Aero knitting needles are a discontinued brand that was very popular in the 1960s, 1970s & 1980s.
Due to the quality of materials and the expert craftsmanship, these needles have survived the decades and are available for purchase today!
Definitely a quality, affordable needle that’s smooth to knit with, guaranteed to last for years.
Who knows, friends and family may have knitted with these needles! Made in England by the Bernat Aero company, these were made of aircraft quality anodized aluminum.
Here is my complete guide to the range of the vintage Bernat aero knitting needles.
Table Of Contents
- The Best Aero Bernat Knitting Needles
- Aero Straight Needles
- Aero Circular Knitting Needles
- Aero Double Pointed Needles
- Where are Aero Knitting Needles Made?
- What Are Aero Knitting Needles Made of?
The Best Aero Bernat Knitting Needles
As far as my research has shown, Aero only made the three most common types of needles, straights, circulars, and double points. They didn’t sell interchangeable knitting needles.
Aero Straight Needles
The staple and probably the most popular needle available from Bernat Aero, these needles are smooth, and an ideal length for a variety of projects.
Vintage stock from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, they’re all in pristine condition and ready to use.
Note: The seller has other Aero needles in her store if you’re looking for more options.
Features
- Needle Sizes Available – 2mm – 12mm
- Total Needle Length – 35cm
- Made From – Smooth aluminum, except the larger sizes, which are made of lightweight plastic.
Pros
- Wide variety of sizes available
- In excellent condition and original packaging
- Smooth
- Lightweight
- Easy to knit with, and the stitches slide along easily
- A not too blunt, not too sharp tip
- Fast shipping
Cons
- Not suitable for beginner knitters, as the stitches may slide off a bit too easily
- Very slippery
- Not suitable for delicate or thin yarns as the tips aren’t sharp
- Makes a clicking sound when you use it, may annoy some people
Aero Circular Knitting Needles
Circular knitting needles were also known as Circular Twin-Pins when they were manufactured. Sometimes, it had that product name on the package.
These are smooth, comfortable to use, and the stitches slide along easily. The join is snagless, and the points are tapered, making it much easier to get into the stitches.
Features
- Sizes Available – US Sizes 2 – 15, Metric Sizes 2.75mm – 10mm
- Cord Lengths Available – 32″ or 80cm
- Needle Tips Are 5″ Long
- Made From – Smooth aluminum, except the larger sizes, which are made of lightweight plastic.
Pros
- Great range of sizes
- In excellent condition and their original packaging
- Free shipping within the US
- Comfortable to use
- Lightweight
- Designed for smooth, comfortable knitting
- Great for speed knitters
Cons
- Some may not like the clicking sound it makes when working
- A little slippery
- The tips aren’t super sharp, so not suitable for intricate designs or thinner yarns
Aero Double Pointed Needles
Despite being made of plastic, these are durable and inflexible, making sure your double pointed needles will withstand lots of use.
They’re smooth and an ideal length for smaller projects, such as baby clothes, baby hats, and regular hats, sweater sleeves, and many more.
Features
- Needle Sizes Available – US 00 – 11, Metric Sizes 1.75mm – 7.5mm
- Total Needle Length – 9″
- Comes In A Pack Of 4
- Made From – Lightweight gry plastic
Pros
- Great for fast knitting
- Durable and inflexible
- Affordable
- Smooth
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only comes in a pack of 4
- Some may not like the feel of the plastic
Where Are Aero Knitting Needles Made?
Aero knitting needles were made in England, by the Bernat Aero company.
What Are Aero Knitting Needles Made of?
Mostly aero knitting needles are made of smooth, aircraft-quality anodized aluminum. However, some of the larger sizes are made with plastic.
Smooth, quality knitting needles guaranteed to last you for years, these are something that could be a knitting heirloom. Great for a variety of projects and many different sizes and lengths available. You’re sure to find one to suit your needs.
Have you ever used these needles, or know a knitter who did? I’d be interested to see a bit of knitting history from your family if that’s the case! Let me know down below.
I found what may be an Aero knitting needle point protector, but I am not sure. It is a circle on a short stump with a slot in it. It is made of some rubber type substance and on one side says AERO and the other made in England. Could it be a point protector?
Thanks.
Hi Fran. What an interesting find. From what you describe it may indeed be a point protector. I’ve done a quick search for what you’ve described but only aero knitting needle images are listed.
Yes point protector
Worked for AERO NEEDLES for 24 years
Sadly gone now
Hi Steve. Thanks so much for confirming Fran’s Aero Knitting Needle Point Protector. Wow! Working for Aero Needles for 24 years, you would have seen lots of developments in the knitting needle industry during that time. Thanks again for letting us know. Cheers Jodie
I just bought something at a thrift shop and want to know what it is. It’s 5 inches long, has a plastic piece on each end. One end says AERO on one side and ENGLAND on the other side. The other end has an arrow on each side. There is a gray piece and a spring between the two ends if you pull on the ends, the arrow end comes off the gray piece looks like a tiny knitting needle and the spring keeps the 2 ends together. What do I have??
Hi Carolyn. What an interesting find. I’ll ask Steve who previously worked for Aero Needles, who very kindly helped another reader with her find. I hope he might know. Cheers Jodie