales sometimes have vintage needles at low cost, though you won't know quality until you inspect them.
Independent yarn shops and what to expect
A local yarn shop is the best place to learn what needles feel right for you. Staff can show you the difference between bamboo, metal, and wood needles, explain why needle length and material matter for different projects, and let you test needles before buying. Many shops also host knitting circles or classes, which means you can ask questions while you're there and build a relationship with people who understand your needs.
To find a yarn shop near you, search "yarn shop near me" or "knitting supplies [your city]" in Google Maps. Call before you go to confirm they're open and ask if they have the size or type you need in stock. Prices are higher than online—a set of bamboo needles might cost $12 to $18 instead of $8 to $12—but you're paying for when ready access and informed help. Many shops offer a small discount if you join their mailing list or loyalty program.
Craft store chains: Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby
Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby all stock knitting needles in their craft sections. These stores are open late (often until 9 p.m.), have locations in most towns, and run frequent sales and coupons. You can check their websites to see what's in stock at your nearest location before you drive there. Needles are usually grouped by size and material, though the selection is smaller than a yarn shop—you'll find common sizes like US 6, 8, and 10, but specialty sizes may not be there.
Staff at these stores are not always knitters, so don't expect detailed information about needle feel or project fit. Prices are moderate—usually $5 to $15 for a pair—and you can use manufacturer coupons (often 40% off a single item) to bring the cost down. These stores are a good choice if you need needles this week, know what size you want, and prefer to shop in person.
Online retailers and specialty needle sites
Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites like KnitPicks, Webs, and Craftsy carry thousands of needle styles and sizes. Prices are the lowest you'll find—basic bamboo needles run $6 to $10, and specialty needles like interchangeable circulars cost $30 to $60. You can read reviews from other knitters, compare materials side by side, and find exact sizes and lengths that local shops don't stock. Shipping usually takes three to five business days for standard delivery, or one to two days if you pay for expedited shipping.
The trade-off is that you can't feel the needles before you buy. Read reviews carefully—they often mention whether needles are smooth or sticky, heavy or light, and whether they work well for tight or loose knitters. If you're new to knitting, start with a mid-range option ($8 to $15) from a well-reviewed seller rather than the cheapest option, which may feel rough or break easily.
Big-box retailers and same-day options
Target, Walmart, and similar stores carry basic knitting needle sets in their craft or seasonal sections. Selection is very limited—usually just a few common sizes in bamboo or metal—but you can pick them up the same day if you order online for in-store pickup. Prices are similar to craft chains ($5 to $12), and you can use store coupons or apps to save money. This is your best option if you need needles today and don't have a yarn shop or craft store nearby.
Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm needles are in stock, because these retailers don't always keep craft supplies on hand. If the store doesn't have what you need, ask if they can order it for pickup—many can deliver within one to two days.
Thrift stores and secondhand sources
Estate sales, thrift stores like Goodwill, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace sometimes have vintage knitting needles at very low cost—often $1 to $5 per pair. Vintage needles, especially metal ones from the 1960s and 1970s, are often high quality and smooth. The downside is you won't know the condition until you inspect them in person, and you may not find the size you need.
If you decide to buy secondhand, look for needles that are straight (not bent), smooth (no rough spots or rust), and the right size for your project. Avoid needles with cracks or missing tips. This route works best if you're building a collection and don't need a specific size right away.
What to know before you buy
Before you shop, know your needle size and length. Needle size is marked in US numbers (like US 6 or US 8) or metric millimeters (like 4 mm or 5 mm). Length matters too—most needles are 10 inches, but some projects need 12 or 14 inches. Check your pattern or ask a knitter what you need.
Decide whether you want straight needles (two separate needles), circular needles (two tips connected by a cable), or interchangeable needles (tips that screw into different cables). Straight needles are cheapest and best for flat projects. Circular needles work for any project and are easier to manage if you knit in your lap. Interchangeable needles cost more upfront but let you buy one set of tips and use them with different cable lengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between bamboo, metal, and wood needles?
Bamboo needles are warm to the touch, slightly sticky (which helps stitches stay on), and durable. Metal needles are smooth and fast, good for experienced knitters but can feel cold. Wood needles are smooth and warm, expensive, and best for delicate yarns. Start with bamboo if you're new—they're forgiving and affordable.
Can I return needles if I don't like them?
Most yarn shops and craft stores allow returns within 30 days with a receipt. Online retailers have their own return policies—check before you buy. If you buy secondhand, returns are usually not possible, so inspect needles carefully before paying.
Are expensive needles worth the cost?
Expensive needles ($20 and up) are smoother, lighter, and last longer, but basic needles ($5 to $15) work fine for most projects. Start cheap while you learn, then upgrade to needles you love once you know what feel matters to you.
What size needles should I buy if I'm just starting?
Buy the size your pattern calls for. If you don't have a pattern yet, US 8 or 9 bamboo needles are a good beginner choice—they're forgiving and work with many yarn weights. Ask staff at a yarn shop for a recommendation based on what you want to make.
Do I need to buy needles in person or can I order online?
Either works. Online is cheaper and faster if you know what you want. In person is better if you're new and want to feel needles first or get information from someone who knits. Many knitters do both—buy basics online and special needles from a local shop.