Sock Knitting Needles Guide – Best Knitting Needles for Sock Knitting

Knitted socks are irresistible. Though knitting socks is difficult, it’s worth it. They’re addictive! What sock knitting needles do you choose? Don’t worry. I’ll solve this problem with the top knitting needle for socks.

At the time of writing, I’ve completed seven sock projects. Here’s a quick rundown of the best.

• Best DPNs –Knitter's Pride Karbonz Double-Pointed Needles Socks Kit
• Best Circular Needles Set –Addi Turbo Rockets
• Best 9inch Circulars – HiyaHiya 9
• Best Hybrid Needles –Addi Flexiflip Needles

Note: Clicking the links takes you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on March 23, 2023.

Table Of Contents

• Knitter’s Pride Karbonz Double-Pointed Socks Kit 
• Addi Turbo Rockets
• HiyaHiya 9” Circulars
• Addi EasyKnit Knitting Needles
• ChiaoGoo 9” Circulars
• Addi Flexiflip Knitting Needles
• Neko Sock Curved Double-Pointed Knitting Needles
• Different Methods Of Knitting A Sock
• Remember This When Choosing
• FAQS

Double Pointed Needles For Knitting Socks

Knitter’s Pride Karbonz DPNS Socks Kit 

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Called “Karbonz” because they’re made from durable carbon fiber. These knitting needles are perfect for beginners and advanced sock knitters. Available in a variety of different sizes, and affordable too.

This brand is KnitPro in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Pros

• Stitches move smoothly across the needle
• Guaranteed to last
• Comes in a convenient zip carry case
• Works with many yarns
• Made of carbon fiber
• Durable construction
• Needle are plated with nickel for smooth knitting
• Made in India
• 5 DPNs, each is 6″ or 15cm long

Cons

• Needle sizes inscribed on the needle may wear off after a few uses
• Some joins between the shaft and the needles aren’t so smooth
• Smaller sizes may bend and break if not used gently

Circular Knitting Needles For Socks

Addi Turbo Rockets

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These are variants of the Addi Turbo needles, designed explicitly for knitting 2 socks at a time. Created to make knitting fast. The needle’s sharp tips and unique design make it easier to do sock and intricate knitting.

Pros

• Created by Addi, expect an excellent standard of quality from this company
• Available in a wide variety of sizes
• The needle tips are made of smooth brass and are nickel plated
• Lifetime warranty
• Fair return policy
• Excellent durability
• Strong, specially manufactured 40″ blue cords
• For intricate designs with tapered knitting needles and a sharp needle tip

Cons

• Sometimes the nickel plating flakes
• The yarn catches at the join

HiyaHiya 9” Circulars

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This is a single set of circular needles with a 9″ long cable. Expect the same excellent quality as with any needle for sock knitting from HiyaHiya.

Pros

• Lifetime Warranty
• Smooth, snagless joins
• Flexible cables
• The cord is made of durable plastic
• The thread glides easily over the needles and cable. 
• Made in China
• Multiple needle sizes available
• Needles are 1.75″ long
• Made of high-quality stainless steel

Cons

• Those with big hands may struggle to use these needles
• Knitting with these can be a challenge
• The short tips might be difficult for some to use

Addi EasyKnits

For sock knitters who knit two socks at a time on two different circulars, these have the right cord length. Smooth, quick, and effortless knitting, the needles for sock knitting are lightweight without being slippery.

Pros

• Available in a wide variety of sizes
• The cord length is 10″ or 25 cm
• These circular knitting needles are made in Germany
• Smooth and lightweight
• Their products are excellently made
• Smooth joins
• Low risk of snagging
• One tip is longer than the other
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Have hand pain or strain? These might be hard to knit with

ChiaoGoo 9” Circulars

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Another option for those looking for 9 inch long circular needles. These are special because they’re bundled with a stitch holder. Perfect for keeping the first sock ready while you work on the second. Chiaogoo makes excellent products.

For more on their needles, see my article on the Chiaogoo twist complete set.

Pros

• Made from quality stainless steel material
• Smooth, snag-free joins
• Lightweight and easy to knit with
• Yarn slides along easily
• Pointy tips make it easy to get into stitches without splitting the wool.
• Comes with a bonus stitch holder
• Needle size is etched on the needle for a handy reference
• The cable is also made from steel, but it’s nylon-coated

Cons

• May take a while to get used to knitting like this.
• The small cable may be uncomfortable for some to use

The Best Hybrid Needle Sets

Addi Flexiflips

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These two DPNs stuck together with a short cable. They’re a unique hybrid of double-pointed needles and circular needles. Cast on in the round, but the stitches are distributed over two needles.

You knit with the third, meaning there are only two needle changes. Less chance of laddering. One flexiflip has both a turbo and a rocket tip for added versatility. I enjoy knitting socks with these types of sock needles. I prefer to use the sharper rocket tip as I find it easier to get into the stitches.

Pros

• Comes with a handy storage tube
• Many different sizes available in these needle sets
• Smooth joins 
• Flexible cable joining the pairs
• Much faster compared to using DPNs
• For projects needing a combination of DPNs and circular needles. (Mittens, hats, cowls, sweater sleeves)
• Comes in a pack of two (four needle tips on two needles)

Cons

• Requires practice to use them, but it’s not too complicated.
• Buy two packs if you’re doing larger projects
• Might not be useful for some people

Neko Sock Curved DPNs

Curved DPNS make it easier to knit with fewer needles and prevent laddering. These are great if you have a pattern using DPNs. You don’t have to change it to suit the needle!

Pros

• Comes in a pack of 3
• Two needles hold the stitches while you knit them with the third
• Each sock needle is made from durable plastic
• Easier than knitting with DPNs
• Only need to use 3 needles instead of 4 or 5
• Makes knitting faster and much more comfortable

Cons

• There’s a learning curve using these needles, but with practice, it becomes easier
• Sometimes they break

The Different Techniques Of Sock Knitting

Did you know there are four ways? Each has its advantages and disadvantages and requires different needles. If you’re a beginner, it might be a good idea to experiment with each to see which fits you best.

When knitting with circular needles, there are several options. I use one circular needle with the magic loop method, so I knit two socks at a time and fit many stitches on one cord. Here’s a rundown of each procedure.

Double Point Needles (DPNs)

These are straight needles with dual points. They’re common if you’re a beginner sock knitter and popular in simple sock patterns. Some sock knitters find doing the heels, heel turn and side, and decreases are easier on double points.

Projects sometimes tell you to switch for the heel turn and the toe. Here’s an excellent choice for sock knitting needle holders from Knit Picks.

• Materials – Wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic
• Lengths – 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″

Pros

• Many options on the market
• Most sock patterns are written for these
• It’s beneficial to know how to use them
• Affordable
• Readily available

Cons

• If they’re skinny, they break easily
• To fix this, use something thicker, read the reviews
• Uses 4-5 of these at once. Tracking them is tricky
• The stitches slide off, so be careful where you put them
• Laddering may happen. (A gap in the knitted project when you move from one DPN to the other)

Two Circulars

The two circulars method is where sock knitters knit two socks at once using two separate ones. With the same size needle and same cord length. If you use this, differentiate between the needles through different color ends or materials.

Some sock knitters struggle to knit on circulars (circs for short). There are plenty of tutorials online to help you learn. Used to knitting with this type? It’s easier to learn.

• Materials – Bamboo, metal, wood, plastic
• Lengths – 16″ to 36″

Pros

• Less chance of laddering, as there are fewer needles the stitches switch between
• Do two at once
• Fewer knitting needles
• Might already have the needles in your collection

Cons

• It’s expensive to buy two of the same
• Few projects use this technique, so adjust it to suit the needles

Trying to locate where to get yarn? Discover the best place with my guide.

One Circular

You have both socks on the 1 long circular needle for knitting two at a time. My knitted socks above is Hedgehog fibers sock yarn on my Chiaogoo needles. I feel content wearing these pair of socks.

Usually, the cord length is about 40″ long. You have a portable project and use fewer tools. It’s called the Magic Loop method for a good reason! The technique to knit the socks is like the previous option. Sock knitters are divided on whether it’s better than DPNS.

Note: Practice it several times before attempting the socks. There are videos explaining how to knit with circular needles.

• Materials – Metal, plastic, wood, bamboo
• Lengths – 40″ 

Pros

• Do two at once
• Your project is easy to maintain
• Cheap to buy
• Less chance of laddering

Cons

• Unless you knit lots of socks or shawls, you might hardly use this
• Few patterns are written for this, so learn how to translate it
• Confusing

Now you know about these needles find the best sock yarn ever in my post.

9″ Circular Needle

Use a circular knitting needle with a small cord to serve as the sock tube. Sock knitters are divided on the difficulty. This is the easiest way or the hardest.

• Materials – Bamboo, plastic, metal, wood

Pros

• Only 1 needle to manage
• No laddering
• Portable
• Easy to travel with

Cons

• Switch to another technique to do the toe
• The amount of stitches is too small to fit around the cord
• It’s rare for projects to be written for this
• You either love it, or it doesn’t work for you
• The small size of the needle means it’s hard to find in products
• If your hands are big, you’ll find this too difficult

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Consider This In Needles For Socks

• Good grip?
• Durable materials?
• Fair return policy?
• If they’re circular, are the joins smooth?

Working From A Pattern? What Needles Does The Pattern Call For?

This gives you a starting point on what to buy! My recommendations are divided into categories to help you.

What Needles Do You Have Experience With?

It might be easier to translate what you’re working with to a style of tool you prefer or find easier to use.

Are You Going To Use The Magic Loop Method?

If so, you’ll need one pair of circulars.

Are The Socks You’re Going To Knit Toe-Up Or Cuff Down?

These are the main procedures.

• One, you start with the toe and work upwards
• The other, begin with the cuff and work downwards

The method you choose affects what knitting needles you’ll need. 

FAQS About Sock Knitting Needles

Can I Knit Socks On Circular Needles?

Yes, of course!

What Size Needles For Socks?

It depends on the yarn weight and thickness. The label tells you which is best.

How Do You Make Socks With 4 Needles?

The most common method of knitting socks is knitting them on DPNs.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found the best sock knitting needles, tools, and methods. Happy sock knitting, and may you discover new things on your journey. Have questions? I’d love to see your work-in-progress or help you out. Leave a comment, your email address isn’t made public.