I've been crocheting for years now, as far as I can think back without having to squint. I know some knitters are sticklers and turn up their noses at anyone who's an avid fan of crocheting, and don't say there aren't any out there... we've met. However, I have been knitting--not as long as my crocheting career, but enough time for me to have learned plenty of stitches, to have ripped out my fair share of works, and to have completed a few things I'm proud of.
I've had my fair share of different types of needles. Straight aluminum ones, bamboo ones, and aluminum circulars and plastic circulars, etc. And what I wanted to start off with, was an interesting debate over knitting needles, circular needles in particular. Now, they are very useful for a few reasons:
I have a few pairs of straight needles... but like socks, I have easily lost the "left ones" a few times, and it's sort of a hassle to find them in your giant mountain of yarn. Circular needles stick together (ha!) and it's not easy to lose one.
Plus, a lot of knitting patterns call for circular needles, and of course you can knit in the round with them without having to go back and sew the flat piece into a cylinder like when you're using straight needles.
And more...
But if, like me, some of you are going through a great debate about what circular needles to choose, I'd like to share with you some of my experiences. The easiest way to have a complete set: get an interchangeable knitting system that will allow you to have multiple circular needles as well as straight needles without the bulk.
When I first started looking for an interchangeable knitting needle set that would be great for me, the first two I looked at were the Needlemaster for Boye and it's successor, the Denise. I read multiple reviews about the Needlemaster (since it was from Boye and they were all aluminum) but soon found out that they were less than perfect.
I found many raving reviews for the Denise knitting needles, but as I was about to click the "add to cart" button, I noticed that they're plastic. And I don't know how many people are a stickler for the texture of your favorite needles, but I just plain don't do plastic needles. They're made in a form, and the one's I've used sometimes have a little ridge that totally screws up my knitting. (Some people say you'll get used to it though...)
After that, I moved my sights onto the big banana: Addis. Anyone I've talked to that's used these (especially if you like a metal rather than wood or plastic) has had a great experience... And anyone I've talked to that's ever bought any would know the cry of their wallets as they bought a few pairs (priced about $16 US for a single circular pair.)
It is definitely important to invest in your needles. You have to spend a little bit of money to get great quality, especially when you know they're going to last for a while. Again, however, I paused before I decided to buy the $165 US circular set of Addi Turbo Clicks. I love these needles. If you are knitting with a good tension and your stitches are slightly tight, they stay put on the needle. I love purling with these as well. (I know, crazy!) I don't understand why, but purling hasn't been a big deal every since I changed to using the Addis and I think it's because of the material.
Which made me think... is there a cheaper set of needles out there that are similar to my Addis? Addi needles are nickel plated brass needles, and they sit in your hands with a good weight.
I found a great imitation at KnitPicks.com with their $59.99 Interchangeable set of nickel plated needles. They came with two cords each of 32" and 24" lengths with stoppers so you could use them as straight needles as well. I've never been happier with my needles. I would totally suggest these to anyone to was unsure about what set to get. But definitely look at reviews for any set before buying anything on the internet and try to find an imitation if the ones you want are quite expensive.
Hope this helps and Happy knitting! (and Purling!)
