Kids Knitting Needles – All Your Questions Answered

By Jodie Morgan

| Updated:

The needles mentioned below are suitable for ages six and above. Help your kids learn a fabulous, useful hobby with many benefits with needles specifically designed for them.

Knitting Needles For Kids Feat Img

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.

Kids knitting needles are usually shorter in length and made of smooth plastic. This is because the points aren’t sharp; they’re lightweight and easy for little hands to hold. 

What are the best knitting needles for kids? Other materials to suit kids are bamboo and wood. I don’t recommend metal needles because they’re too slippery, and the points are sharp. 

Lion Brand Kid’s Knitting Needles

Lion Brand Kids Knitting Needles

Made for children’s hands, these plastic straight needles are shorter and have an excellent grip for your child’s small hands.

Smooth and slightly flexible. Also very durable, which is something you want in knitting needles for children.

These children’s knitting needles make an ideal present combined with a ball of yarn! 7 inches (18cm) in length. Perfect for beginners to knitting.

Pony Children’s Single Ended Knitting Needle 

Pony Children's Single Ended Knitting Needle Check Price On Amazon

These kids knitting needles are 7″ (18cm) long. They’re size 4.0mm and have smooth maple wood. Smaller in diameter than the Lion Brand kids knitting needles. 

Pin For Later

Knitting Needles For Kids Pin

FAQS About Kids Knitting Needles

What Size Knitting Needles Do Kids Need?

Most children’s knitting needles are 4mm/5mm, and 6-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch in length. Regarding material for these craft supplies, I recommend plastic, wood or bamboo, not aluminum.

Always get them to learn on easy-to-use straight knitting needles. Avoid circular knitting needles until they’ve had some practice.

Regarding the best wool to choose for a beginner, I’d recommend some cheap worsted weight acrylic yarn or something you have in your stash you don’t know what to use.

What Age Can A Child Learn To Knit?

I’d recommend around 7-8 years old, but if they express an interest earlier and have the patience, go for it! Teach them the knit stitch first, as the purl stitch is more difficult.

Try a simple, fun project like a scarf as a start, then if they’re still keen, bust out some other knitting ideas! You could get them a knitting kit so they could learn to make something else.

Conclusion

As your kids become confident, they might like to try other types of knitting needles. The ones listed above make an excellent start. Good luck with your kids’ knitting journey, and may they find it enjoyable and interesting. Knitting is an excellent hobby and something to share with your child.

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 | LinkedIn | MuckRack | Ravelry | Twitter

Comments

  1. Hi. I have just managed to teach our two youngest granddaughters, aged 8 and 10, to knit and they’re hooked. Not perfect yet of course but they just love it, having seen me knit all their lives. I’m so glad young people are realising the joy and peacefulness of handcrafts *one of our eldest granddaughters taught herself to crochet and she is amazing! She crocheted me a robin (my favourite bird of which I have s large collection of pottery ones.

    Reply
    • That’s so wonderful to hear Alexandra. Thanks so much for sharing the joy of knitting! I agree whole heartedly that their is peacefulness and joy to be found in handcrafts. Cheers Jodie

      Reply

Leave a Comment