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Knitting Needles: Straight, Bamboo and Double Pointed
Quick overview: Tessiland offers straight knitting needles in aluminium, bamboo and wood (sizes 2–15 mm, lengths 35, 40, 50 and 80 cm) and double pointed sets (5 short needles for working in the round: socks, hats, sleeves). Circular needles are in the circular needles section.
Knitting Needles
Knitting needles — the straight kind — are the classic tool for flat knitting: scarves, blankets, squares and many traditional stitch patterns work better on straight needles than on circulars. The right choice comes down to three variables: the tip material (aluminium slides fast, bamboo and wood grip the yarn — ideal with slippery wool), the length (35-40 cm for narrow projects, 50-80 cm for wider ones) and the diameter (always printed on the yarn label). Tessiland carries Prym and KnitPro needles in every style — classic, Japanese bamboo, double pointed sets — stocked in Italy with fast shipping.
If you're looking for long 80 cm knitting needles, you'll find them in the classic Prym aluminium range: 80 cm is the go-to length for jumpers, cardigans and any project with a high stitch count. For in-the-round projects (hats, socks, sleeves) use the double pointed sets (5 short needles that rotate around the work) or switch to circular needles.
Straight Needles — The Classic for Flat Knitting
Two parallel needles, one end and a stopper: the simplest system for learning and for knitting scarves, bags, squares and flat-knit pieces. Available in aluminium, bamboo and wood, from 35 to 80 cm.
Double Pointed Sets — For Small-Circumference Round Knitting
5 short needles pointed at both ends: the professional system for socks, hats, glove fingers and sleeves. They work in the round on small circumferences where circular needles won't fit.
Choose Your Knitting Needles
Classic Prym Knitting Needles — Aluminium Straight · Metal
Prym Japanese Bamboo Knitting Needles — 33 cm Bamboo · 33 cm
Prym Double Pointed Knitting Needle Set — 2.5 to 4 mm Double Pointed
Knitting Needles for Every Technique: Straight, Curved and Double Pointed
Beyond classic straight needles and double pointed sets, the knitting needles category includes curved needles, designed for specific techniques (edge work, picking up stitches, intarsia) where the angled tip gives a real advantage. Choose based on your technique:
Complete Your Knitting Kit
Pair your straight needles with circulars, crochet hooks and all Tessiland accessories
BUYING GUIDE: knitting needles
Three questions, three minutes: find the right needle for your project fast.
1. Which length?
- 35-40 cm: scarves, bags, squares — narrow projects with fewer stitches. The most compact and manageable length
- 50 cm: the middle ground. Covers most flat-knitting projects: panels, fronts and backs of jumpers, shawls
- 80 cm: for wide projects with many stitches: blankets, flat-knit shawls, 200+ stitch cast-ons. Classic Prym needles go up to 80 cm
2. Aluminium or bamboo?
- Aluminium (classic Prym needles): smooth surface, stitches fly. Ideal for wool, acrylic and structured yarns. Fast pace, clean feel
- Bamboo and wood: natural grip that holds the yarn slightly — a lifesaver with mohair, silk, alpaca and any slippery yarn that keeps falling off aluminium. Lighter and quieter: less hand fatigue on long sessions
3. Straight or double pointed?
- Straight needles: the standard system for flat knitting (back and forth). Scarves, blankets, squares, flat bags, jumper panels — anything that doesn't need the round
- Double pointed needles (set of 5): for working in the round on small circumferences — socks, bottom-up hats, glove fingers, narrow sleeves
- Circular needles: for large projects or magic loop — see circular needles section
Video tutorials on how to knit with straight needles, double pointed needles and how to choose the right size: all on
✨ Tessiland Studio — Knitting Needle TutorialsFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between straight and circular knitting needles?
Straight knitting needles come in pairs: you knit back and forth, turning the work at the end of every row. Best for flat knitting (scarves, blankets, jumper panels). Circular needles have two tips connected by a flexible cable: you work in the round seamlessly (top-down jumpers, hats, socks) or flat on very wide projects. If you have to pick one, circulars are more versatile — but for a first project, straights are easier to handle.
What size knitting needle should I use?
The needle diameter is printed on the yarn label — that's your starting point. Fine yarns (fingering, sock) use 2-3 mm needles; DK or worsted weight 3.5-5 mm; bulky and super bulky 6 mm and up. If you don't have a pattern, use the label size and knit a 10×10 cm swatch to check your tension. Rule of thumb: if the fabric feels too stiff and dense, go up half a millimetre; if it's too open and loose, go down.
When do I need 80 cm long knitting needles?
Long 80 cm knitting needles are needed when you have a high stitch count: blankets, flat shawls, cardigans with wide stitch counts, XL and XXL garments. With 40 cm needles you might not be able to cast on all the stitches you need — they'd fall off the needle before you reach the other end. The 80 cm gives you all the room you need. Alternatively, an 80 cm circular needle can work the same flat-knitting projects with the added benefit of the flexible cable supporting the weight of the work.
Are aluminium or bamboo knitting needles better?
It depends on the yarn and your knitting style. Aluminium is smooth: stitches slide fast, perfect for knitters who work at a good pace with wool, acrylic and structured yarns. Bamboo and wood have a natural grip that holds the yarn slightly — a blessing with mohair, silk, alpaca and those slippery yarns that constantly fall off aluminium. Also: bamboo and wood are lighter and quieter, aluminium lasts longer and costs less. Many knitters own both.
What are double pointed needles and when do you use them?
Double pointed needles (DPNs) are short needles (15-20 cm) pointed at both ends, sold in sets of 5. Stitches are distributed across 4 needles and the 5th does the knitting in rotation, creating a seamless tube. They are used for working in the round on small circumferences where circular needles won't reach: socks (the circumference is too small for a 40 cm cable), hats when decreases make the round too small for a circular, glove fingers and narrow sleeves. For knitters who want to avoid managing 5 needles, the "magic loop" technique with an 80 cm circular is the alternative.
