Knitting needles are long, slender tools used in the craft of knitting. They come in various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood, and are available in different sizes to accommodate various yarn thicknesses. The pointed ends help to easily pick up and manipulate yarn, while the other end often has a stopper to prevent stitches from slipping off. Knitting needles can be found in two main types: straight and circular. Straight needles are typically used for flat pieces of fabric, while circular needles consist of two pointed ends connected by a flexible cable, allowing for the creation of larger projects like blankets or sweaters.