I purchased my first set of interchangeable needle decades ago. They were ‘Denise’ brand I believe. Pretty chunky, connections that catch and the plastic cord was the same as the smallest needle.
I’m sure glad that things have progressed.
I have a color-coded set and several individual tips.
I have recently been trying our square needles. I do like them both wooden and metal.
The most important thing to me is that the join not catch.
I've tried square needles, but I find my gauge is not the same between square needles and cylindrical needles of the same size. Since I need to recommend a needle size when I'm designing and writing patterns, that creates problems. So, in the absence of a compelling reason to switch to square, I'll stick with cylindrical.
That said, I do know some people who love square needles. They find they can knit with less hand discomfort.
Isn't a great that there are so many options? Something for everyone!
I agree re: square needles. I don't mind knitting with them, but I only use them for projects where gauge is not important. (Really, gauge is a suggestion for me anyway. lol)
Last year I organized my knitting supplies and put a large peg board up and added some cups that I labeled with size and then put all my needles in order. It has been so helpful so be able to grab the right size quickly. I do a lot of lace knitting so I have a lot of smaller sizes. I want to invest in some good interchangeable but have not taken the time to really look at the different kinds.
While struggling a bit with gauge while working on an intricate project I got some input from an experienced knitter and found this article to be enlightening and helpful so I am happy to pass it forward: https://www.knitdarling.com/blog/needle-material-affects-on-gauge
Thank you for the link! Alexis makes some solid points. It is important to make your gauge swatch on the same needles you will use for the finished project. And, most important, your results may vary. The biggest variable in determining gauge is the individual hand of the knitter.
I had forgotten all about my first set of interchangeable until I glanced at the comments: Denise! They got me hooked (pun intended) on interchangeable needles but they were clumsy to use. Then I got a set of Knit Picks which lasted for years, but when I became obsessed with knitting socks, I learned about the Magic Loop. I invested in a lot of very long circular needles. Not too long ago I bought interchangeable needles by Tulip and I love them. I'm knitting a cardigan and it's so nice to have the needle sizes I need right at hand, rather than having to dig through my knitting basket. Thanks for the recommendation of The Women!
I have to give Denise credit for proving that there was market demand for interchangeable needles, but I'm so glad the technology has advanced! The original Denise needles were more or less functional in use, but they were not an elegant tool. It looks like Denise is still in business—they have added color options, but the needles are still all plastic with the chunky cords.
I used to own 4 different interchangeable needle sets. Sold them all and now stick with my Addi Rockets. Love the points. All are 80 cm cable length. I hate short tips and use the two circular method for sleeves/socks/hats etc.
I knit on circular needles only, although I did just order a set of colorful wood double pointed needles from Knit Picks to use when double knitting (I was feeling ambitious at the time.) I use Knit PIcks interchangeable circs almost exclusively, switching to high quality metal circular needles only when my Knit Picks needles are being used for another project.
I do sometimes like dpn's; they're satisfying once I've got some fabric to support them, but they irritate my finger (I think my pinky) where one of the needles always rests, especially when I'm using smaller needles.
How would one make a circular needle the size of a broomstick? Connect the points with a garden hose? But how to smooth the joins? So glad this isn’t a problem I actually need to solve.
I do, too! I started with Denise maybe 20 years or more ago, & their convenience after a lifetime of individual straight needles was wonderful. But I agree with Logan above--they separated unexpectedly, etc. Also, I came to realize that I like pointier needles than Denise's plastic tips. I'm thrilled with my ChiaoGoo & use them almost exclusively, & the ability to carry the whole set on a trip, etc., is wonderfully convenient.
I love this article, and thank you for the suggestion of a needle case. So many of the ones I've seen are gorgeous, yet so very expensive!
I am a less-experienced knitter, and I have started out with interchangeable wooden needles from Knitter's Pride/Knit Pro. I really like them, and I don't know that I will need to make a change any time soon. Now I am trying to decide what type of approach I will take to knitting small circumferences in the round. I tried two circulars and found the flapping cords drove me nuts. I just tried DPNs to finish a hat. I liked it better, but I do wonder if I will ever get used to it!
What is your preferred approach to making socks, finishing hats, etc?
The Knitter's Pride needles are terrific, and should serve you well for a good long time.
For small circumferences in the round, my preference is double-pointed needles. I will use Magic Loop in a pinch (I'm decreasing for a sleeve, and away from home without the appropriate size dpns handy), but I'm more comfortable with wooden double-pointed needles.
The key to getting used to using dons is (surprise—not) practice. Try knitting an entire hat on double pointed needles. That should give your hands enough time to become comfortable with them. And keep in mind that, no matter how long you've been doing it, the first few rounds on double pointed needles are floppy and awkward and uncomfortable. Always. It takes three or four rounds to create enough fabric to hold everything in place. You just need to power through those first few rounds, and then it's smooth sailing.
I don't think I will knit a fence any time soon but I love the creativity of crafters!
Most of my needles are Crystal Palace straight needles, yes they are over 40 years old. I am just now discovering interchangeable circular needles.
I read "The Women" and loved it, highly recommend.
The fact that you are still using those needles 40 years later speaks volumes about their high quality!
I purchased my first set of interchangeable needle decades ago. They were ‘Denise’ brand I believe. Pretty chunky, connections that catch and the plastic cord was the same as the smallest needle.
I’m sure glad that things have progressed.
I have a color-coded set and several individual tips.
I have recently been trying our square needles. I do like them both wooden and metal.
The most important thing to me is that the join not catch.
And I agree, it’s all about the tools!
I've tried square needles, but I find my gauge is not the same between square needles and cylindrical needles of the same size. Since I need to recommend a needle size when I'm designing and writing patterns, that creates problems. So, in the absence of a compelling reason to switch to square, I'll stick with cylindrical.
That said, I do know some people who love square needles. They find they can knit with less hand discomfort.
Isn't a great that there are so many options? Something for everyone!
I agree re: square needles. I don't mind knitting with them, but I only use them for projects where gauge is not important. (Really, gauge is a suggestion for me anyway. lol)
I always say gauge only matters if you care how big the thing turns out.
Last year I organized my knitting supplies and put a large peg board up and added some cups that I labeled with size and then put all my needles in order. It has been so helpful so be able to grab the right size quickly. I do a lot of lace knitting so I have a lot of smaller sizes. I want to invest in some good interchangeable but have not taken the time to really look at the different kinds.
While struggling a bit with gauge while working on an intricate project I got some input from an experienced knitter and found this article to be enlightening and helpful so I am happy to pass it forward: https://www.knitdarling.com/blog/needle-material-affects-on-gauge
Thank you for the link! Alexis makes some solid points. It is important to make your gauge swatch on the same needles you will use for the finished project. And, most important, your results may vary. The biggest variable in determining gauge is the individual hand of the knitter.
I had forgotten all about my first set of interchangeable until I glanced at the comments: Denise! They got me hooked (pun intended) on interchangeable needles but they were clumsy to use. Then I got a set of Knit Picks which lasted for years, but when I became obsessed with knitting socks, I learned about the Magic Loop. I invested in a lot of very long circular needles. Not too long ago I bought interchangeable needles by Tulip and I love them. I'm knitting a cardigan and it's so nice to have the needle sizes I need right at hand, rather than having to dig through my knitting basket. Thanks for the recommendation of The Women!
I have to give Denise credit for proving that there was market demand for interchangeable needles, but I'm so glad the technology has advanced! The original Denise needles were more or less functional in use, but they were not an elegant tool. It looks like Denise is still in business—they have added color options, but the needles are still all plastic with the chunky cords.
I used to own 4 different interchangeable needle sets. Sold them all and now stick with my Addi Rockets. Love the points. All are 80 cm cable length. I hate short tips and use the two circular method for sleeves/socks/hats etc.
I love that you've found the tools and method that works for you!
I knit on circular needles only, although I did just order a set of colorful wood double pointed needles from Knit Picks to use when double knitting (I was feeling ambitious at the time.) I use Knit PIcks interchangeable circs almost exclusively, switching to high quality metal circular needles only when my Knit Picks needles are being used for another project.
I do sometimes like dpn's; they're satisfying once I've got some fabric to support them, but they irritate my finger (I think my pinky) where one of the needles always rests, especially when I'm using smaller needles.
I also own the colorful Knit Picks wood dpns! I'm a card-carrying member of team DPN for knitting small pieces in the round.
I just looked at the knitted fence. That would certainly have been easier on a circular needle!
How would one make a circular needle the size of a broomstick? Connect the points with a garden hose? But how to smooth the joins? So glad this isn’t a problem I actually need to solve.
Hmmmm
I love my ChiaoGoo interchangeables!
I know a lot of ChiaoGoo devotees!
I’m not surprised! They’re really great!
My local yarn shop has really made ChiaoGoo their main needles, and I love the cables on the fixed circulars.
I do, too! I started with Denise maybe 20 years or more ago, & their convenience after a lifetime of individual straight needles was wonderful. But I agree with Logan above--they separated unexpectedly, etc. Also, I came to realize that I like pointier needles than Denise's plastic tips. I'm thrilled with my ChiaoGoo & use them almost exclusively, & the ability to carry the whole set on a trip, etc., is wonderfully convenient.
I love this article, and thank you for the suggestion of a needle case. So many of the ones I've seen are gorgeous, yet so very expensive!
I am a less-experienced knitter, and I have started out with interchangeable wooden needles from Knitter's Pride/Knit Pro. I really like them, and I don't know that I will need to make a change any time soon. Now I am trying to decide what type of approach I will take to knitting small circumferences in the round. I tried two circulars and found the flapping cords drove me nuts. I just tried DPNs to finish a hat. I liked it better, but I do wonder if I will ever get used to it!
What is your preferred approach to making socks, finishing hats, etc?
The Knitter's Pride needles are terrific, and should serve you well for a good long time.
For small circumferences in the round, my preference is double-pointed needles. I will use Magic Loop in a pinch (I'm decreasing for a sleeve, and away from home without the appropriate size dpns handy), but I'm more comfortable with wooden double-pointed needles.
The key to getting used to using dons is (surprise—not) practice. Try knitting an entire hat on double pointed needles. That should give your hands enough time to become comfortable with them. And keep in mind that, no matter how long you've been doing it, the first few rounds on double pointed needles are floppy and awkward and uncomfortable. Always. It takes three or four rounds to create enough fabric to hold everything in place. You just need to power through those first few rounds, and then it's smooth sailing.
Thank you so much for that good advice! And...I'm looking for my next project. Hat on DPNs, here I come!!