Bone Knitting Needles – Your Complete Guide

One of the least common materials in knitting needles, bone is the material of the first makers of textile crafts.

Most bone knitting needles today are antiques.

A knitting needle with bone is

• Smooth
• Flexible
• Has grip
• Warm to the touch

I reviewed and updated this post on August 17, 2022.

Table Of Contents

• Elk Bone Double-Point Needles
• French Antique Bone Double-Pointed Needles
• Bone Double Pointed Needles

Elk Bone Double Point Needles

Handmade bone needles of elk bone (the elk/wapiti is a large mammal from the moose family, in North America & Europe.)

These are made by an Estonian artisan who makes rustic accessories from recovered bone, horn, stone, wood & hide.

Features

• Sizes – US size 1, 2, 3, 4, 6.
• Length – 17 cm
• Pack Of 5

Pros

• Has a unique set of point protectors
• Made with natural processes and natural dyes
• Smooth and warm on the hands
• An exceptional thing to knit with
• Durable

Cons

• Pricey
• Limited sizing
• Not suitable for speed knitting

French Antique Bone-Double Pointed Needles

A set of 5 French antique bone double-pointed needles from around the 1920s. In excellent condition and high quality.

A functional tool to last for lots of knitting.

Features

• Sizes – 2.25
• Length – 19.5 cm
• Pack Of 5

Pros

• In excellent condition
• Great customer service
• Fast shipping
• Smooth
• Guaranteed to last for years

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited sizing available
• The material slows knitting down

Bone Double-Pointed Needles

Bone double pointed needles are available from this store, though the sizing is limited.

They’re vintage knitting needles, in excellent condition.

Features

• Sizes – US 5 & 6 – 7″ In Length & US 5 & 6 – 10″ In Length
• Pack Of 5

Pros

• In great condition
• More affordable than other knitting needles you might find for sale on the internet
• Smooth
• Warms to the hands
• The right length for a variety of projects
• Your yarn won’t slide off the needle

Cons

• Expensive
• Not for those who like to knit fast
• Limited sizing

Lacis Bone 10″ Straight Knitting Needles

A set of straight knitting needles by Lacis and manufactured in India.

They’re smooth and are quality, well-made needles.

Features

• Length – 10″

Pros

• Smooth
• Warm to the touch
• Yarn won’t slide off the needle
• Comfortable
• Has the right amount of grip

Cons

• Limited sizing
• Not suitable for speed knitters

Bone Knitting Needles Vs Bamboo

bone knitting needles and bamboo knitting needles.

Bone

• Variety of animal bones
• Rare, antique models
• Expensive

Bamboo

• Select few species of bamboo
• One of the most popular knitting needle materials
• Affordable

Similarities

• Smooth and lightweight
• Comfortable on the hands
• Useful for those with hand pain/hand strain, arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Keeps you knitting for longer
• Not for speed knitters
• Good for slippery yarn
• Stops the yarn from slipping off the needle

Where To Find Bone Style Knitting Needles?

It’s challenging to find a bone needle for knitting.

However, your best bet would be vintage/antique shops, online and physical brick-and-mortar stores.

The tools of our ancestors and with a lovely feel to the hand.

Pin For Later