For years, I’ve been a loyal wood and bamboo-needle knitter. If you’ve followed my knitting patterns through Darling Jadore for a while, or watched my YouTube Shorts, you’ve probably seen warm, cozy wooden needles in almost every clip. They’ve been my go-to for designing new knitting patterns — especially scarves and sweaters — because they feel familiar and gentle in my hands.
But recently, I decided on a whim to pick up long-forgotten aluminum circular needles from my stash for a project. I figured I’d test them on a small knit project just to see. And… I loved them. Actually, I really loved them.
After only a few rows, I felt a difference: the stitches slid effortlessly, nothing snagged, and my speed increased dramatically. It felt like upgrading from a regular pen to a gel pen — same task, but suddenly smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. By the end of that knitting pattern, I was reaching for those needles every chance I got, until eventually… I ordered an entire interchangeable set.
Below is my honest comparison of bamboo vs. aluminum needles — the pros, the cons, and how I use (and genuinely enjoy) both depending on the project. Happy knitting, friends! Xx
Bamboo & Wooden Knitting Needles
Warm, grippy, gentle
Bamboo and wood have that classic “cozy knitting” energy — like hot tea, a pile of yarn, and a rainy afternoon. For years, bamboo and wood was all I used because it naturally grips the yarn and helps keep your stitches from sliding off. ✨ My favorite bamboo set is this one. ✨My favorite wooden set is this one.
Pros of bamboo and wooden needles
- Great for new knitters or slippery yarns
- Slight friction keeps stitches secure and controlled
- Lightweight and quiet (no clinking sounds)
- Warm to the touch — cozy knitting vibes
Cons of bamboo needles
- Can snag or drag on certain yarn fibers
- Slower knitting speed because of the natural grip
- Tips can dull, break, or splinter over time
- Not ideal for fast or highly textured knitting patterns
I still love using bamboo and wooden needles for cotton, linen, or silk yarns (anything slippery), and for moments when I want slow, meditative knitting.
Metal / Aluminum Knitting Needles 💖 My New Love!
Smooth, fast, polished
Enter these gorgeous rose-gold aluminum needles. The moment I cast on, I noticed how slippery and smooth they felt — the stitches just glided across the needle. ✨My favorite set is this one.
Pros of aluminum needles
- Fast and smooth — stitches glide effortlessly
- Perfect for wool and textured yarns
- Don’t snag or catch the yarn
- Sharp tips (amazing for decreases, lace, cables, and detailed work)
Cons of aluminum needles
- Can be too slippery for some (especially beginners)
- Clicking sound while knitting (I personally love it)
- Cold to the touch at first
Because they’re so smooth, I find myself knitting faster and with more ease — especially on larger projects like scarf knitting patterns or sweaters.
Why I Made The Switch & Which Knitting Needles Do I Use Now?
Recently, after completing a knitting pattern with bamboo needles, I realized something:
bamboo and wooden needles help me pause — aluminum helps me flow.
So...which do I use now?
- For fast, smooth knitting: aluminum
- For slippery yarns or meditative knitting: bamboo
- For designing new Darling Jadore knitting patterns: whichever suits the yarn best
It’s not that I abandoned bamboo or wood — I still appreciate the slow, grounding feel of them. But aluminum has become my new favorite for everyday knitting and for filming YouTube shorts because they’re just so visually beautiful and glide so effortlessly on camera.
Final Thoughts 💗 Choosing Knitting Needles That Are Right For You
In the end, there’s no right or wrong choice. Knitting is personal. The needles you choose should support the kind of experience you want — slow and cozy, or smooth and fast, or something totally different!
Bamboo helped me learn.
Aluminum helped me grow.
And now?
I keep both beside me — but my hands reach for the aluminum more and more.
So if you've been thinking about trying metal needles, especially interchangeable sets, let this be your sign. Sometimes, switching tools reignites inspiration — and that’s exactly what these rose-gold needles did for me.
Happy knitting and if you need knitting patterns to test your needles on, you know where to find some! Xx
Comments are closed.