Choosing the Right Needle or Hook

There are many things to consider when picking the right tool for your project... and sadly no one size fits all answer. Each crafter's preferences are key and the best option varies from person to person and project to project. The very quality that makes a knitting needle your favorite might be a deal-breaker for your bff!

What's it Made of?

Metal needles and hooks are sturdy, cool to the touch, and smooth - allowing yarn to glide over them. The tip can also be honed to, and keep, a sharper point. But they can rankle arthritis and repetitive strain injuries, or be too slippery.

Wooden needles and hooks are more flexible, warm to the touch, and have a bit of texture that helps yarn grab on. But some crafters find them too fragile or slow.

There are also plastic, carbon fiber, and other materials... Read more about choosing between wood and metal needles/hooks.

What's the Point?

Dangerously Sharp

Extra-pointy needles and hooks offer precision, making them a favorite for lacework. Depending on your yarn or knitting motion, though, they might be more weapon than tool.

Hiya Sharp DPNs

Hiya Sharp Circulars

Hiya Sharp Interchangeables

Hiya Sharp Sock DPN Set

Silvalume Crochet Hooks

Chiaogood Bamboo Crochet Hooks

Addi Rocket Circulars

Addi Rocket Interchangeables

Middle of the Road

Classic tipped tools that are a tried and true, best-of-both worlds compromise.

Hiya Steel DPNs

Hiya Steel Circulars

Hiya Steel Interchangeables

Amour Crochet Hooks

Hiya Bamboo DPNs

Hiya Bamboo Circulars

Hiya Bamboo Interchangeables

Addi Flexiflips have one Sharp and one Regular Tip

Well Rounded

Some might call these blunt, but we think of them as refreshingly honest. They are a good choice when working with yarn that splits easily, and for knitters who push the tip of the needle with each stitch.

Addi Turbo Circulars

Addi Turbo Interchangeables

Hiya Crochet Hooks

Boye Crochet Hooks

Addi Flexiflips Bamboo

Clover Bamboo Straights

Basix DPNs

Basix Circulars

Measuring Correctly

Of course, finding the perfect needle or hook is all for naught if it's not the right size! Did you know that the names of US needle sizes are not consistent across brands? It drives us batty. We recommend relying first and foremost on the mm size, or using the same brand needle and gauge.