Interchangeable circular knitting needles
Edited by anniekins at 2024-1-10 09:27For a while, I've wanted to get interchangeable circular knitting needles as they seem very practical but every time I look it up the sets are always over 100 dollars USD. Does anyone have any recommendations for cheaper versions? If you have an expensive set and you really like it I'd also be happy to hear about it as I want to eventually treat myself to a nice set but I don't know which ones are worth the money.
Hi! I've been knitting for about 2 years and had the same dilemma as you not long ago! I ended up going with Knit Picks Foursquare Interchangeable Set, which I paid about $60USD for. Looks like the price has gone up a little since then.
They are laminated birch and square shaped, so you get the benefit of wood gripping yarn a little better and an ergonomic grip for your fingers. I had trouble with stainless steel needles being too slippery and it was difficult for me to tension yarn. They are very comfortable to hold. I can do magic loop very easily and the join between the needles and the cables never bothers me. The only thing you want to be aware of is that since they are square, you gauge might end up slightly different than someone else's and you'll need to be sure to swatch before each project. But, you should be doing that anyway because every knitter is unique :P
Plus, you get a lot of sizes. I have been able to knit with weight 5 bulky yarn, and I am even making my first pair of socks with the smallest needle size right now. Its been a very good purchase for me.
Hope this helps! Edited by lycisy at 2024-1-11 16:46
I have been working exclusively with HiyaHiya and ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Sets for many years. With the best experiences. The transitions from cable to needle are not noticeable.
HiyaHiya are very light and available with rotating cables. The needle tips you can get in bamboo and steel, sharp or normal tips.
ChiaoGoo are only marginally heavier. The needle tips are also available in steel and bamboo. There are two types of cables: red Lace are cables with a steel core; very stable. Spin are transparent rotating cables.
Both brands are expensive, but absolutely worth it. Here in Germany you pay between 80 and 140 € for a set, depending on the equipment.
Most stores also offer worldwide shipping (for example country-creativ dot de)
Most interchangeable needle brands have for sale individual needles and cables available for sale.What I would suggest is going to your local yarn store (LYS) and seeing if they will let you try out some needles.If the store is any good they will have some for testing in the store available.Baring that get one set of individual needles and a cable to try out the different brands.Try testing in store first.It also give you an opportunity to visit different stores in your area and seeing what they have to offer.This is one of my favorite excuses to get out for a day trip either by myself or like minded friends.
One thing you have to consider when buying interchangeables is the variety of sizes and cables you are getting.If you bought each fixed circular combination available to you, the price would be far far more than the price of an interchangeable set.
Myself personally, I like ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles.I like the cables.I like the way you can mix and match the cables with the different sets, and I like how many needles they have available in sets and individually.For where I live ChiaoGoo is at the higher end of the middle price range.The more expensive needles, I can't stand the cables, and the cheaper interchangeables, they break or literally wear out.I've worn the tips off or put grooves in them, they are so cheap.I've knit a lot over the years and ChiaoGoo has been the best brand of needles I've used.I've had only one problem with ChiaoGoo needles and that was a fixed circular (not interchangeable), and my LYS replaced it with no questions asked (I did still have the original packaging for the almost 10 year old needle which probably helped).
I love my chiaogoo as well in both the stainless steel and bamboo.It all has a place in my opinion.You should be weary of buying on Amazon as there are now fakes in the market for chiagoos (mostly shorties at this point i THINK?)There are many yarn stores online that will stock these (check chiaogoo website for stockists) and many will likely also have a brick and mortar store for you to go look and feel. I am considering purchasing a set of the knitpicks shorties in the wood though as I love having interchangeable in the shorter tips for the smaller circumference knitting :)
All the best with your purchase :) I am also Team Chiaogoo!I started with some Knit Picks Interchangeable needles back when they first came out, and after having a number of problems with the cables, I started looking around for something better.My husband gifted me a set for my anniversary, and I have not looked back since.I agree with pituusa, pick up a set of fixed circulars first and you will see what we mean.I have gotten most of my Chiaogoos on Amazon, and have never had a problem with fakes.I did buy a couple on eBay a while ago, and also did not have any problems. I've had a stainless steel interchangeable set from KnitPicks for a while now and I love it. No complaints or issues other than needing to check here and there that the needle tip is still on the cord nice and tight. (I have hand issues though and maybe can't tighten them as much as others.) I really love them! I see that they are selling the set today for $80 US (with free shipping in the US) so those might be an option. :) static/image/common/user_online.gif breakitdown static/image/common/clock.gif 2024-1-18 16:45
I am also Team Chiaogoo!I started with some Knit Picks Interchangeable needles back when they firs ...
That's great to know, I'm glad you enjoy yours so much. Thanks for the tip, so far the main two brands are just knit picks and Chiagoos so I think I'll try to find some 5/6 mm fixed needles first. Thanks for the tip :) See the ChiaGoo thread here: https://www.pindiy.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=602715
Summary: a good tool is worth every dollar. I love my very expensive chiagoos.
Befor einvesting in a set, get one needle and try it. You'll be amazed at the difference from the ebay cheap needles and the good ones. static/image/common/user_online.gif pitussa static/image/common/clock.gif 2024-1-10 06:08
See the ChiaGoo thread here: https://www.pindiy.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=602715
Summary: a g ...
That's very helpful, thank you. I went to their website but I didn't see the price anywhere. Are they mostly sold on amazon? static/image/common/user_online.gif wiccakid static/image/common/clock.gif 2024-1-11 22:29
I've had a stainless steel interchangeable set from KnitPicks for a while now and I love it. No comp ...
Thanks! I know nothing of branded knitting needles because I just get them from the local pta so I plan to compile a list and then look up reviews on youtube.
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