Extreme knitting, a new trend combining the fun of knitting with giant knitting needles. Create all kinds of afghans and crazy, over-the-top designs. They’re difficult to find in local craft stores, and they sell out quickly online. Learn how to use them, what stitches work best, where to buy them (and how), plus tips & tricks!
I updated this post on Sept 7, 2022
My Quick Recommendations
- Best Budget Option – Chiaogoo Needles
- Best Giant Circular Knitting Needles – 15mm Wood Circulars
- Best Large Knitting Needles For Chunky Wool – Tasmanian Oak Circulars
Table Of Contents
- What To Look For In Giant Needles
- Woolaty Needles
- Bamboo Giant Needles
- 15mm Wood Circulars
- Tasmanian Oak Circulars
- How To Make Giant Knitting Needles
- Your Questions Answered
What To Look For In Giant Needles
Here are some key decision-making factors to look for when choosing the best giant knit needles.
What You’re Using Them For
Giant needles aren’t for everyone. They’re only beneficial to people who are knitting massive projects.
How Long The Needles Are
The length is vital because you need to fit your project on them! Make sure they’re not too long, either. Otherwise, they’ll be impossible to knit with!
What Material They’re Made From
Usually made of wood or plastic. They need to be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move.
What Sizes Are Available?
Checking you buy the right size for your project is a must.
Woolaty 40mm, US 70 Size
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Circular needles for chunky yarn. Handmade using wood sourced in Europe. The plastic cable is 120cm long.
Bamboo Needles – Best Cheap Giant Knit Needles
Affordable, smooth circular needles for extreme knits.
How Does It Compare?
- Needle Sizes Available – US 50 (25mm)
- Total Needle Length – Tips – approx 40″ (102cm)
- Made From – Wood & plastic
Product Design
A circular knitting needle suiting super chunky yarn. Knit cozy blankets and bulky garments with this tool.
Product Evolution
Customers found the needle tips are too short. Holding them and making stitches is difficult.
Needle tips 8 – 10″ in length would improve this product.
Pros
- Affordable
- Smooth surface
- Plastic cable is flexible and long enough to hold many stitches
- Lightweight
Cons
- Needle tips are too short for beginners to extreme knitting.
Size US 100/50mm Wooden Straight Needles
These giant wooden needles make your knitting experience more enjoyable and productive.
They’re perfect for knitters who want to work with chunky yarns.
You’ll love working with these big, beautiful straight needles. Their lightweight makes them easy to use, and they’re great for beginners too!
How Does It Compare?
- Needle Sizes Available – US 100 (50mm)
- Total Needle Length – 25.6″ (65cm)
- Made From – Wood
Product Design
The knobs at the end of each needle shaft balance out the weight. The tapered points make working stitches a breeze.
Pros
- Excellent for medium-sized throws, pillow covers, and chunky scarves
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to hold
- Quality wood and polished smooth
Cons
- A bit pricey
15mm Wood Circulars – Best Giant Circular Knitting Needles
Knitting with chunky yarn? You need these needles!
These 15mm knitting needles are perfect for our super chunky fibers.
The straight needles have a lovely orange-colored end. The circular needles come in two different cable lengths.
How Does It Compare?
- Needle Sizes Available – 15mm diameter x 35cm long, 15mm circular with 60cm cord & 15mm circular with 100cm cord
- Made From – Wood, usually Birch
Product Design
Lauren Aston Designs offer chunky fibers such as merino. These needles were created for her yarn range.
Product Evolution
Lauren added a pop of color. The orange/red ends of the needles are delightful.
Pros
- The join from the tip to the cord is smooth
- Cable doesn’t kink
- The slight grip makes it easy to get into your stitches
- Smooth surface
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Quality packaging with little humorous messages included
Cons
- Cable lengths longer than 100cm aren’t available
Best Giant Knit Needles For Blanket
Rachel John Needles are handmade in England. The maker is well known for her extreme textile projects.
Made from wood, they are lightweight and comfortable to hold. Rachel recommends the 700mm length as the most comfortable.
How Does It Compare?
- Needle Sizes Available – 400mm x 27mm, 500mm x 27mm, 600mm x 27mm, 700mm x 27mm & 750mm x 27mm
Product Design
The design helps you create extreme textiles with a unique chunky multi-colored look.
Product Evolution
The diameters of needles vary. Suitable for different projects, like scarves, rugs, pillow covers, and blankets.
These waxed needles last longer and have a smooth surface. Rachel John has been making these wooden needles since 2002.
Pros
- The surface is smooth, so it won’t snag your yarn
- The tapered point makes getting into your stitches a breeze
- The larger diameter knit projects quickly
- Excellent for beginners to extreme knitting
Cons
- The ends of the needles aren’t appealing
Tasmanian Oak Circulars – Best Large Knitting Needles For Chunky Wool
Made from gorgeous wood from Australia, these knitting needles are from a small business run by Marie. They knit like a dream.
How Does It Compare?
- Needle Sizes Available – 35mm
- Total Needle Length – Approximately 130cm
- Made From – Tasmanian Oak
Product Design
Made from the finest Tasmanian Oak. They feature a light wax finish making them glide through yarn.
Product Evolution
Marie’s husband making these knitting needles. He’s a talented woodworker. They’re designed for the chunky Merino Yarn they sell.
Pros
- Your yarn won’t snag
- Tasmanian oak is a sturdy light wood with a gorgeous grain
- The weight of your project sits on the cable, so less stress on your hands and arms
Cons
- If you move your knitting without supporting the weight, the synthetic cables could break
How To Make Giant Knitting Needles
I have searched for instructions on how to make your own Giant Knitting Needles from PVC pipe.
The video quality and methods were substandard, so I didn’t include them in my post. Buy wooden giant needles rather than making your own out of PVC pipe.
Your Questions Answered
How To Use Giant Knitting Needles
Using giant diameter needles can take time to get used to.
With any new skill, it’s essential to be patient and start slowly.
Hold them like conventional knitting needles, one in your left and one in your right.
Be sure to take lots of breaks, as the weight of the needles and super chunky yarn place stress on your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders.
What Are The Largest Size Knitting Needles?
The largest commercially made knitting needles are 40mm in diameter, US80.
According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the most giant needles measure 4.42 m (14 ft 6.33 in) long. They have a diameter of 9.01 cm (3.54 in).
Elizabeth Bond (UK) made them. They were presented and measured at Wiltshire College, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK, on 13 June 2017.
Is Giant Knitting Easy?
With practice, Giant Knitting is easy and so much fun. But, as I mentioned before, taking plenty of breaks is essential. (Note: While some giant knitting uses arm knit yarn, you don’t need to use needles for that.)
Is It Easier To Knit With Large Needles?
Many beginners find knitting with large needles is easier. The stitches are easier to see and work on. A project also knits up quickly.
Where Can I Buy Giant Knitting Needles?
Some Local Yarn Stores stock Giant needles. It’s worth asking them if they have any.
Giant needles are available online at stores like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.
What Are The Biggest Knitting Needles You Can Buy?
The biggest Knitting Needles you can buy are 40mm US80.
I hope this has inspired you to take on extreme knitting. It’s super fun and quick to knit a gorgeous super-sized scarf or a blanket to snuggle under.
Is there something I’ve missed? I’d love to hear if you’ve tried giant knitting needles. Please let me know in the comments.
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