Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting Needles: Interchangeable Needles

By Jodie Morgan

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Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting needles offer excellent value. High-quality materials are used. Whether you prefer wood or metal, you are sure to find a set that suits you.

Knit Picks Options Rainbow Interchangeable Circular Needle Set, 9 pairs of wooden needle tips with colorful swirls with metal end connections

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The size of the needle tips is determined by the most common size used by customers. Beginners find them ideal. Read my reviews in this article of each set.

My Quick Recommendations

For more on their range, like their line of fixed circulars and straight needles, see my post on Knit Picks needles. (They even sell a crochet hook in their catalog!) (Knit Picks are a subsidiary of the Crafts Americana Group Inc.)

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on March 28, 2023.

Table Of Contents

Wooden Knitting Needles

Knit Picks branded their laminated wood interchangebles as Knit Picks Options. They come in a range of colorways and offer pointed tips in different needle combinations.

Rainbow Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Rainbow Options Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set with the 3.5mm US4 tips attached to a purple cable

Made of laminated birch, these have lovely rainbow hues of various gorgeous colors. These are wonderful and colorful knitting needles.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 x 24″ & 2 x 32″ (The measurement of the cable is when both needle tips are attached.)
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys, 1 cord connector
  • Are They Comfortable? – They are lovely and light and warm in the hand
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Being wood, they have a slight grip
  • Durability – Sturdy birchwood
4 Knit Picks Purple Interchangeable Cables 8 end caps a connector and 2 wire tightening keys

Product Design: These are an excellent option for beginners as they are easy to use and affordable. If you like bamboo needles, these are an excellent alternative. The surface has a good grip. The thin cable is excellent for the magic loop technique when knitting socks.

Pros

  • Wooden needles with a smooth surface
  • Lovely feeling on the hands
  • Beautiful colors, the swirl effect is delightful.
  • Great investment
  • Sharp tips
  • The gap between the needle tip and cord when attached is hardly noticeable.
  • An excellent option for the magic loop technique
  • You can use a lifeline by inserting a thin piece of thread into the tiny hole on the cable connection that is used when you need to tighten with the key.
  • The handy cable key is included to tighten the connection.
  • Use the connector to make a longer cord that would suit knitting blankets and shawls
  • Suitable for flat projects
  • Easily create dozens of needle combinations
Close up of the Knit Picks Rainbow Interchangeable Needle tip US 4 3.5mm size etched in the metal connection section

Cons

  • The size is etched into the metal end of the tips. In larger sizes, it is easier to see. I need light to see the smaller sizes. If you keep them in the original packaging, this isn’t a problem, which has a card marked with each size.
  • It’s important to remember to store your smaller diameter where they won’t be sat on and accidentally break, like the couch!

Here’s an excellent video to show you how to use a lifeline with Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles.

Mosaic Wood Interchangeable Needle

Knit Picks Mosaic Interchangeable Needle set. 9 different sized pairs, 8 black end caps and black cables

Three of Knit Picks’ beautiful colorways are incorporated into one product, the Mosaic set.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 x 24″ & 2 x 32″
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps, & 2 cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? – Lovely and light
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The surface has a slight grab
  • Durability – Strong laminated birchwood

Product Design: This set gives you the choice of different colors from the KnitPicks Options range. It’s great for making anything from a scarf to a blanket.

Product Evolution

With the popularity of these, Knit Picks created a Mosaic short tip set to make interchangeable circular needles to make the length of 16 inches.

It’s not recommended to use the shorter black cables included in this set with the 4 3/4 inch tips. There is a chance you’ll put a strain on the more extended tips, and they could bend or break.

Also, you won’t achieve the 16-inch length with the longer needles. Sometimes they offer discounts for these, so sign up for emails on their website if you want to keep track of those.

Pros

  • The colors make knitting more fun!
  • Smooth joins that don’t catch the fibers.
  • Many ratings with five stars.
  • Easy connection system
  • Flexible cables
  • Yarns don’t slide off
  • Easy to add to your shopping cart within your account.
  • Choose the right needle size with ease

Cons

  • Items are sometimes defective, but Knit Picks customer support will replace them.
  • If not screwed tightly, they can disconnect. Always use the key to tighten before beginning a project and check throughout.
  • Cords may kink; soaking in hot water helps to straighten them

Radiant Wood

Knit Picks Radiant Interchangeable needle tips in orange, yellow and purple

Red, yellow, orange, and purple comprise a vibrant, warm colorway that lives up to its name.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 3 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 24″ & 2 32″
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? – Feeling the wood in your hands is pleasant, and they are quiet.
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The wood provides more friction between the surface of the needle tip and the yarn.
  • Durability – Well made and sturdy.

Product Evolution

With the popularity of these needles, Knit Picks created a Radiant short tip set to make interchangeable circular needles in the most sought-after sizes in a length of 16 inches. Here is the short tips version of this.

Having the two sets will offer a greater variety of possible projects. It’s important to know that it is best not to use the shorter black cables included in this set with the 4 3/4 inch tips. There is a chance you’ll put a strain on the longer tips, and they could bend or break.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Smooth surface
  • Many knitters are content with these needles
  • The sharp point has a medium taper
  • Yarn doesn’t snag
  • This sort of needle has soft and pliable cords
  • These are excellent for smaller projects like hats, sleeves, and baby clothes
  • Perfect for a tight knitter as the wooden surface helps with tension

Cons

  •  Not available in smaller than US 4/3.50mm
  • Rarely but sometimes, the needle surface may get rough with lots of use. It can be lightly sanded with a nail buffer

Caspian Wood

9 pairs of Knit Picks Options Caspian Interchangeable needle tips, 4 green cables and 8 green end caps and 2 wire tightening keys

Taking its name from the Caspian Sea, this stunning colorway is reminiscent of the ocean. It has vibrant waves of blue, green, and aquamarine tones.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 x 24″ & 2 x 32″
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? – Warm to the touch and lightweight.
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The grab of wood helps to keep stitches on the needle
  • Durability – Sturdy and long-lasting if you take care of your knitting tools

Product Evolution

A Caspian short interchangeable set is available to create a needle length of 16 inches. Here is the short tips version of this.

Pros

  • Flexible cables without being flimsy
  • Smooth
  • Knitting across the row is easy
  • A joy to knit with as the colors are reminiscent of the sea
  • This brand is warm in the hands
  • Great versatility
  • Combine needles and cords to get the length you need
  • Affordable prices, and it ships to the United States, Canada and Australia.

Cons

  • Unscrewing can occur. The easy fix is to ensure you use the cable keys to tighten the connection.
  • Connecters can lose tightness over time, but this is usually a defect and can easily be replaced

Majestic Wood

9 pairs of Knit Picks Interchangeable Majestic needle tips in greens, blues and purples

In shades of blue, green, and royal purple, this is a collection of colors deserving the name.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 24″ & 2 32″
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? Feels lovely and light with a smooth surface
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The slight grab of the wood keeps the yarn in place.
  • Durability – Laminated birch is a strong material.

Product Evolution

Foursquare Majestic Short Tip Interchangeable Set: The same glorious colors are used in the short tip version. The difference is the shaft of the needle has 4 rounded flat surfaces. Knitters noticed they could knit for longer with the squared needle and didn’t experience hand pain.

Pros

  • Everything organized in the case
  • Smooth
  • Ships to the United Kingdom
  • Beautiful colors
  • Snagless joins
  • Cords have great flexibility
  • Yarn doesn’t accidentally slip off
  • Use them to make something for yourself or your friends!

Cons

  •  Sometimes the joins come loose. Make sure you tighten the connection with the included key.
  • Some people reported the finish rubs off the tips

Sunstruck Wood Needle Tips

Nine pairs Knit Picks Sunstruck Interchangeable needle tips in natural light wood, 4 purple cables, 8 end stoppers and 2 wire tightening keys

Natural laminated birchwood color polished to let the individual colors of the different wood grains show through. The look is rustic and beautiful. There are no short tips for the Sunstruck Wood.

How Does It Compare?

  • Length – Tips Are 4 3/4″ Long
  • Cord Lengths – 2 of 24″ & 2 of 32″
  • Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11
  • Notions – Case, eight end caps & 2 cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? – Feel light and warm in your hands, and the tips make it easy to get into stitches
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – There is a slight grab with the yarn
  • Durability – Strong and sturdy

Pros

  • This interchangeable knitting needle set has a lovely smooth surface
  • Great for working with dark or white yarns
  • Knitting with these is a pleasure
  • Excellent for changing needle sizes when making sweater patterns
  • Price is affordable

Cons

  • Sometimes the needles come apart if you haven’t made sure to tighten the connection.
  • The joins of these circular knitting needles can be prone to snagging.

Metal Needles

There aren’t as many needles in this category as the wooden one, but they’re still great needles with slick finishes. Read on for more information of your choices in my review. (None of their needles are made with stainless steel.)

Nickel-Plated Knitting Needles

They have nickel-plated needles for those who like to do speed knitting! (Note: Don’t get these if you have allergies to this metal.)

Nickel Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set

9 pairs of nickel interchangeable knitting needle tips, purple stoppers, 4 purple cables and small tightening keys

Fast needles that knitters who love metal will appreciate. Please note that these contain Nickel, so they won’t be suitable for those who are sensitive to this metal.

How Does It Compare?

  • Made Of – Tips are nickel-plated hollow brass
  • Length – Tips are 4 3/4 inches
  • Available Sizes – US Sizes: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,10.5 and 11 (3.50mm, 3.75mm, 4.00mm, 4.50mm, 5.00mm, 5.50mm, 6.00mm, 6.50mm, and 8mm)
  • Cable lengths – 2 each of 24″ and 32″ lengths. They’re purple in color
  • Set Includes – Cable keys and a connector
  • Are They Comfortable? – Lightweight and smooth
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The surface is slick so be careful with slippery yarn.
  • Durability – Super strong

Product Design: These are slick nickel needles that will suit lace and cable knitters. The sharp points are fabulous for getting into stitches. Superb range of needle combinations.

Pros

  • Superslick surface for faster knitting
  • This thing has a long taper with a sharp point
  • Perfect for knitting lace and cable patterns
  • Stitches glide effortlessly over the needle tip and cable
  • Cords can be used with other Knit Picks interchangeable sets and Knitter’s Pride needles
  • The plastic case the set comes in is easy to clean
  • Affordable
  • Common needle sizes are perfect for all sorts of projects – sweaters, hats, baby clothes
  • A good alternative to addi turbos

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with Nickel allergies
  • Doesn’t include needle tips smaller than US 4, 3.50mm. Not ideal for smaller gauge knitting.
  • Not quite as sharp as addi lace needles

Nickel Short Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set

9 pairs of nickel short interchangeable knitting needle tips, 4 end caps, 2 green cables

This set has shorter needle tips that create a versatile 16-inch length that is wonderful for hats and smaller knitted in the round projects.

How Does It Compare?

  • Made Of – Tips are hollow brass that is Nickel plated
  • Length – 2 3/4 inch tips
  • Cable lengths – 2 x 16 inch green cords
  • Sizes – US 4,5,6,7,8,9,and 10 (3.5mm,3.75mm,4mm,4.5mm,5mm,5.5mm,and 6mm)
  • Are They Comfortable? – Lightweight and smooth to touch
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – These needles are slick so be careful with slippery yarns
  • Durability – These tips are strong, and the flexible cord is strong

Product Design: The shorter tips are designed for smaller circumference projects that suit a length of 16 inches. Make up this length when the cable is added to the needle tips. The ideal length for knitting hats.

Pros

  • The perfect knitting experience for smaller DIY knitting projects like hats and sleeves for garments, baby sweaters, scarves, and mittens
  • The shorter tips are comfortable in your hands
  • Stoppers, tightening keys, and plastic snap-lock case included
  • Pointy tip works well with stitches like K3 together
  • These nickel options have a flexible cable
  • You won’t have any trouble using them as they provide great results.

Cons

  • Don’t use these shorter cords with the more extended tips from other Knit Picks sets
  • Only 2 cords included
  • Only 7 sizes of needle tips
  • Suitable for everyone except those with nickel sensitivites
  • Doesn’t include accessories like stitch markers
  • The needle case for storage isn’t great
  • They’re a little slippery, so keep an eye on your fiber.

Prism Aluminum Interchangeable Circular Knitting Set

9 pairs of colored aluminum metal interchangeable needle tips, each a different color. 8 black stoppers and 4 black cables, connector a 2 tightening keys

Made of lightweight, anodized aluminum with a slick finish, smooth joins, and flexible cables, what more could you ask for? Great for faster knitters or those who prefer metal. It comes in a bright range of colors.

How Does It Compare?

  • Made Of – Aluminum
  • Length – 4 3/4 inches
  • Sizes – US 4-11 (9 pairs)
  • Cord Lengths – 2 x 24″, 32″, 40″
  • Notions – 8 cable end caps, one cable connector, and two cable keys
  • Are They Comfortable? – Lightweight and smooth
  • Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – A slight amount of grip that works well with slippery yarns
  • Durability – Aluminum is a strong

Product Design: Colorful metal needle tips are designed for fast knitting with a sharp point and medium taper. The weight balances out the strain on your hands.

Product Evolution: Knit Picks introduced these affordable metal interchangeables for those who enjoy knitting with speedy needles.

Pros

  • Each size has a different color
  • These ones have pointy tips
  • You either love or hate the clicking sound
  • This company ensures the needles are smooth
  • Great for lace shawls
  • The chrome ends are easy to use and fast
  • Join between the cable and the tip doesn’t catch the yarn
  • The surface has a slight grip like a wooden needle
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • There is some memory in the cables
  • Some users reported the points got scratched after multiple uses

What Makes The Best Knit Picks Interchangeable Circular Needles

Here are key decision-making factors to consider when choosing the best Knit Picks Interchangeable Circular Needles.

What’s It Made Of?

Different materials are used to make Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting Needles. Metal Needle Tips are nickel and aluminum, and the wooden needle tips are Cocobolo natural wood and laminated birch.

What Type Of Needles Are They?

These needle tips feature a medium taper and a sharp point

How Long Are They?

Larger sets are 4 3/4 inches, and in the shorter sets, 2 3/4 inches.

What Sizes Are Available?

US 4 – US 11 (3.50mm – 8.0mm)

Interchangeable Knitting Needles in rainbow colors with the 3,5mm needle tips attached to the purple cable

Are They Comfortable To Use?

Lightweight and smooth, the Knit Pick needles are all made of high quality materials. If you push the points of your needles with your fingers, the ends of the kp needles are not so sharp as to make a dent.

Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle?

The wooden versions have more grab than the metal versions.

Are They Durable?

The high quality materials used are sturdy.

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Want more information? Watch these videos.

Which Are Best For You?

Here’s a comparison of all the options so you can choose your favorite.

  • Mosaic – Get a combination of the wooden colorways.
  • Radiant – Be reminded of beautiful sunsets with these laminated birch tips as you knit.
  • Caspian – Strong wooden needles with the colors of the sea. The green cables match perfectly.
  • Majestic – For knitters who enjoy blues, purple and green wooden needles.
  • Sunstruck – Excellent for beginners and working with darker yarns
  • Rainbow – If you love colorful knitting tools, these wooden needles are delightful
  • Nickel-Plated – The fastest needle in the range with a super slick surface. Excellent for lace knitting and cable patterns. (not suitable for people with sensitivities to this metal)
  • Prism – Colorful anodized aluminum with a slick surface

(If you want to save money, sign up for their weekly emails for discounts.)

Comparable Products To Consider

A mini set is an excellent option for knitters to test out a couple of needle pairs before buying the whole set. A full set is quite a bit of money. This one is a pair of Sunstruck Wood and a pair of Nickel. They also sell fixed circular needles in the same materials in their shop. Sometimes they’re on sale.

I’ve reviewed other brands of Interchangeable Knitting Needles in this guide.

Close up of the rainbow interchangeable knitting needle in US11  8.00mm etched into the metal connection part

FAQS About Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles

How To Tighten Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles

A card is included with Knit Picks sets that show in pictures how to connect the cord and needle and tighten with the wire key.

How To Secure Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles

Any screw connection needs to be tightened with the tightening key.

How To Attach The Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting Needles By Knit Picks

Learn how to attach the Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting needles by Knit Picks by watching this video.

How To Use Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles

Circular Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles come in a set. Interchangeables feature a range of sizes in the set you can change depending on your project needs.

Are Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles Compatible With Other Interchangeables?

Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles are compatible with Knitters Pride Interchangeables. They don’t fit anything like Chiaogoo or HiyaHiya needles, though.

Will Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles Fit Knitters Pride?

Interchangeable tips and cords from Knit Picks are compatible with Knitters Pride interchangeables (KnitPro.)

What Happens If My Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles Cable Came Out?

If you find any manufacturing defect, have a problem with your order, or have a question, get in touch with Knit Pick’s Customer service team on 1-800-574-1323 (US phone number).

How To Link Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles

See the instructions above.

How To Fix Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles Cable

It’s best not to attempt to fix yourself. Contact the Knit Picks customer service team to organize a replacement to cover any manufacturing defects or error. They’ll take care of that job for you!

How Sharp Are The Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles?

It’s sharp with a medium taper. Excellent for cable stitches.

Instructions On How To Attach The Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting Needles By Knit Picks

Here is an excellent video for how to attach Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting Needles.

How Flexible Are Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles?

The plastic cords in the Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles sets are flexible.

Does The Clover Interchangeable Loop Work With Knit Picks Needles?

The Clover Interchangeable needles and cords do not work with Knit Picks Interchangeable sets. Clover ends are hollow but have the screw end attached to the needle; Knit Picks needle ends have the screw end attached to the cable.

Are The Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles And Takumi Cord Compatible?

No, the Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles are incompatible with the Takumi cord.

Does The Knit Picks Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Snag The Yarn?

No, the Knit Picks interchangeable circular knitting needle doesn’t snag the yarn.

What Is The Difference Between The Purple And Green Cords On Knit Picks Interchangeable Needles?

The Knit Picks cords are all plastic. The green cords work with the shorter 2 3/4 inch tips to make a 16-inch circular needle. Don’t use the green cords with the longer 4 3/4 inch tips. The purple cords can be used with short and long tips.

Read Next – My guide to the rest of the Knit Picks needle range here.

Conclusion

I love the range of Knit Picks Interchangeable Knitting Needle sets. I really enjoy knitting with the colorful Rainbow Options set. I hope you too will find something that suits you. Experienced knitters who are tight knitters might find their tension is loosened on the laminated wood surface.

What’s your experience? Tell me in the comments. Other knitters in the knitting community swear by these knitting tools. Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

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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.

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