<p>There are a number of non-nickel options available, though the good ones tend to be more expensive than the mainstream options and the inexpensive ones of poorer quality. The most established options:</p>

<p>Signature Needle Arts makes aluminum needles. These are very good (sharp points, flexible cables), but pricey and only available online.</p>

<p>Boye also makes aluminum needles. These are reasonably good and reasonably priced and are probably the sweet spot for nickel-free circulars.</p>

<p>Clover makes bamboo circulars. They are inexpensive, but suffer from dull points and terrible cables.</p>

<p>New Hue Handspuns sells carbon fiber circulars. I have no personal experience with this brand, but the points and cables look at least reasonable, probably on par with Boye. Only available online.</p>

<p>Addi offers plastic circulars. These are similar to bamboo in terms of price (low) and quality (meh).</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-12T18:38:35.323Z
I wouldn’t recommend Boye aluminums for anything. The tips are dull and the cables are stiff and kinky.
Marnen Laibow-Koser
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T15:24:26.330Z
I've got plastic (needles and cord) circular knitting needles, but I think they'd suffer from the same "dull points and terrible cables" you mention for the bamboo.
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T13:26:04.717Z
2016-04-29T15:31:26.833Z
2016-04-29T15:31:26.833Z
Belisama
<p>Non-metal circular knitting needles (wood or bamboo) are also available.</p>

<p>This is an example of bamboo needles with a plastic cord connecting them:</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/PqiE2.jpg"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/PqiE2.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-12T18:36:51.117Z
@Belisama I’ve liked the Clovers I’ve used, though I haven’t used them much because I prefer metal in general.
Marnen Laibow-Koser
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T03:01:00.147Z
I wouldn't be surprised if you could make your own from just some hardwood dowel. Would have less control of the sizes though.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T10:19:54.420Z
The connecting cord would be more difficult, I think. Not for a very apt woodworker, though :)
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T13:33:06.970Z
Clover is probably the worst possible example to use, as they are *terrible* needles. If they were the only option, I'd stick to DPNs.
Belisama
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T13:40:15.747Z
@Belisama I'm happy to choose a different image/brand to illustrate. Suggestions?
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T15:20:59.533Z
@Erica . . . I can't actually think of any good wood/bamboo circulars that don't have metal joins. >.<
Belisama
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-27T14:19:56.957Z
2016-04-27T14:19:56.957Z
Erica
<p>ChiaoGoo Red Lace are my favorite needles, and they’re made of surgical steel, which should be safe for people allergic to nickel. ChiaoGoo’s <a href="http://www.chiaogoo.com/faqs/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">FAQ</a> seems to say that while some of their older bamboo needles have nickel-plated joins, all their current products are nickel-free (though there’s some ambiguity about some of their bamboo needles). </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-12T18:42:47.810Z
I should mention that the cables (plastic-coated steel) are strong and soft on the Red Lace, the tips are sharp, the finish has just the right amount of friction, and the cable joins are just about perfect.
Marnen Laibow-Koser
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-12T16:27:24.307Z
2019-04-12T18:44:46.917Z
2019-04-12T18:44:46.917Z
Marnen Laibow-Koser
<p>Addi, famous for their exquisitely smooth nickel needles, also makes two other styles involving <em>brass instead of nickel</em>: </p>

<ol>
<li>Addi Turbo Lace Knitting needles: the entire needle is made of brass (top needle in below photo):</li>
<li>Addi Natura Bamboo Knitting needles: the connector is made of brass (bottom needle in below photo):</li>
</ol>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/SNe04.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/SNe04.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>I personally have used all three of the above Addi circular models extensively, and find them to be wonderful choices when matched to the yarn and project properly.  The "Natura" bamboo model is especially great for very slippery yarns such as silk or alpaca.  The Lace model has a more pointed tip, extremely helpful for those pesky ssk and k2togbtl stitches involved in lacework.  I have found the join to be just as smooth as claimed, for all of the Addi models.  It looks like Addi / Skacel have recently released an olive wood circular line which also features a brass connector.</p>

<p>References:</p>

<p>top photo: <a href="http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/pics/needles/additips.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Camilla Valley Farm (via Google image search)</a></p>

<p>Addi website: <a href="http://www.additurbos.com/#addinatura" rel="nofollow noreferrer">A comparison of their styles of circular knitting needles</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-12T18:33:11.677Z
Be aware, though, that brass has a particular feel that some people may not like. I can’t stand my Addi Turbos, even though they’re decent needles: the brass feels clammy and makes my hands smell funny.
Marnen Laibow-Koser
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-08-13T01:58:19.240Z
I can only say I was so happy to have saved up to buy my set of Hiya Hiya, it was short lived, my hands got the horrible eczema, I tried switching yarn from wool to bamboo,nope, then changed to my knit pick wooden, so story goes I am allergic to the needles. A month later I am still suffering. I am so sad. But happy I read here that Turbo is safe. The wooden needles just don’t cut it for me.
JoBug Dillon
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-07-30T18:49:22.373Z
Update: my Turbos behaved a lot better for me when I picked them up recently after several years of not using them. I don’t know if my skin chemistry changed or if the needles developed a patina while sitting in my bag.
Marnen Laibow-Koser
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-16T07:56:05.740Z
2017-01-17T01:05:01.990Z
2017-01-17T01:05:01.990Z
Laurent R.
<p>The other option that you can do if you have a set that you love is use clear nail polish to seal the metal. While you use the nail polish, use nitrile gloves as a barrier to avoid touching the nickel. </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-05-17T06:12:08.637Z
2019-05-17T06:12:08.637Z
Lilibete
<p>I'm a knitter who's allergic to nickel. Are there any circular knitting needles made without nickel, chrome, or stainless steel?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-27T14:30:48.987Z
Lots of people can turn wooden knitting needles.
bowlturner
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T15:21:43.457Z
@bowlturner But how many of them can also attach a good cable?
Belisama
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-29T15:23:01.403Z
depends!  ;)  I probably could!
bowlturner
<knitting><allergies>
What circular knitting needles can I use if I am allergic to nickel?
Belisama
# What circular knitting needles can I use if I am allergic to nickel?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-04-27)

I'm a knitter who's allergic to nickel. Are there any circular knitting needles made without nickel, chrome, or stainless steel?

**Tags:** knitting, allergies

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Lots of people can turn wooden knitting needles.  
> **username_0**: @username_1 But how many of them can also attach a good cable?  
> **username_1**: depends!  ;)  I probably could!  

---

## 5 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2016-04-29. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

There are a number of non-nickel options available, though the good ones tend to be more expensive than the mainstream options and the inexpensive ones of poorer quality. The most established options:

Signature Needle Arts makes aluminum needles. These are very good (sharp points, flexible cables), but pricey and only available online.

Boye also makes aluminum needles. These are reasonably good and reasonably priced and are probably the sweet spot for nickel-free circulars.

Clover makes bamboo circulars. They are inexpensive, but suffer from dull points and terrible cables.

New Hue Handspuns sells carbon fiber circulars. I have no personal experience with this brand, but the points and cables look at least reasonable, probably on par with Boye. Only available online.

Addi offers plastic circulars. These are similar to bamboo in terms of price (low) and quality (meh).

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: I've got plastic (needles and cord) circular knitting needles, but I think they'd suffer from the same "dull points and terrible cables" you mention for the bamboo.  
> **username_2**: I wouldn’t recommend Boye aluminums for anything. The tips are dull and the cables are stiff and kinky.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-04-27. Score: 12

Non-metal circular knitting needles (wood or bamboo) are also available.

This is an example of bamboo needles with a plastic cord connecting them:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/PqiE2.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/PqiE2.jpg)

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: I wouldn't be surprised if you could make your own from just some hardwood dowel. Would have less control of the sizes though.  
> **username_3**: The connecting cord would be more difficult, I think. Not for a very apt woodworker, though :)  
> **username_0**: Clover is probably the worst possible example to use, as they are *terrible* needles. If they were the only option, I'd stick to DPNs.  
> **username_3**: @username_0 I'm happy to choose a different image/brand to illustrate. Suggestions?  
> **username_0**: @username_3 . . . I can't actually think of any good wood/bamboo circulars that don't have metal joins. >.<  
> **username_2**: @username_0 I’ve liked the Clovers I’ve used, though I haven’t used them much because I prefer metal in general.  

---

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-04-12. Score: 4

ChiaoGoo Red Lace are my favorite needles, and they’re made of surgical steel, which should be safe for people allergic to nickel. ChiaoGoo’s [FAQ](http://www.chiaogoo.com/faqs/) seems to say that while some of their older bamboo needles have nickel-plated joins, all their current products are nickel-free (though there’s some ambiguity about some of their bamboo needles).

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: I should mention that the cables (plastic-coated steel) are strong and soft on the Red Lace, the tips are sharp, the finish has just the right amount of friction, and the cable joins are just about perfect.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2017-01-16. Score: 3

Addi, famous for their exquisitely smooth nickel needles, also makes two other styles involving *brass instead of nickel*:

1. Addi Turbo Lace Knitting needles: the entire needle is made of brass (top needle in below photo):
2. Addi Natura Bamboo Knitting needles: the connector is made of brass (bottom needle in below photo):

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/SNe04.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/SNe04.jpg)

I personally have used all three of the above Addi circular models extensively, and find them to be wonderful choices when matched to the yarn and project properly. The "Natura" bamboo model is especially great for very slippery yarns such as silk or alpaca. The Lace model has a more pointed tip, extremely helpful for those pesky ssk and k2togbtl stitches involved in lacework. I have found the join to be just as smooth as claimed, for all of the Addi models. It looks like Addi / Skacel have recently released an olive wood circular line which also features a brass connector.

References:

top photo: [Camilla Valley Farm (via Google image search)](http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/pics/needles/additips.jpg)

Addi website: [A comparison of their styles of circular knitting needles](http://www.additurbos.com/#addinatura)

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Be aware, though, that brass has a particular feel that some people may not like. I can’t stand my Addi Turbos, even though they’re decent needles: the brass feels clammy and makes my hands smell funny.  
> **username_6**: I can only say I was so happy to have saved up to buy my set of Hiya Hiya, it was short lived, my hands got the horrible eczema, I tried switching yarn from wool to bamboo,nope, then changed to my knit pick wooden, so story goes I am allergic to the needles. A month later I am still suffering. I am so sad. But happy I read here that Turbo is safe. The wooden needles just don’t cut it for me.  
> **username_2**: Update: my Turbos behaved a lot better for me when I picked them up recently after several years of not using them. I don’t know if my skin chemistry changed or if the needles developed a patina while sitting in my bag.  

---

### Answer by username_7 on 2019-05-17. Score: 1

The other option that you can do if you have a set that you love is use clear nail polish to seal the metal. While you use the nail polish, use nitrile gloves as a barrier to avoid touching the nickel.


---

