For smaller items (a hat, baby socks, etc) I use these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/13Set-Durabl...item54070e303f
For socks done 2-at-a-time, I'm all about ChiaoGoo Lace, 40".
I don't know if the stainless steel is nickel-free in those, but I have a...not really an allergy, but a weird reaction to nickel. My skin eats it
So all the lovely, lovely nickel-plated needles I had (I used to have almost every size Addi Turbo, a KP interchangeable set, KP fixed) ended up being sold or traded.
It was either that, or deal with the nickel coating constantly rubbing off!
I'm fine with the stainless steel ones