Blanket Knitting Needles – My Complete Guide To The Best Options

By Jodie Morgan

| Updated:

| Published:

Who doesn’t love snuggling under a soft blanket in cold weather? Though knitting a blanket seems daunting, it’s gratifying. Of course, you need a specific top quality knitting needle. Read on for the options for the best knitting needles for blankets.

Blanket Knitting Needles Feat Image

Note: If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but at no extra cost to you. Learn More.

Don't Know What To Knit Next?

I’ve got just the thing! Subscribe for hand-selected pieces of knit-worthy inspiration delivered to you every Time-Saving Tuesday.

Note: Knitting a blanket is an excellent choice for knitting novices. Blanket needles are the perfect size for basic knitting needles.

I reviewed and updated this post on November 16, 2022.

Table Of Contents

The Best Blanket Knitting Needles

HiyaHiya Limited Edition Sharp Interchangeable Needles Set

HiyaHiya Limited Edition Sharp Interchangeable Needles Set Check Price On Amazon

This is an excellent option with long cords for blankets, and plenty of size flexibility depending on what size yarn you’re working with. One idea is to also knit long sweaters with these.

Also included in the set are various helpful notions, like darning needles and stitch markers. Knit your blankets in style!

Keep in mind the tips on these are sharp, so better suited to finer yarns or thicker yarn with intricate designs. It comes with a lovely case with pockets for all the items in the set.

Features

  • Comes with a pretty case with flowers on it, available in many different colors
  • 13 different sized needle tips – US sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
  • 4 cords of four different sizes -18″, 26″, 34″, and 42″
  • Here are all the other notions in this pack – Small and Large Panda Stoppers, Small and Large Single Point Adapters, Puppy Snip, Darn Its, and Knitters Safety Pins.

Pros

  • The cords are flexible and easy to manipulate, so it’s easier to create neat edges
  • Perfect for any type of knitting pattern or method
  • The needles are made from durable stainless steel
  • The connection system is effortless to use and doesn’t require any fiddly bits, just a simple screw system.

Cons

  • The cords have a lot of memory, they curl almost too easily. Be careful as you might twist your project by mistake
  • Though the case comes in assorted colors, you can’t choose which one, you get what they give you
  • You’ll need to use your own scissors, as they aren’t included

Need baby blanket wool for an upcoming creation? See my guide.

Clover Takumi Interchangeable Circular Needles

Clover Takumi Interchangeable Circular Needles Check Price On Amazon

Clover Knitting Needles are known for their wonderfully smooth and well crafted Takumi line. This is their interchangeable circular needles set made with this excellent bamboo.

A vast range of sizes for small and large blankets, and they create lovely results while you make your blanket pattern in comfort. They’re suitable for all techniques and ways of knitting.

Features

  • 12 Needles Included – US Size 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
  • 5 Cord Lengths Included – 16, 24, 29, 36 and 48″
  • Other Notions Included – A black faux-leather case
  • Made in Japan

Pros

  • Plenty of flexibility with the number of projects you can do, there are about 60 size combinations in total! So they’re good for any measurements or width
  • These things are made from excellent polished Takumi bamboo, and they make the knitting experience easier
  • The cords are smooth and flexible, made of plastic.

Cons

  • Due to them being bamboo, they tend to have a bit of grip on the yarn, but not too much to be annoying
  • Sometimes the cords may kink or curl, but soaking them in hot water will solve this problem

Lykke Driftwood Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Lykke Driftwood Interchangeable Knitting Needles Check Price On Amazon

A vast range for larger projects, and with birch needles with a lovely marbled look, they’re lovely to look at and use.

The case is clearly organized. The connection system consists of a key system, which is easy to use once you learn now. Note: Despite the name, they’re not made of driftwood.

These are also great for all categories of projects: ideas like knitting scarf patterns, edge decorations, throws, a shawl, afghans, a bedspread, a cardigan, a small gift, or a jumper.

Features

  • 12 Needles – US Size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15, 17
  • Cord Lengths – x2 24″, x2 32″, x1 40″
  • Notions – 2 connectors, 4 keys, 8 stoppers, and a Grey Denim Carrying Case.
  • All needle tips are 5″ long.

Pros

  • Needles are made of highly polished, smooth birch wood
  • Memory free cables, meager chance of them creasing or kinking
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Sometimes the denim case may smell strange, but airing it out in the sun will fix this
  • The joins aren’t very smooth and can catch the yarn
  • The joins are also not very long, so it can be hard to change the cord length halfway through a project

Chiaogoo Twist Red Interchangeables

Chiaogoo Twist Red Interchangeables Check Price On Amazon

Chiaogoo produces some great needles, and these are no exception. A set of interchangeable circular needles designed for a wide range of knitting projects.

These have a great variety of types of sizes in needles, plus extra long cords for large blankets. They’re made with durable, high-quality stainless steel. Knit anything from film characters to socks!

For more information, read my full review of the Chiaogoo red lace interchangeable set.

Features

  • 13 Needle Sizes – US 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
  • Needle tips are 5″ long
  • 3 Cords With The Cord Lengths – 24″, 32″ and 40″
  • The Following Notions Also Come With The Set – Coded cable connectors, end stoppers, T-Shaped tightening keys, stitch markers, and a needle gauge

Pros

  • Lightweight and smooth while still having grip, a joy to use
  • Contains sizes perfect for making baby blankets
  • The cords are memory free, so they don’t curl.
  • The cables are made of steel coated with red nylon so they don’t catch your yarn balls
  • Designed for quick and effortless knitting

Cons

  • Though this is rare, you may find manufacturing residue on the needles. Wipe them with a cloth with alcohol or a similar cleaning product on it. Otherwise, it stains your knitting.

Circular Knitting Needles US Size 50 Jumbo Knitters Pride

Circular Knitting Needles US Size 50 Jumbo Knitters Pride Check Price On Amazon

These are for the biggest blankets you could imagine! Designed for working with jumbo yarn, they’re US size 50! Chunky knit blankets need chunky needles, and these are your best bets.

Features

  • The diameter of the needle tip is about 5.”
  • 40″ long cord for large blankets
  • Made of ethically sourced birch wood from the USA

Pros

  • The polished wood makes for a very smooth grip, while the yarn still slides along easily.
  • Resilient, flexible cords that don’t curl

Cons

  • Sometimes the metal joins between the tip and the cord catch the yarn
  • Might be difficult for some people to use if they have hand fatigue or arthritis

Q&A

What Needles To Use For Knitting Blankets?

Straight Needles

While you can use these to knit a blanket, the bigger it gets, the more stitches there are to manage, and the heavier the fabric.

Once it gets large, you should switch to circular needles. Only use straights for smaller projects or knitting them in pieces.

Circular Needles

The circulars hold all your stitches in your lap, they’re less likely to fall off the needle, and less strain on the hands.

How you knit the blanket is the same as if you were using straight ones, except when you come to the end of the row, you flip the work around and keep knitting back and forth.

Can You Knit A Blanket With Straight Needles?

Yes, you can knit a blanket with straight needles, but it’s best to use these for a blanket made of smaller squares and knitted together at the end.

Do You Need Circular Needles To Knit A Blanket?

No, but I recommend using circular needles to knit a blanket. This is because the stitches are held on the cable, reducing fatigue and tiredness in your wrists.

How Do You Knit A Blanket With Straight Needles For Beginners?

Here are some basic steps on how to knit a blanket.

  • Choose your yarn and needles. (Avoid cotton if it’s your first attempt, stick to wool or acrylic. The same thing applies if you want to try crocheting a blanket!)
  • If you’re working from a pattern, it’s best to do a swatch to make sure you’ve got the right gauge.
  • Cast on. Make sure you don’t do them too tight, as they will be quite hard to knit otherwise.
  • Next, you need to knit the border. Again, this is optional, you can make the whole blanket out of the same stitch, except stockinette, as this will curl up. If you want to make a border, knit the first few rows as the border.
  • A good stitch for beginners is the garter stitch or plain stitch.
  • Now you need to start the body of the blanket. Knit the rows, and it will begin to grow in length. This is the largest part of the project.
  • Once you’ve reached your desired length, you need to finish off the border if you’re doing that in your project. If not, move straight onto the next step.
  • Now you’re ready to cast off. Make sure you don’t cast off too tightly, so the final row doesn’t look smaller than the others.
  • Weave in all your ends with a yarn needle, and cut the remaining yarn off.
  • If you are knitting it in pieces, you need to seam them all together to create the finished work. Use a basic blanket stitch to seam all parts together.
  • If you used a stitch pattern on the blanket, you should probably block it to make them stand out more. This is a simple process of wetting the blanket, laying it flat on a flat surface, and allowing it to dry. This will create an excellent stitch definition.
  • Congratulations! You’ve created your first blanket! Now you have something lovely to display in your home.

How Do You Knit A Blanket With Size 11 Needles?

Follow the instructions outline above, but use bulky yarn instead. US Size 11 Needles are quite large, designed for bulky yarn, so your blanket will knit up very quickly.

Happy knitting, and I hope you love reaping the rewards of a snuggly, soft blanket you made yourself. 

If you end up knitting a blanket, I’d love to see some pictures of the work in progress or the finished product! You can send it via the contact form, or tell me about it in the comments.

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

Crunchbase | Flickr | LinkedIn | MuckRack | Ravelry | Twitter

Don't Know What To Knit Next?

I’ve got just the thing! Subscribe for hand-selected pieces of knit-worthy inspiration delivered to you every Time-Saving Tuesday.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.