A pair of aluminum straight knitting needles may be the first pair of needles you learned to knit on. Here’s a review and guide to the best, and the pros and cons of using these needles for knitting.
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Smooth and slippery, perfect for fast knitting and intricate designs and finer yarn but also cold, inflexible, and for some people, uncomfortable to use for long periods.
I reviewed and updated this post on November 24, 2022.
Table Of Contents
- Knitter’s Pride Zing Deluxe Interchangeable Knitting Set
- Needlemaster 40-Piece Interchangeable Knitting Set
- Knitter’s Pride SmartStix Interchangeable Knitting Set
- Knitter’s Pride Zing Circular Needles
- Addi Turbo Rockets
- addi FlipStix Double Point Needles
- Knitter’s Pride Zing Double Point Needles
- Boye 10-Inch Aluminum Single Point Knitting Needles
- Susan Bates Silvalume Knitting Needles
- FAQ
Aluminum Knitting Needles Set
Knitter’s Pride Zing Interchangeable Knitting Set
An interchangeable circular set from Knitter’s Pride line Zing is smooth, flawlessly tapered metal knitting needles, with a good length for the needle tips.
Featuring a different color for each size, these products have an excellent selection of larger sizes for various projects.
Features
- Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0mm)
- Cord Lengths – x1 24″, x2 32″, x1 40″
- Needle Tips Are 4.5″ Long
- Notions – 8 End caps, 4 Cord keys, 1 pair of Cord connectors
Pros
- Smooth
- Lightweight
- Durable and strong
- The snagless joins don’t catch any yarns.
- Easy connection system
- Good customer service
- Fast shipping
Cons
- Slightly expensive but worth it
Needlemaster 40-Piece Interchangeable Knitting Set
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Made by the brand Boye, this affordable set has a large selection of sizes, and cable lengths for your hobby. All the needle tips are in lovely colors and smooth aluminum.
(Note: Though Boye is owned by the company Simplicity, you may find their needles listed online under Boye’s Knitting Weabetfu Aluminum.)
Features
- Sizes – US 2 – 15
- Cord Lengths – 20″, 24″, 29″, 36″
- Needle Tips Are 4″ Long
- Notions – Carry case and end stoppers
Pros
- Each different size is a separate color for easy identification
- You can make both straight needles and circular needles with this kit for knitting flat and in the round.
- Ships to the US and internationally
- These things are smooth and slick, and not too sharp/blunt
Cons
- Doesn’t include some of the smaller sizes for knitting socks and other finer projects
- Some found the joins snagged the yarn
- The cables are stiff and have a bit of memory
Knitter’s Pride SmartStix Interchangeable Knitting Set
The SmartStix range from Knitters Pride is characterized by a unique feature of being both a knitting needle and a ruler in one! Smooth, functional, and easy to use.
These make measuring your gauge, rows, knitted items, and checking the yarn weight much easier. Knit in style!
(This store also has many other brands and options for sale to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.)
Features
- Sizes – US 4/3.5mm Chrysolite, US 5/3.75mm – Amethyst, US 6/4mm – Sapphire, US 7/4.5mm – Iolite, US 8/5mm – Ruby, US 9/5.5mm – Sienna, US 10/6mm – Purple Velvet, US 10.5/6.5mm – Coral, US 11/8mm – Emerald
- Cord Lengths – x1 24″, x2 32″, x1 40″
- Needle Tips Are 4″ Long
- Notions – 8 End caps, 4 Cord keys, 1 Set of cord connectors
Pros
- Comes in a durable white and silver faux leather case
- Smooth and easy to work with, as the design is functional
- Each size is a different color & the sizes are laser etched on the side
- Each one is light in weight and durable
- Surprisingly comfortable to use when knitting the fabric
- Fast delivery, and rated 5 stars by many
Cons
- Expensive, cold and inflexible
- Not suitable for beginners
- Some found the connection system difficult to use
- You have to have an account to make an order.
Aluminum Circular Needles
Knitter’s Pride Zing Circular Needles
The circular needles available in the Zing range have the same smoothness, durability and lightweight feel you can expect from the interchangeables. A great way to speed up your knitting!
Features
- Sizes – This listing is for 8 US, but many more sizes are available in their shop
- Cord Lengths – 9″, 12″, 16″, 24″, 32″, 40″
- Needle Tips Are 4″ Long
Pros
- Each size is a different color and sizes are laser etched on each one
- Smooth and lightweight
- Lovely choice of colors
- Fast shipping
- Excellent customer service
- Snagless joins
- Affordable
Cons
- Some found the size wore off after lots of use
- Some cord lengths are subject to availability
Addi Turbo Rockets
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With the quality of the addi turbo design and the sharp rockets tip, they make a great choice for lace knitting and working more intricate designs or finer yarn.
Features
- Sizes – US 000 (1.5mm), 00 (1.75mm), 0 (2mm), 1 (2.5mm), 2 (3mm), 2.25mm, 2.75mm, 3 (3.25mm), 4 (3.5mm), 5 (3.75mm), 6 (4mm), 7 (4.5mm), 8 (5mm), 9 (5.5mm), 10 (6mm), 10.5 (6.5mm), 10.75 (7mm), 11 (8mm), 13 (9mm)
- Cord Lengths – 24″
- Needle Tips Are 4″ Long
Pros
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Durable
- Smooth
- Stitches glide along fast and effortlessly
- Excellent quality & craftsmanship
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Some found they smelled odd
- Some found the finish wore off after lots of use
Aluminum Double Pointed Needles
addi FlipStix Double Point Needles
A smooth, slightly gripper surface than other aluminum double pointed needles available to prevent your stitches from sliding off accidentally.
Made with great craftsmanship and quality materials. One tip is more rounded. The other is sharper, perfect for different types of projects without having to have two different sets of dpns.
Features
- Needle Sizes – This listing is for 2.25mm only, but plenty of other sizes are available in their shop
- Total Needle Length – 6 or 8″
- Pack Of 5
Pros
- Great customer service and fast shipping
- Has a smooth finish but slightly gripper than the usual turbo addi finish
- Made in Germany
- Multiple sizes available from the shop
- Smooth
- Durable and inflexible
Cons
- Slightly expensive but worth it
Knitter’s Pride Zing Double Point Needles
The double pointed needles available from the Zing line manufactured by Knitters Pride in India are made of smooth and durable anodized aluminum.
Features
- Needle Sizes Available – This listing is for 2.75mm only, but plenty of other sizes are available in their shop
- Total Needle Length – 6″ or 8″
- Comes In A Pack Of 5
Pros
- Each size is a different color, and the sizing is laser etched onto each needle
- Slippery and smooth but not so much so that your stitches slip off accidentally
- Affordable
- Fast shipping and excellent service from the seller
Cons
- Some found they didn’t last long enough
- Some found the sizing etched onto the needle wore off after a long period of use
Aluminum Straight Knitting Needles
Boye 10″ Aluminum Single Point Knitting Needles
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Straight needles with an ideal length for a variety of projects without being cumbersome. Simple, effective, and reasonably priced, these are great no-nonsense tools for any knitter.
Features
- Needle Sizes – Larger sizes
- Total Needle Length – 10″
Pros
- Made in Switzerland with great craftsmanship
- Affordable
- Great for beginner knitters
- Not too slippery
Cons
- Some found they didn’t last after lots of use
- Not a wide variety of size available
Susan Bates Silvalume Knitting Needles
Available in length a tad longer than the above listing, these are affordable, easy to use, and not too slippery.
Features
- Needle Sizes – US 0/2mm, 1/2.25mm, 2/2.75mm, 3/3.25mm, 4/3.5mm, 5/3.75mm, 6/4mm, 7/4.5mm, 8/5mm, 9/5.5mm, 10/6mm, 10 1/2 /6.5mm, 11/8mm, 13/9mm, 15/10mm
- Needle Length – 10″ or 14″
Pros
- Lots of sizes available
- Smooth
- Durable
- Fast shipping
- Friendly and accommodating customer service
Cons
- Some found they didn’t last long.
FAQ
What Is Anodized Aluminum?
Anodized aluminum is aluminum that’s been through the process of anodization. It changes the chemical properties of the surface of the metal.
This process increases resistance to corrosion, wear, and scratches and makes it stronger and more durable like stainless steel.
Are aluminum knitting needles good?
Which Is Better, Bamboo Or Aluminum Knitting Needles?
Aluminum has affordable prices, and is great for a handmade knit lace pattern. Smaller needles sizes are also more durable than bamboo, and metal circular needles are great for speed knitters.
However, bamboo is easier on the hands, and grips the wool nicely, meaning the yarn doesn’t slide off accidentally and tangle the skein! So they’re good for learning new stitch patterns.
Bamboo is great for a beginner project, and are the favorites of many hand knitters. They’re good for accessories and baby items.
If you’re interested in learning more about the topic, see this breakdown of A Wood Vs Metal Needle on YouTube.
How To Smooth Aluminum Knitting Needles
Put on clean rubber dishwashing gloves and massage the needles. Drag each needle between your pinched thumb and forefinger – no water, pull the needles between the pinched, dry glove.
Aluminum Knitting Needles, Wax Or Oil?
Don’t wax or oil on these needles. Wiping them with a clean microfibre cloth does the trick. Don’t wet them, as it damages the surface.
How To Eliminate The Sound Of Aluminium Knitting Needles
It’s not possible to eliminate the sound of aluminum needles clicking.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post gives you everything you need to know about aluminum needles and the best to choose from, you’re sure to find it easy to decide whether using knit needles with this material suits you.
Why do you like or dislike about this kind of metal? Did you learn to knit on this type? I’d be interested to hear your opinion or knitting origins! Leave me a comment below or contact me here.
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