I have never used tiny circular needles. BUT, I do have the Clover Takumi needle sets -- interchangeable, and straight, and I love the way they feel in my hand. Now, I am not a knitter -- just a knitter wanna be. One thing I really like about the Clover is that they help to hold the yarn it seems. And, for me that is huge. I have had trouble keeping the yarn where I want it in the past. I have struggled with trying to learn to knit for some years now. I know the stitches, and some of the other maneuvers, like M1, etc. But, I have yet to be able to put a pattern together. I have problems when I make a mistake -- I don't know how to take it out and get it all back on the needles. I think when I conquer that I will be able to knit. :) I have been a crocheter for many, many years.
Thank you for your fabulous review! It was filled with Very important information ! Please make a video of your way of knitting 🧦 socks because I need to learn to make them. No one knits in my family I’m alone on learnings. Thank you again your are pure Awesomeness! I have already purchased ChiaoGoo 9inches size 5 mm to make 18 doll hat and they are wonderful! because they are the red ChiaGoo and have a long tips.
i absolutely love the level of (scientific) control you apply in doing these comparisons. your clear-cut criteria and consistency make for what are (bar none) the most reliable reviews of the kind. thank you so much for all the time and work it takes to make that happen. now... pardon me while i go buy some circular sock needles. p.s. i agree entirely regarding the Hiya Hiya tips. they are my favorite needle brand at present, but those tips did hurt a lot (until i developed a bit of a callous on my "pushing" finger), and i definitely split more stitches with them than with my Addi or Chiaogoo needles.
Hello, and thank you so much. As some others have reminded me in the comments here, Hiya Hiya does make regular (less sharp) tips, so I might have to try those in the 9" circulars. I forget that they have the blunter tips because I prefer the sharps in longer circular needles. XO
Thank you for not teaching us knitting - plenty of tutorials online. Your forte is sifting through information about knitting topics and testing and comparing - no one does this! It’s been helpful and I’ve purchased several of your reccommended books, needles, and accessories.
Thank you for your thorough research. I have just started using the Chiaogoo & decided to do a sock tube to truly get the practice. I am not a fast knitter, but have fallen in love (obsession) with sock knitting. For this reason, I have tried 4DPN, 5 DPN, & magic loop. 5 Dpns help my speed, but if I don't use another pair at the same time to knit the other sock, I will very likely get 2nd sock syndrome. To avoid that, I began using 2 @ a time magic loop. While it helps me complete a pair at a time, I find it slow & boring & fiddly (annoying). In the past 2 hrs I just managed to knit about 6" of one sock w the Chiaogoo 9" needle. I love it! I learned that putting almost no pressure on the needles or your fingers, makes it easier to use. Also, I place my left hand on the yarn & cable & use that to rest the (not fully gripping) pressure & help move the cloth to the tip. This allows me, a Continental knitter, to keep the sock rotating faster. I barely grip the right needle as I pick the stitches so they can keep moving & rotating (distributing down & to the left so I don't have to adjust sock , cable or needle.
Hi I really enjoy your podcasts. I am a fairly new knitter and believe it or not my first piece was a pair of socks. I watched a 7 part tutorial by Simply stiches. I think it has a heel flap and gusset but I'm not sure. I used 9 inch Chiagoo needles and loved them. This tutorial was made to show how to make socks with the circular needles. I made the whole sock with them I'm sure because I didn't have DPN's at the time. I am using DPN's for the center of a shawl right now and I am managing but find them to be fiddley. I think I will stick with the circulars for my socks. I have two so I did a cuff than the other and back and forth....both socks done at once. Thanks for all your great Information Kristine.
And you included a spreadsheet just as I was wishing for one. Awesome! Thanks very much. I've never tried these tiny needles, but I'm going to give them a shot, starting with the ChiaoGoos. I use DPNs mostly for socks, sometimes two circulars. I do not care for magic loop at all. I'd like to hear more about the knitting class you teach (or taught) at your university. Thanks again for all your work!
Hi Dr. Kelly! Loved your video about these teeny circular needles! I absolutely adore them. I fell in love with these needles when the bug bit me and knitting socks became my new hobby! At first I thought my big paws would be a hinderance to handling them but after getting my chiao goo's, it was just a matter of getting used to them. I don't like using dps's. No mater how I try, I can't get the hang of using them. The only time I use dpns is when it's time to close the toe doing the Kitchener stitch. I also have a pair of hiya hiya' s and love them too! You're right about poking a hole in your finger moving stitches off your needles. My right pointer finger has a small circular callus on it. I call it my battle scar. Lol. Thanks again for another great video! Can't wait for the next one.
This was great and soooo in depth. I personally learned to make socks on 9" chiao goo and I have never looked back. That brand is my favorite in all lengths. The join and cable are awesome plus I love red! I'm currently even using them to make mittens! I hope to get the interchangeable set soon in shorties. Thanks again for this wonderful info.
Ohmygosh YES! I want you to do a sock-making tutorial!!!!! My other suggestion is that you put out the questions/improvements we beginning sock-ers would request for the filming of it because you would not believe the tragic outcome of this sock I just made because of steps and information skipped in the tutorial. I may be especially dumb, but somehow I ended up with inside parts knitted on the outside and a big drama at the end trying to scrunch on my Addis and what did I do on the ribbing?? One time my yarn attached to the ball was at the bottom of the knitting. This sock fits my leg and my granddaughter’s foot. We can share it. LOL! It’s okay because I’m putting this horrific sock in a shadow box to hang on the wall as an artifact and calling it ‘outsider art.’ Help! Xojennyinseattle
Thank you for the greatly informative video. I've tried 9-inch needles before but always had trouble. I also have trouble with 16-inch if the number of stitches doesn't perfectly fit the circumference of the wires/needles. I would love ❤️ to see a video / tutorial about knitting with 9-inch needles. Thanks again!
Thank you for this video. I am new to 9" circulars, and I am trying the Kollage Square with a firm cable. These needs do swivel at the join, which I really like, because it lets me hold the needles a bit differently in each hand and makes it easier for me to alternate holding the yarn in my left or right hand. Also, I think the join is really smooth on these, so it seems they have improved over the last few years. I don't know if I like them yet. I will give them two pairs of socks before I really decide. But if I don't love them, I will give the Chiaogoos a try. Thanks again!
Hi Dr. Kelly, Thank you for doing this review. I really wanted to like the small circular needles, but it was not so great. I am a tight continental knitter and typically do magic loop and get a 9 inch gage on US 2 needles ChiaoGoo needles. I generally need 72 stitches for a sock. I purchased and used a US 2 9 inch ChiaoGoo needle, and except for placing half of the stitches on a holder while I was working the heel flap and gusset exclusively knit a pair of socks. The whole time I had the feeling that I was fighting against the cable resistance to stay in a circle. It made my hands tired. I found purling unpleasant, and that is not normally the case for me. I was considering trying a different brand of 9 inch circular in the hope that the cable on the ChiaoGoo was my issue. Your review was very helpful. At least for now, I think I am going to continue as a happy magic looper.
Hello -- yes, I completely understand. I definitely know that the tiny circumference needles aren't for everyone. We all can use the methods that are most comfortable to each of us. That is the beauty of knitting. :)
This was a great Classroom. I switched to Continental style in 2017... after 50 years of knitting! I also just got my first pair of 9" Hiya Hiya sharps and LOVE them. Yes, you do have to be careful with your finger! I might try the Addi easy knts after this review. It is so great that you tested so many needles. I also have a Chao Goo pair of 9" which I like but not as well. I love to knit but apparently, my real passion is dyeing yarn and roving. OH YES... and do mention if you ever talk about 9" circular again that it takes about 1/2 of a sock to get used to them. I almost gave up but I had heard there was a learning curve so stuck with it. Now, I am one of those 'switchers' from 9" to magic loop or dpns. But, I think it is because I am new to Continental style. Thank You!
Thanks for the review! I have the Clover Takumi ones and I like that they are bent but there just isn't enough needle for me to hold and my hands get cramped. I was hoping the Kollage ones would be better because of the longer tip length but I'm not willing to struggle with a rough join. I've been switching over to Chiaogoo interchangeables as my main needle set ever since your last review. I'm absolutely in love with them. Their mini red lace cord is almost too flexible but its great for 2 at a time magic loop which is my preferred sock knitting method.
I've only tried a wood-tipped 9" circular. I broke one tip in the middle of the sock. I bought a replacement needle that was a different brand, but much the same. When I cast on my next pair of socks on my long, long Chiao Goo circulars for 2-at-a-time socks, it was like a lovely homecoming hug. Perhaps I'll try the 9" circular that they make.
Yes, I would love a video of how you do your sock heels. I love my 9 inch circulars and usually just do a cut in afterthought heel. I think its odd that people do not think they can cast on or do ribbing with them.
Love your use of the "scientific method" of analysis; right up my alley. Bought & tried some (?) 9-inch circs once. Haven't used again. Hand strain. Like Addi Lace 47" circs for 2-@-a-time socks. Although, the Signature Needle Arts fixed circs are nice (@ $40 each - GULP).🙂
I enjoyed this one so much I watched it twice! Thank you so much for doing this episode. Would really like to see how you knit socks with the 9 inch needles.
Hi Kristine, Thank you for another wonderful review. I use the ChiaoGoo, Hiya Hiya Sharps and Clover Bamboo needles. It took we a while to knit with them, but I am comfortable with them now. If you have the time, please do a 9" needle sock-knitting video. That would be fantastic! I use DPNs for the heel flaps, which I don't mind because I like knitting with DPNs. But seeing how they are knitted with 9" needles would answer so many questions. THANKS!
I use both dpns and 9" circs. My favorite 9" circs are the Chiagoo for sure. I use them most. I have a Signature 9 " too and like them alot. But the join isn't as smooth. I really enjoy your videos!! Thank you!
I just started looking for a circular for socks, I have been using DPNs until now. Great review I am so glad to have found your review before purchasing. Thank you.
Hi Kristine. I don’t know how I missed this video! Great review! I’m just getting into socks again and trying new methods. I started using a fixed ChiaoGoo needle using Magic Loop. The needles were just too small for me to work with so I went up to a size 2. I had done 3 gauge swatches and couldn’t get it and there was no way I was going to an even smaller needle. This is more of a learning experience and I’m sure they will fit someone, lol. I am using sock weight yarn. I was planning on doing the whole sock using Magic Loop but when I switched to the size 2 needle I had to use my ChiaoGoo interchangeables and the yarn is not going smoothly over the join which I find extremely disappointing. Now I’m thinking of trying the 9 inch circulars. I have only one 9 inch and it’s the Clover. Do not like them. Tip is very very small. I can’t remember what size they are. I was going to try the ChiaoGoo but I’m concerned that the cord may be too stiff. I find that their cords vary a tiny bit. My interchangeable cords are a little stiffer than the fixed. I personally love Addi needles because of their blunt tip. I have had it with poking my finger on sharp points! The ChiaoGoo work well for me when I’m knitting lace. I ordered a 47 inch size 7 Hiya Hiya needle for a möbius cowl I was making and they were so sharp! And they weren’t even their ‘sharps”! They were the regular ones. I think I may try both the Addi easy knits and the Chiaogoo. I have one question. Does the Addi’s being 10 inches cause any sort of problem? Thanks. I hope you see this as this video is 2 years old! If not, that’s ok too! Thanks again!
Thanks Kristine! I actually ordered both the Addi Easy Knits and the Chiaogoo today! They will be here by Sunday. One should be here tomorrow. I will practice on both and I’m sure I will use them both! Thanks again!💕
I had tried the #2 9" Clover Takumi which are bamboo and did not like them, though I am an experienced knitter, I could not get used to them being so short as I have large hands and have suffered from a lot of arthritis. Though I found via diet, getting off of milk healed my hands, I still have some residual stiffness. My hands were going numb with these needles and in comparison to Magic Loop also with the Clover Takumi bamboo, I knit much faster doing Magic Loop on a 40" circ with one sock at a time. I did an experiment with double points, but my knitting is much smoother without them and liked the Magic Loop method overall. Though it won't make much difference when I wash the socks which is Paton's Kroy Sock which is mostly wool and some nylon (75%/25%). Nice warm and I like the pattern but if I make the same socks I think I'll go down from a 2 to a 1 or use the medium size. I may try the Addis with the longer needle. From reviews on Amazon, the one who wrote was using the longer needle in the right hand which is what I think I would try if I go for them. I actually really fly with Magic Loop. Thanks for the great review.
The Hiya Hiya 6" needles also come in the standard tip, which I have. When knitting socks I use all methods and it changes. I do love knitting with the DPN's. It all depends on what I fell like knitting with at the moment.
Hi Dawn -- thanks for that reminder about the regular Hiya Hiyas. I forget that because I really like the sharp tips in regular (longer) circular needles. I should try the standard tips in the 9" circulars. I'll bet I would like them better. :)
I always love your videos. Very very detailed but still informative. I just started making a sock. LOL I got a set of dpns from Knitters pride, wooden and colored. I don't like the laddering I sometimes get. I have gotten down to the heel now and will watch a couple of videos again to do that part. I am on a budget and have been looking at alternatives. While I have some circs I can use for magic loop I still havne't tried that method. I have been looking on Amazon at the 9 in circs for a while. I actually have Chiagoo ones in my wishlist. I like the Chiagoo to knit shawls, I like the cord, like the fact especially the tips a just a bit longer. Hiya hiya are just way too painful to use. I'm going to order the # 1 Chiagoo 9 in and see how I like it. I wish I knit continental but I just feel best knitting English style so I will have to see how I handle these. For a future product video, you could review the new needles by Addi that are for socks that only have a very small bend in the center and you get 3 of them. Can't remember the name. I think they are about 20.00 though. I wondered about how much easier those would be compared to other methods. Yes to a sock video especially the heel, like a series in doing fish lips kiss heel and several other heel methods. I think in the spring and summer sock knitting is much more desired. Right now this morning I'm knitting a shawl, rather big in something I'm designing myself on the bias. Actually using Lion's Brand Jeans yarn. It is so soft, comes in all the blue colors with one dark gold one.
Thank you for yet another interesting and educational video! I had forgotten that I actually have a set of Knit Picks interchangeable short needles (sadly they are just a little too big for socks) that I really should give a try again. I bought them a few years ago when I first learned how to knit and I have idea why ! 😂 I’m very interested in trying out the Chiao Goo shorties. I love my Chiao Goo red lace needles for magic loop sock knitting. They have such a nice pointy tip and the cables are fantastic. I may give the Hiya Hiya ones a try too. I’ve got some Addi turbo sock needles but I find them too blunt for patterned socks.
I have pretty small hands.. I use these tiny needles to knit preemie and newborn hats..??No socks for me.. Rubbing us easy.. I do it all the time.. Why not? I love these little guys.. mine are ChaiGoo Red Lace, and HiyaHiya Sharps..
Hello. Great research! I'm buying my needles according to your information. Ob the other hand, not sure if you have made a review of the different knitting styles or methods such as Continental, Portuguese and English. What is the less "painful" style for people with inflammatory conditions in the hands? Thanks!
Pam, I don't know about your answer for style methods but for inflammation try buying a natural anti inflammatory called Curamed at your local health food stores. My husband has this very painful problem and it works wonders for him. If you want more info let me know..
Pam, not sure if you are replying to my comment or Kristine's. Kristine, I also didn't mean to hi jack your subscriber either, but just trying to help someone in pain...anyway Pam the hubby says get the soft gels not the tablets because he didn't have luck with them. He said get the cheapest offer to make sure they will work for you. He said you will know with in a matter of an hour after taking them. You can find them on Amazon, he says try 2 of the 375mg because the price is better and to see how they work for YOU. Good luck, hope this helps!!!
I love my 9" circular needles! I started using the clover needles, because that is what they had at Joanns. I use them for every part of the sock, except the toe decreases, and switch to dpns. I don't think I would have made socks at all if I hadn't discovered the 9" circs.
Hi! Thank you for the great needle review. I have knit with the 9" chiagoo needles, and they are my favorite of the choices you offered. I have issues with knitting the heels on the tiny needles, so I would like a video on how you do yours. Right now I am knitting socks with the new FlexiFlips from Addi. When I first used them, I hated them. Then today I started a new sock and tried them again. This time I am doing better! I find them a bit awkward to hold, and I'd love to know what you think. I am determined to finish these socks with them. I learned on DPN's, so for years that was my favorite way to knit socks. But then I did the magic loop method for a while, but I hate the way you have to fiddle with cord. Maybe I try the 9" again after this pair of socks!
Hi Marianne -- nice to hear from you. I have the FlexiFlips, too, and have been trying them out for a couple of months. I'll probably talk about them in a video at some point. :)
Off topic, but does anyone else feel the need to print out and save online patterns incase of computer glitches? I am torn between having hard copies of my favorite patterns and not wanting to clutter up my house with pattern books.
Printing out and saving hard copies of knitting patterns is a smart move. My smartphone was stolen recently, so because I had no old phone from which to migrate files to my new phone, I lost a lot of my knitting patterns. I actually prefer using a printed knitting pattern because referring to it is so much easier than having to keep picking up the phone.
A tutorial for using the 9 inch circulars would be fantastic and sooo appreciated. Kristine, thank you so much for your informative and engaging podcast. I’m grateful for the time and effort you put into all your thoughtful, high quality presentations!
I actually emailed you about wanting this video, but since then I found out Chiaogoo is planning to release a set of "shorties" interchangeable needles. The sizes are 0-3, including half sizes) and you'll get 2" and 3" tips and 5, 6, and 8" cords to make total lengths between 9 and 14" (you can use a 2" and 3" together to get different lengths). They all use the mini cable size. I don't think they're going to be released until June, but I'm SO EXCITED that they're coming out with this set. Chiaogoo's website has almost no information about it (that I could find), but the Handsome Fibers website has a lot of information. I put myself on the waiting list so I can be notified when they come out!
I have been using Clover 9" for years and enjoy them a lot. I like 9" because I can't "lose"a needle as with dpns. I do use dpns for the heel flap and toe, but don't mind. Thank you for sharing all this information, I found it very interesting.
I think one of the things I'm most excited for is being able to assemble a variety of short needles to do sweater sleeves. I hate using magic loop for sleeves! The set is only going to come with size 0-3, but apparently you will be able to needles through size 8 separately. I have a hard time justifying buying a variety of sizes of 12" needles for sleeves, but I'd certainly buy them if they were interchangeable. June is just too far away!
You are completely right about 12'' needles. Some companies have fied 12inch circular needles but not interchangeable. ChiaoGoo has 12'' circular needles www.amazon.com/ChiaoGoo-Circular-Stainless-Knitting-6012-1/dp/B003BS36U4 KA (Kinki Amibari) has 12'' needles (they are amazing bamboo needles) www.purlescence.co.uk/Catalogue/Needles/Brand/Kinki-Amibari/Kinki-Amibari-Bamboo-Circulars/KA-Bamboo-Fixed-Circulars-12-30cm Addi has 12inc circular needles www.paradisefibers.com/products/copy-of-addi-turbo-circular-12-inch HiyaHiya has 12'' circular needles www.amazon.com/HiyaHiya-Circular-12-inch-Knitting-HISTCIR12-8/dp/B005N41PH0 But to be honest I prefer ChiaoGoo 12inch circular needles more. I can't wait for those new set..... Thank you very much again for the info.... Loads of love
Thank you for taking the time for doing this comparison. I loved it and it’s now an excellent reference that I will pass along to members of my knitting group. I love 9 inch circulars and dpns and now I’m in love with the addi flex and blight every size! I find that with the 9 inch circulars your hands have to adjust their grip and that may feel weird for some but after a few rows you don’t notice and you are knitting like a breeze. I think this review helps others to venture out and try new things! Thank you!
I am not a sock knitter (yet), but I do have a pair of Chaiogoo 9 inch circulars which I use to make mitered square afghans in baby weight yarn for donation to my local NICU. I love them. They allow me to knit quickly and easily, but the best part is that I never lose one needle down in the cushions of my favorite chair!
Everything I’ve seen about the Addi needles with the two different tip lengths (they're known as Sock Wonders in the UK) says you’re supposed to knit with the long end, not the short one. That’s the way I used them on a sleeve recently and they worked well for me. You've got more needle to manipulate stitches with. This might vary depending on knitting style but I’m a continental knitter as well and found them pretty comfortable once I got used to them.
For years I was a confirmed DPN lover, then I tried the Chiaogoo 9" circs. I'm definitely a fan of those now. I've experimented with some of the brands you reviewed today, with much the same opinion; Addi turbo and Clover Takumi needles are too blunt, Hiya-Hiya is too sharp, and Kollage is just awful with that catching join. I do switch to 24" circulars to work the short-row heel (leaving the resting stitches on the 9"), and would be interested to see your method of working your sock heel. Thanks for the review!
because I am a new knitter I find the selection of needles overwhelming. (although I have crocheted for the better part of 40 years). I have never been able to master knitting until about a month or so ago. being on a limited budget I would not and could not do a comprehensive comparison like you have so I really appreciate your insight and advice. thank you very much. so chiaogoo it is. thank you again.
I love my ChiaoGoo 9” needles. I have not been able to knit the heel flap with them and use dpns for that. I always used dpns and then tried magic loop, but now love my 9”. So yes please show us how to use them all the way to the toes... please. I cast on, I rib, I pattern etc. Just can’t figure out heel flap. And I do not like magic loop with this size needle or any really.
I looove tiny needles and use them to knit socks and sleeves all the time! I use Addi 8” circs & found they’re not to sharp & the cord is flexible. I knit English style and learned how to “flick” with my right hand and found it very easy to transition. Socks fly off my needles now! I also cast-on, rib, & knit heel flaps with 8-9” circs! 🙋🏻♀️
I have only made 2 pairs of socks, using dpns, and I must say that while I enjoyed the challenge of using dpns, I HATED the ladders that I could't stop getting, no matter how hard I pulled on them. I'm a little intimidated by the 2 circular needle method, so I was really looking forward to buying the bent dpns. They seem less likely to leave as many ladders. But now I'm buying these instead, because they seem very intuitive to use and will probably leave NO ladders! I can't wait! The only problem I have now is...which ones?
hey I'm learning on regular DPNs as well and my first leg of a sock I noticed laddering. Go to Very Pink Knits channel and she talks about it. I thought I needed to pull every needle change but that actually was causing my laddering. I didn't know this until listening to her videos. I'm going to try 9 inch ones but just thought I'd relaty the infor for you.
September 12, 2024: Just came across your channel. I have been looking for any review on 9” needles. I use circular needles but found it so fuzzy for socks. I also use the continental method. This is such a bonus for me and so happy that this video. Thank you for the boast of confidence that I needed.
I always thought that you are supposed to hold the longer Addi needle in right hand, because it is more comfortable to have a bit longer knitting needle and it doesn't matter so much for the holding needle. I also though that the longer one has a bit sharper point exactly because it is the working one... who of us has it right now? Did you try the other way around?
An interesting review on these short circulars, thank you! Last week I bought two sets of Chiaogoo short combo needles. These are interchangeable sets with two 2 inch needles and two 3 inch needles and two cables five inches and six inches so I can have any length from nine inches up to twelve inches! I bought the size needles I use most 2.25 mm for socks and 4mm which I have just knitted a cardigan sleeve on the twelve inch and, though I didn't think I would like them, I love them! The sleeve increases are so much smoother than on dpns and now I don't need to sew up a seam. Well, I have the cuff to sew up as I didn't have the correct needle size so knitted them flat. I can't wait to knit socks on the finer needles!
I am a new knitter and crochet mostly until I discovered continental knitting that was a game changer for me. I would love a video of you making socks on 9" needles and I want to master this because the other ways look to complicated IMHO. Liked & Subscribed!!! Alberta, Canada.
4/24 Thank you for this information! I’m a learning knitter and I’m determined to knit my first socks this year. I’ll order two sets of 9” circular needles and hope to find a “how to” video on UA-cam. 🧶🌻😊
Thanks for the info I Love tiny circular needles ❤ The Chaigoo were awesome for Teddy Bear parts I didn't like them for ribbing but I do Love the Knitters Pride zing 9" #2#3 the gauge is perfect and the ribbing is Awesome I'll send a photo of my Gloves I'm making a scarf and gloves I Love the Zings the sharpness is won by HiyaHiya Bamboo or Metal ones ❤
I'm making fingerless gloves w/5 #4 dpn. Not loving it, so I have ordered a 9" circular Chiaogoo, after which I found your review. Whew, it looks like I bought the right thing for my project! Thanks for this review. It was very helpful, and I will check out your other 'shows'. You were very helpful. Thanks so much! Be aware, I will be looking for hints about jobless cast-ons on these mini circulars.
Hi Kristine. This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I watched because I love 9” circular needles. I like the chiagoo and hiyahiya the best. One thing you didn’t mention about your testing was how the number of stitches worked on the 10” needles. I use 64 stitches for my socks. The 10” needles are too long for the number of stitches. The stitches are stretched too far apart and are difficult to knit. The kollage needles fought me every step. They wanted to be straight not curved. My hands have never hurt while knitting but with the needles advertised to not hurt while using, my hands were tired and hurt. Thanks for an interesting video.
I don’t knit socks, but I do use these tiny needles for preemie hats! They wirkmoerfectly fit the cute little hats.. ChaiGoo is my fav brand. Red Lace, of course. I have used the Hiya Hiya, the Dreamz.. as well as the ChsiGoo needles, and definitely prefer the ChaiGoo. They are my fav needles ....what I always go back to... I absolutely dislike bamboo needles... Way too grippy..
Hi Christine, enjoyed your review. I have tried Clover Takumi 9” circs, and had to make myself finish with them to the heel because I found them awkward compared to my usual dpn’s. I couldn’t force myself to continue with them and went back to my standard dpn’s. I don’t think I would try another brand, just stick to what I like! Too old to change I guess, I have been knitting for 60 years!
Oh, and for needle storage.... I have 3 interchangeable Chiaogoo sets, so they live in the cases they came in. I also purchased the Chiaogoo circular needle case which houses pairs of 16" circular needles but not very well, since it is too full to zip closed. I haven't figured out a good storage system for the 9" - 12" needles, which I am slowly collecting. I use the 10" for socks and the 12" for knitting sleeves in the round. Once the new 'mini' Chiaogoo interchangeable set comes out, maybe the Addi Easy Knits will fit in there! :-)
Thank you so much for this video. I just learned to knit socks. First to pairs on the ChiaoGoo 9 inch, third pair using the magic loop. I like the 9 inch once I get a couple rows done, pretty awkward at first. I learned the magic loop with the third pair, ChiaoGoo needles, l love the flexibility of the cord. I like the idea of the Addi with one needle slightly longer. With them being 10 inches though, did you find it a bit more difficult with the first couple rows being fussy? Was looking to try a pair of the Addis but the size I need I cannot find. I shall have to look at the Hiya Hiya sharps.
First. I apologize. I was thinking... just get to the reviews already. Found the chapters. Got straight to the reviews and OH MY GOSH! The clarity and detail of your reviews! I'll be going back to the introductions. Worth it. Thank you!. Liked and subscribed!
I have some of these needles but they cramp up my hands. My fingers cramp up and I have to stop knitting after just a few minutes! I made a crochet needle holder for my fixed circular needles because I don’t want them to kink up. I made a roll up storage pouch for my straight needles which I hardly ever use. My double points are in some little cardboard tubes that I bought from Knit Picks. I also have some interchangeable needles that have their own little storage pouch. I also made another roll up pouch for my crochet hooks and I have an interchangeable set of those that come in their own storage.
Hello -- yes, I know that happens with a lot of people. Sometimes mine get a little cramp, too. But I just stretch out my fingers periodically, and that works for me. I know that the tiny needles aren't for everyone, though. :)
Hi - I have tried 9" circs and couldn't make them work. BUT, I've kept them and plan on giving them another shot at some point. My gauge was too loose, but since I've tried them, I've changed to continental knitting so maybe that will help? They also were not easy on my hands... Thanks so much!
I would really like a video of you doing heels on the 9". I always do after thought heels (or technically forethought as I use waste yarn, I don't cut my yarn). I cast on with larger needles (I do cuff down, and my cast on edge is always really tight otherwise), do my ribbing and the body of the foot on my 9". For my toes and heel, I use 3 9" (think of it like how the flexi flips are used). I really tend to prefer my chaiogoo's, but wish the needles were shorter and were smoother (like the addi's), and slightly pointier. I found your video when searching to see if the hiyahiya's would be a good solution for me, but don't think I will get them now as you covered these questions in your video (same smoothness, but too pointy maybe?). Thank you for being so thorough!
I’d love to see a review of the many different interchangeable needles by ChiaoGoo. I get confused with all the options. Also, what do you think of needles
Great segment on 9-inch circulars! You probably already know that you can get Hiya Hiya circulars that are not sharps. I do know what you mean about poking your fingers with them because they are the needles that I usually use. Yes, please show us how you knit socks with 9-inch circulars. I've used them for fingerless gloves but haven't attempted socks yet.
I have not yet used tiny circulars, but am very keen to try them. I currently use KnitPicks Rainbow Wood Double Pointed Needles and enjoy them, however, I think a circular needle would be less cumbersome. With DPN's stitches can easily be dropped.
Perfect timing, I was going to try knitting socks with the small circumference needles. Which one to try was my question and now you have solved it. Since I already favor Chiaogoo needles for my regular knitting, they will be my first choice. Thank you for your extensive review.
I've been using the Addi Easy Knits for awhile and prefer to knit with the longer needle instead of the shorter needle. My 'career' with these shorter needles started with the 9" Chiaogoo's, which took me a few sessions to build up a resistance to the cramping that ensued from holding needles so differently than I had all my knitting life. I was able to knit several pairs of socks with them, but I did knit the cuff, heel flap, heel and toe more easily with 2 circs. I find that with the Addi Easy Knits there is NO cramping, (although my hands may have gotten conditioned by the 9" already), I can hold the longer needle in my right hand more easily and find knitting the cuff easier probably because of that extra 1". I have since started doing an afterthought heel on my socks, so the heel flap & turning the heel is no longer a consideration. Note: all my other needles are Chiagoo's, and I really look forward to their 'tiny' set that is coming out in May or June. Thanks for the reviews, Kristine!
I really want to love 9 or 10" circulars and I've tried the HiyaHiya sharps and the Addi Easy Knits 10" and both needles cramp my hands up so much while knitting with them. I'm a 'thrower' when knitting and that might be why it's so uncomfortable. I just recently started learning how to knit continental but with 10 years of muscle memory as an English knitter it's going to take awhile to make the transition but when I do I'll try the tiny needles again. Thanks for the great videos!
I have lots of these small circumference needles. I am not sure why because I don't use them. I probably tried and it was awkward. I saw vids for socks using two circs and tried just to try. I do knit socks using the magic loop method and a 42" cable. The brand I use is Hiya Hiya sharps. I like them but you are right about splitting and I haven't punctured myself yet but I am sure to be mindful when I use them. I use the underside of my fingernail which could be quite painful if the needle slipped. OUCH !!! Anyway, before I learned TAAT sock knitting, I really never wanted to knit the second sock so I gonna have to stick with that method. I have an idea for knitting tubes and I will try the small ones for that in fact, I think my set has a very short cable ... nope ... it doesn't. I can't wait to try the tiny needles. I am going to make long tubes and fill them with rice to heat and put on sore muscles or cold feet !!!
I tried the clover 9" only because I could buy them at Joanns and really like using 9", but prefer metal. I've been trying to decide what metal 9" needles and was think Chiaogoo - you're video confirmed my decision!
Yes, to a sock tutorial. I am not much of a sock knitter. Only one pair of wearable socks under my belt, done toe up with magic loop. Others were Christmas stockings. I found your enthusiasm for 9” needles interesting. The only ones I have encountered were inherited, hence old. The cord was very stiff, nearly rigid, and were tossed, not even donated. I am particularly interested in your “grip”. I have not liked needles that do not rest across my hands to the outer edge of my palm. There is something I do, that I like the leverage this gives me. Obviously, 2” tips will not do that. How do you use them and not have your fingers or hand cramp?
Wonderful video! I knit Portuguese style, exclusively, and I always have socks on my 9” ChiaoGoo Size 1 circs. I cast on 60 stitches and knit a 20 row 1X1 or 2X2 rib then start my sock pattern or plain stockinette. I do a Fish Lips Heel (my favorite because of no fiddliness) or a wedge heel and usually a wedge toe with a Russian graft. My gauge is usually 8 1/2 to 9 st/inch. I knit the entire sock except for the shaped toe with the circs. I have also knit the same sock inside out because purling is simpler in Portuguese knitting than knitting. Everything came out the same but I did not save any time purling inside out because I had to manage the curl over the needles and the grip was more awkward. I hold my hands lightly on the needles with needles at a 90 degree angle when crossed. It is very easy to control the first stitches on the needles then. I manage to keep a not -too-tight tension by easing up the needles a teensy bit after making the stitch so that the yarns fluffs to fill up the space between stitches on the needle before I start the next stitch. This loosens the tension on the back of the stitch and is an intuitive move. I very rarely have dropped stitches and am trying to learn how to knit while not looking now. Thank you so much for all the research you do.
Oh my goodness, I would love to see how you knit socks on a 9" circ! Thank you, and thanks for the informative videos!
I have never used tiny circular needles. BUT, I do have the Clover Takumi needle sets -- interchangeable, and straight, and I love the way they feel in my hand. Now, I am not a knitter -- just a knitter wanna be. One thing I really like about the Clover is that they help to hold the yarn it seems. And, for me that is huge. I have had trouble keeping the yarn where I want it in the past. I have struggled with trying to learn to knit for some years now. I know the stitches, and some of the other maneuvers, like M1, etc. But, I have yet to be able to put a pattern together. I have problems when I make a mistake -- I don't know how to take it out and get it all back on the needles. I think when I conquer that I will be able to knit. :) I have been a crocheter for many, many years.
you spent incredible research time on this video! thanks
Thank you for your fabulous review! It was filled with Very important information ! Please make a video of your way of knitting 🧦 socks because I need to learn to make them. No one knits in my family I’m alone on learnings. Thank you again your are pure Awesomeness! I have already purchased ChiaoGoo 9inches size 5 mm to make 18 doll hat and they are wonderful! because they are the red ChiaGoo and have a long tips.
i absolutely love the level of (scientific) control you apply in doing these comparisons. your clear-cut criteria and consistency make for what are (bar none) the most reliable reviews of the kind. thank you so much for all the time and work it takes to make that happen. now... pardon me while i go buy some circular sock needles.
p.s. i agree entirely regarding the Hiya Hiya tips. they are my favorite needle brand at present, but those tips did hurt a lot (until i developed a bit of a callous on my "pushing" finger), and i definitely split more stitches with them than with my Addi or Chiaogoo needles.
Hello, and thank you so much. As some others have reminded me in the comments here, Hiya Hiya does make regular (less sharp) tips, so I might have to try those in the 9" circulars. I forget that they have the blunter tips because I prefer the sharps in longer circular needles. XO
Thank you for not teaching us knitting - plenty of tutorials online. Your forte is sifting through information about knitting topics and testing and comparing - no one does this! It’s been helpful and I’ve purchased several of your reccommended books, needles, and accessories.
Thank you for your thorough research. I have just started using the Chiaogoo & decided to do a sock tube to truly get the practice. I am not a fast knitter, but have fallen in love (obsession) with sock knitting. For this reason, I have tried 4DPN, 5 DPN, & magic loop. 5 Dpns help my speed, but if I don't use another pair at the same time to knit the other sock, I will very likely get 2nd sock syndrome. To avoid that, I began using 2 @ a time magic loop. While it helps me complete a pair at a time, I find it slow & boring & fiddly (annoying). In the past 2 hrs I just managed to knit about 6" of one sock w the Chiaogoo 9" needle. I love it! I learned that putting almost no pressure on the needles or your fingers, makes it easier to use. Also, I place my left hand on the yarn & cable & use that to rest the (not fully gripping) pressure & help move the cloth to the tip. This allows me, a Continental knitter, to keep the sock rotating faster. I barely grip the right needle as I pick the stitches so they can keep moving & rotating (distributing down & to the left so I don't have to adjust sock , cable or needle.
Hi, Yes please knit a sock with the 9" needles. I just bought the 10" needles for socks but haven't tried yet.
Yes! Everything you said..... yes! I love 9" circs! I would absolutely love for you to show us your knitting techniques for socks! Yay! Can't wait!
Hi I really enjoy your podcasts. I am a fairly new knitter and believe it or not my first piece was a pair of socks. I watched a 7 part tutorial by Simply stiches. I think it has a heel flap and gusset but I'm not sure. I used 9 inch Chiagoo needles and loved them. This tutorial was made to show how to make socks with the circular needles. I made the whole sock with them I'm sure because I didn't have DPN's at the time. I am using DPN's for the center of a shawl right now and I am managing but find them to be fiddley. I think I will stick with the circulars for my socks. I have two so I did a cuff than the other and back and forth....both socks done at once. Thanks for all your great Information Kristine.
And you included a spreadsheet just as I was wishing for one. Awesome! Thanks very much. I've never tried these tiny needles, but I'm going to give them a shot, starting with the ChiaoGoos. I use DPNs mostly for socks, sometimes two circulars. I do not care for magic loop at all. I'd like to hear more about the knitting class you teach (or taught) at your university. Thanks again for all your work!
Hi Dr. Kelly! Loved your video about these teeny circular needles! I absolutely adore them. I fell in love with these needles when the bug bit me and knitting socks became my new hobby! At first I thought my big paws would be a hinderance to handling them but after getting my chiao goo's, it was just a matter of getting used to them. I don't like using dps's. No mater how I try, I can't get the hang of using them. The only time I use dpns is when it's time to close the toe doing the Kitchener stitch. I also have a pair of hiya hiya' s and love them too! You're right about poking a hole in your finger moving stitches off your needles. My right pointer finger has a small circular callus on it. I call it my battle scar. Lol. Thanks again for another great video! Can't wait for the next one.
This was great and soooo in depth. I personally learned to make socks on 9" chiao goo and I have never looked back. That brand is my favorite in all lengths. The join and cable are awesome plus I love red! I'm currently even using them to make mittens! I hope to get the interchangeable set soon in shorties. Thanks again for this wonderful info.
Hi Kimberly -- that's awesome. I'm going to do a review of the tiny interchangeables soon. 💙
Kristine Kelly 🤩🤩🤗🤗
Ohmygosh YES! I want you to do a sock-making tutorial!!!!! My other suggestion is that you put out the questions/improvements we beginning sock-ers would request for the filming of it because you would not believe the tragic outcome of this sock I just made because of steps and information skipped in the tutorial. I may be especially dumb, but somehow I ended up with inside parts knitted on the outside and a big drama at the end trying to scrunch on my Addis and what did I do on the ribbing?? One time my yarn attached to the ball was at the bottom of the knitting. This sock fits my leg and my granddaughter’s foot. We can share it. LOL! It’s okay because I’m putting this horrific sock in a shadow box to hang on the wall as an artifact and calling it ‘outsider art.’ Help! Xojennyinseattle
That was hilarious! Suddenly I don't feel so all alone... ; )
Thank you for the greatly informative video. I've tried 9-inch needles before but always had trouble. I also have trouble with 16-inch if the number of stitches doesn't perfectly fit the circumference of the wires/needles. I would love ❤️ to see a video / tutorial about knitting with 9-inch needles. Thanks again!
Thank you for this video. I am new to 9" circulars, and I am trying the Kollage Square with a firm cable. These needs do swivel at the join, which I really like, because it lets me hold the needles a bit differently in each hand and makes it easier for me to alternate holding the yarn in my left or right hand. Also, I think the join is really smooth on these, so it seems they have improved over the last few years. I don't know if I like them yet. I will give them two pairs of socks before I really decide. But if I don't love them, I will give the Chiaogoos a try. Thanks again!
Hi Dr. Kelly,
Thank you for doing this review. I really wanted to like the small circular needles, but it was not so great. I am a tight continental knitter and typically do magic loop and get a 9 inch gage on US 2 needles ChiaoGoo needles. I generally need 72 stitches for a sock. I purchased and used a US 2 9 inch ChiaoGoo needle, and except for placing half of the stitches on a holder while I was working the heel flap and gusset exclusively knit a pair of socks. The whole time I had the feeling that I was fighting against the cable resistance to stay in a circle. It made my hands tired. I found purling unpleasant, and that is not normally the case for me. I was considering trying a different brand of 9 inch circular in the hope that the cable on the ChiaoGoo was my issue. Your review was very helpful. At least for now, I think I am going to continue as a happy magic looper.
Hello -- yes, I completely understand. I definitely know that the tiny circumference needles aren't for everyone. We all can use the methods that are most comfortable to each of us. That is the beauty of knitting. :)
This was a great Classroom. I switched to Continental style in 2017... after 50 years of knitting! I also just got my first pair of 9" Hiya Hiya sharps and LOVE them. Yes, you do have to be careful with your finger! I might try the Addi easy knts after this review. It is so great that you tested so many needles. I also have a Chao Goo pair of 9" which I like but not as well. I love to knit but apparently, my real passion is dyeing yarn and roving. OH YES... and do mention if you ever talk about 9" circular again that it takes about 1/2 of a sock to get used to them. I almost gave up but I had heard there was a learning curve so stuck with it. Now, I am one of those 'switchers' from 9" to magic loop or dpns. But, I think it is because I am new to Continental style. Thank You!
Thanks for the review! I have the Clover Takumi ones and I like that they are bent but there just isn't enough needle for me to hold and my hands get cramped. I was hoping the Kollage ones would be better because of the longer tip length but I'm not willing to struggle with a rough join. I've been switching over to Chiaogoo interchangeables as my main needle set ever since your last review. I'm absolutely in love with them. Their mini red lace cord is almost too flexible but its great for 2 at a time magic loop which is my preferred sock knitting method.
I've only tried a wood-tipped 9" circular. I broke one tip in the middle of the sock. I bought a replacement needle that was a different brand, but much the same. When I cast on my next pair of socks on my long, long Chiao Goo circulars for 2-at-a-time socks, it was like a lovely homecoming hug. Perhaps I'll try the 9" circular that they make.
Thank you for your information about these needles. I would love a video showing how to knit socks on them.
Yes, I would love a video of how you do your sock heels. I love my 9 inch circulars and usually just do a cut in afterthought heel. I think its odd that people do not think they can cast on or do ribbing with them.
Love your use of the "scientific method" of analysis; right up my alley. Bought & tried some (?) 9-inch circs once. Haven't used again. Hand strain. Like Addi Lace 47" circs for 2-@-a-time socks. Although, the Signature Needle Arts fixed circs are nice (@ $40 each - GULP).🙂
I enjoyed this one so much I watched it twice! Thank you so much for doing this episode. Would really like to see how you knit socks with the 9 inch needles.
Hi Kristine, Thank you for another wonderful review. I use the ChiaoGoo, Hiya Hiya Sharps and Clover Bamboo needles. It took we a while to knit with them, but I am comfortable with them now. If you have the time, please do a 9" needle sock-knitting video. That would be fantastic! I use DPNs for the heel flaps, which I don't mind because I like knitting with DPNs. But seeing how they are knitted with 9" needles would answer so many questions. THANKS!
Thank you for doing this. I really struggle with sock knitting, and have always wanted to try the smaller circulars.
Yes a tutorial video would be good. I'm interested in those needles.
I use both dpns and 9" circs. My favorite 9" circs are the Chiagoo for sure. I use them most. I have a Signature 9 " too and like them alot. But the join isn't as smooth. I really enjoy your videos!! Thank you!
Yes sock tutorial !! Please
I just started looking for a circular for socks, I have been using DPNs until now. Great review I am so glad to have found your review before purchasing. Thank you.
Yes! Very interested in a sock tutorial.
Hi Kristine. I don’t know how I missed this video! Great review! I’m just getting into socks again and trying new methods. I started using a fixed ChiaoGoo needle using Magic Loop. The needles were just too small for me to work with so I went up to a size 2. I had done 3 gauge swatches and couldn’t get it and there was no way I was going to an even smaller needle. This is more of a learning experience and I’m sure they will fit someone, lol. I am using sock weight yarn. I was planning on doing the whole sock using Magic Loop but when I switched to the size 2 needle I had to use my ChiaoGoo interchangeables and the yarn is not going smoothly over the join which I find extremely disappointing. Now I’m thinking of trying the 9 inch circulars. I have only one 9 inch and it’s the Clover. Do not like them. Tip is very very small. I can’t remember what size they are. I was going to try the ChiaoGoo but I’m concerned that the cord may be too stiff. I find that their cords vary a tiny bit. My interchangeable cords are a little stiffer than the fixed. I personally love Addi needles because of their blunt tip. I have had it with poking my finger on sharp points! The ChiaoGoo work well for me when I’m knitting lace. I ordered a 47 inch size 7 Hiya Hiya needle for a möbius cowl I was making and they were so sharp! And they weren’t even their ‘sharps”! They were the regular ones. I think I may try both the Addi easy knits and the Chiaogoo. I have one question. Does the Addi’s being 10 inches cause any sort of problem? Thanks. I hope you see this as this video is 2 years old! If not, that’s ok too! Thanks again!
Hi Thea! I don’t think you’ll have an issue with the 10” Addis. Best wishes in your tiny needle adventures!
Thanks Kristine! I actually ordered both the Addi Easy Knits and the Chiaogoo today! They will be here by Sunday. One should be here tomorrow. I will practice on both and I’m sure I will use them both! Thanks again!💕
Really appreciate the in depth review!
I had tried the #2 9" Clover Takumi which are bamboo and did not like them, though I am an experienced knitter, I could not get used to them being so short as I have large hands and have suffered from a lot of arthritis. Though I found via diet, getting off of milk healed my hands, I still have some residual stiffness. My hands were going numb with these needles and in comparison to Magic Loop also with the Clover Takumi bamboo, I knit much faster doing Magic Loop on a 40" circ with one sock at a time.
I did an experiment with double points, but my knitting is much smoother without them and liked the Magic Loop method overall. Though it won't make much difference when I wash the socks which is Paton's Kroy Sock which is mostly wool and some nylon (75%/25%). Nice warm and I like the pattern but if I make the same socks I think I'll go down from a 2 to a 1 or use the medium size.
I may try the Addis with the longer needle. From reviews on Amazon, the one who wrote was using the longer needle in the right hand which is what I think I would try if I go for them. I actually really fly with Magic Loop.
Thanks for the great review.
Thank you for the reviews they were very thorough you did a. Great job
Very thorough. Thank you 😊
The Hiya Hiya 6" needles also come in the standard tip, which I have. When knitting socks I use all methods and it changes. I do love knitting with the DPN's. It all depends on what I fell like knitting with at the moment.
Hi Dawn -- thanks for that reminder about the regular Hiya Hiyas. I forget that because I really like the sharp tips in regular (longer) circular needles. I should try the standard tips in the 9" circulars. I'll bet I would like them better. :)
Excellent comparison 👍😊 Thank you 🌹👍
I always love your videos. Very very detailed but still informative. I just started making a sock. LOL I got a set of dpns from Knitters pride, wooden and colored. I don't like the laddering I sometimes get. I have gotten down to the heel now and will watch a couple of videos again to do that part. I am on a budget and have been looking at alternatives. While I have some circs I can use for magic loop I still havne't tried that method. I have been looking on Amazon at the 9 in circs for a while. I actually have Chiagoo ones in my wishlist. I like the Chiagoo to knit shawls, I like the cord, like the fact especially the tips a just a bit longer. Hiya hiya are just way too painful to use. I'm going to order the # 1 Chiagoo 9 in and see how I like it. I wish I knit continental but I just feel best knitting English style so I will have to see how I handle these. For a future product video, you could review the new needles by Addi that are for socks that only have a very small bend in the center and you get 3 of them. Can't remember the name. I think they are about 20.00 though. I wondered about how much easier those would be compared to other methods. Yes to a sock video especially the heel, like a series in doing fish lips kiss heel and several other heel methods. I think in the spring and summer sock knitting is much more desired. Right now this morning I'm knitting a shawl, rather big in something I'm designing myself on the bias. Actually using Lion's Brand Jeans yarn. It is so soft, comes in all the blue colors with one dark gold one.
Love them..my favorite now is Hiya Hiya reg.9 inch size 1
Thank you for yet another interesting and educational video! I had forgotten that I actually have a set of Knit Picks interchangeable short needles (sadly they are just a little too big for socks) that I really should give a try again. I bought them a few years ago when I first learned how to knit and I have idea why ! 😂 I’m very interested in trying out the Chiao Goo shorties. I love my Chiao Goo red lace needles for magic loop sock knitting. They have such a nice pointy tip and the cables are fantastic. I may give the Hiya Hiya ones a try too. I’ve got some Addi turbo sock needles but I find them too blunt for patterned socks.
I have pretty small hands.. I use these tiny needles to knit preemie and newborn hats..??No socks for me..
Rubbing us easy.. I do it all the time.. Why not? I love these little guys.. mine are ChaiGoo Red Lace, and HiyaHiya Sharps..
I want the addi easy knit but there all out of stock everywhere. I also heard that there are knock-off chiagoo s showing up on amazon
Toe up sock tutorial please without the afterthought heel
Thanks
Hello. Great research! I'm buying my needles according to your information. Ob the other hand, not sure if you have made a review of the different knitting styles or methods such as Continental, Portuguese and English. What is the less "painful" style for people with inflammatory conditions in the hands? Thanks!
Pam, I don't know about your answer for style methods but for inflammation try buying a natural anti inflammatory called Curamed at your local health food stores. My husband has this very painful problem and it works wonders for him. If you want more info let me know..
Thank youuuuuu! I just bought it.
Pam, not sure if you are replying to my comment or Kristine's. Kristine, I also didn't mean to hi jack your subscriber either, but just trying to help someone in pain...anyway Pam the hubby says get the soft gels not the tablets because he didn't have luck with them. He said get the cheapest offer to make sure they will work for you. He said you will know with in a matter of an hour after taking them. You can find them on Amazon, he says try 2 of the 375mg because the price is better and to see how they work for YOU. Good luck, hope this helps!!!
Oh yes can you please show how to knit socks on 9”......thanks
Hi! (Fun shoutout.) Had fun knitting with you, too! 😉
Yes please. I want the video❤️
I love my 9" circular needles! I started using the clover needles, because that is what they had at Joanns. I use them for every part of the sock, except the toe decreases, and switch to dpns. I don't think I would have made socks at all if I hadn't discovered the 9" circs.
Hi! Thank you for the great needle review. I have knit with the 9" chiagoo needles, and they are my favorite of the choices you offered. I have issues with knitting the heels on the tiny needles, so I would like a video on how you do yours. Right now I am knitting socks with the new FlexiFlips from Addi. When I first used them, I hated them. Then today I started a new sock and tried them again. This time I am doing better! I find them a bit awkward to hold, and I'd love to know what you think. I am determined to finish these socks with them. I learned on DPN's, so for years that was my favorite way to knit socks. But then I did the magic loop method for a while, but I hate the way you have to fiddle with cord. Maybe I try the 9" again after this pair of socks!
Hi Marianne -- nice to hear from you. I have the FlexiFlips, too, and have been trying them out for a couple of months. I'll probably talk about them in a video at some point. :)
I prefer 80cm length circular needles, magic loop method for socks. Without memory and smooth joins!
Thank you!!!!
Which size would I use for a kids hat please help x
You can use either one.
Excelente
I have no interest in knitting socks, but I do use them for preemie/newborn hats.
Off topic, but does anyone else feel the need to print out and save online patterns incase of computer glitches? I am torn between having hard copies of my favorite patterns and not wanting to clutter up my house with pattern books.
Printing out and saving hard copies of knitting patterns is a smart move. My smartphone was stolen recently, so because I had no old phone from which to migrate files to my new phone, I lost a lot of my knitting patterns. I actually prefer using a printed knitting pattern because referring to it is so much easier than having to keep picking up the phone.
Oh yes please can you show us an easy sock tutorial?!
Yes, Yes, Please!!!
has it come out yet?
A tutorial for using the 9 inch circulars would be fantastic and sooo appreciated. Kristine, thank you so much for your informative and engaging podcast. I’m grateful for the time and effort you put into all your thoughtful, high quality presentations!
I actually emailed you about wanting this video, but since then I found out Chiaogoo is planning to release a set of "shorties" interchangeable needles. The sizes are 0-3, including half sizes) and you'll get 2" and 3" tips and 5, 6, and 8" cords to make total lengths between 9 and 14" (you can use a 2" and 3" together to get different lengths). They all use the mini cable size. I don't think they're going to be released until June, but I'm SO EXCITED that they're coming out with this set. Chiaogoo's website has almost no information about it (that I could find), but the Handsome Fibers website has a lot of information. I put myself on the waiting list so I can be notified when they come out!
I just heard about these new Chiagoo Needles too. Can't wait!
I have been using Clover 9" for years and enjoy them a lot. I like 9" because I can't "lose"a needle as with dpns. I do use dpns for the heel flap and toe, but don't mind. Thank you for sharing all this information, I found it very interesting.
Oh thank you for the eiting info...
I think one of the things I'm most excited for is being able to assemble a variety of short needles to do sweater sleeves. I hate using magic loop for sleeves! The set is only going to come with size 0-3, but apparently you will be able to needles through size 8 separately. I have a hard time justifying buying a variety of sizes of 12" needles for sleeves, but I'd certainly buy them if they were interchangeable. June is just too far away!
You are completely right about 12'' needles. Some companies have fied 12inch circular needles but not interchangeable.
ChiaoGoo has 12'' circular needles
www.amazon.com/ChiaoGoo-Circular-Stainless-Knitting-6012-1/dp/B003BS36U4
KA (Kinki Amibari) has 12'' needles (they are amazing bamboo needles)
www.purlescence.co.uk/Catalogue/Needles/Brand/Kinki-Amibari/Kinki-Amibari-Bamboo-Circulars/KA-Bamboo-Fixed-Circulars-12-30cm
Addi has 12inc circular needles
www.paradisefibers.com/products/copy-of-addi-turbo-circular-12-inch
HiyaHiya has 12'' circular needles
www.amazon.com/HiyaHiya-Circular-12-inch-Knitting-HISTCIR12-8/dp/B005N41PH0
But to be honest I prefer ChiaoGoo 12inch circular needles more.
I can't wait for those new set.....
Thank you very much again for the info....
Loads of love
Thank you for taking the time for doing this comparison. I loved it and it’s now an excellent reference that I will pass along to members of my knitting group. I love 9 inch circulars and dpns and now I’m in love with the addi flex and blight every size! I find that with the 9 inch circulars your hands have to adjust their grip and that may feel weird for some but after a few rows you don’t notice and you are knitting like a breeze. I think this review helps others to venture out and try new things! Thank you!
i would love a video on your knitting on 9 inch needles.
I am not a sock knitter (yet), but I do have a pair of Chaiogoo 9 inch circulars which I use to make mitered square afghans in baby weight yarn for donation to my local NICU. I love them. They allow me to knit quickly and easily, but the best part is that I never lose one needle down in the cushions of my favorite chair!
Everything I’ve seen about the Addi needles with the two different tip lengths (they're known as Sock Wonders in the UK) says you’re supposed to knit with the long end, not the short one. That’s the way I used them on a sleeve recently and they worked well for me. You've got more needle to manipulate stitches with. This might vary depending on knitting style but I’m a continental knitter as well and found them pretty comfortable once I got used to them.
Thank you for this video When you were learning to knit socks did you use DPN's? I would enjoy a video illustrating how you knit socks Thanks
For years I was a confirmed DPN lover, then I tried the Chiaogoo 9" circs. I'm definitely a fan of those now. I've experimented with some of the brands you reviewed today, with much the same opinion; Addi turbo and Clover Takumi needles are too blunt, Hiya-Hiya is too sharp, and Kollage is just awful with that catching join. I do switch to 24" circulars to work the short-row heel (leaving the resting stitches on the 9"), and would be interested to see your method of working your sock heel. Thanks for the review!
because I am a new knitter I find the selection of needles overwhelming. (although I have crocheted for the better part of 40 years). I have never been able to master knitting until about a month or so ago. being on a limited budget I would not and could not do a comprehensive comparison like you have so I really appreciate your insight and advice. thank you very much. so chiaogoo it is.
thank you again.
I would love for you to do a sock class. I have tried several times on DPNS but have had no luck.
I love my ChiaoGoo 9” needles. I have not been able to knit the heel flap with them and use dpns for that. I always used dpns and then tried magic loop, but now love my 9”. So yes please show us how to use them all the way to the toes... please. I cast on, I rib, I pattern etc. Just can’t figure out heel flap. And I do not like magic loop with this size needle or any really.
I looove tiny needles and use them to knit socks and sleeves all the time! I use Addi 8” circs & found they’re not to sharp & the cord is flexible. I knit English style and learned how to “flick” with my right hand and found it very easy to transition. Socks fly off my needles now! I also cast-on, rib, & knit heel flaps with 8-9” circs! 🙋🏻♀️
Yes please do a video on making socks with tiny circulars.
I have only made 2 pairs of socks, using dpns, and I must say that while I enjoyed the challenge of using dpns, I HATED the ladders that I could't stop getting, no matter how hard I pulled on them. I'm a little intimidated by the 2 circular needle method, so I was really looking forward to buying the bent dpns. They seem less likely to leave as many ladders. But now I'm buying these instead, because they seem very intuitive to use and will probably leave NO ladders! I can't wait! The only problem I have now is...which ones?
hey I'm learning on regular DPNs as well and my first leg of a sock I noticed laddering. Go to Very Pink Knits channel and she talks about it. I thought I needed to pull every needle change but that actually was causing my laddering. I didn't know this until listening to her videos. I'm going to try 9 inch ones but just thought I'd relaty the infor for you.
Jennifer Ann Fox Thanks, I'll check it out!
September 12, 2024: Just came across your channel. I have been looking for any review on 9” needles. I use circular needles but found it so fuzzy for socks. I also use the continental method. This is such a bonus for me and so happy that this video. Thank you for the boast of confidence that I needed.
I always thought that you are supposed to hold the longer Addi needle in right hand, because it is more comfortable to have a bit longer knitting needle and it doesn't matter so much for the holding needle. I also though that the longer one has a bit sharper point exactly because it is the working one... who of us has it right now? Did you try the other way around?
An interesting review on these short circulars, thank you! Last week I bought two sets of Chiaogoo short combo needles. These are interchangeable sets with two 2 inch needles and two 3 inch needles and two cables five inches and six inches so I can have any length from nine inches up to twelve inches! I bought the size needles I use most 2.25 mm for socks and 4mm which I have just knitted a cardigan sleeve on the twelve inch and, though I didn't think I would like them, I love them! The sleeve increases are so much smoother than on dpns and now I don't need to sew up a seam. Well, I have the cuff to sew up as I didn't have the correct needle size so knitted them flat. I can't wait to knit socks on the finer needles!
I am a new knitter and crochet mostly until I discovered continental knitting that was a game changer for me. I would love a video of you making socks on 9" needles and I want to master this because the other ways look to complicated IMHO. Liked & Subscribed!!! Alberta, Canada.
4/24 Thank you for this information! I’m a learning knitter and I’m determined to knit my first socks this year. I’ll order two sets of 9” circular needles and hope to find a “how to” video on UA-cam. 🧶🌻😊
Yes, ma'am. Absolutely a tutorial knitting socks.
Phew! What a relief! Yes video, please 😊
Thanks for the info I Love tiny circular needles ❤ The Chaigoo were awesome for Teddy Bear parts I didn't like them for ribbing but I do Love the Knitters Pride zing 9" #2#3 the gauge is perfect and the ribbing is Awesome I'll send a photo of my Gloves I'm making a scarf and gloves I Love the Zings the sharpness is won by HiyaHiya Bamboo or Metal ones ❤
I'm making fingerless gloves w/5 #4 dpn. Not loving it, so I have ordered a 9" circular Chiaogoo, after which I found your review. Whew, it looks like I bought the right thing for my project! Thanks for this review. It was very helpful, and I will check out your other 'shows'. You were very helpful. Thanks so much! Be aware, I will be looking for hints about jobless cast-ons on these mini circulars.
Hi Kristine. This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I watched because I love 9” circular needles. I like the chiagoo and hiyahiya the best. One thing you didn’t mention about your testing was how the number of stitches worked on the 10” needles. I use 64 stitches for my socks. The 10” needles are too long for the number of stitches. The stitches are stretched too far apart and are difficult to knit. The kollage needles fought me every step. They wanted to be straight not curved. My hands have never hurt while knitting but with the needles advertised to not hurt while using, my hands were tired and hurt. Thanks for an interesting video.
Very informative, thank you!
I don’t knit socks, but I do use these tiny needles for preemie hats! They wirkmoerfectly fit the cute little hats.. ChaiGoo is my fav brand. Red Lace, of course.
I have used the Hiya Hiya, the Dreamz.. as well as the ChsiGoo needles, and definitely prefer the ChaiGoo. They are my fav needles ....what I always go back to... I absolutely dislike bamboo needles... Way too grippy..
Hi Christine, enjoyed your review. I have tried Clover Takumi 9” circs, and had to make myself finish with them to the heel because I found them awkward compared to my usual dpn’s. I couldn’t force myself to continue with them and went back to my standard dpn’s. I don’t think I would try another brand, just stick to what I like! Too old to change I guess, I have been knitting for 60 years!
Oh, and for needle storage.... I have 3 interchangeable Chiaogoo sets, so they live in the cases they came in. I also purchased the Chiaogoo circular needle case which houses pairs of 16" circular needles but not very well, since it is too full to zip closed. I haven't figured out a good storage system for the 9" - 12" needles, which I am slowly collecting. I use the 10" for socks and the 12" for knitting sleeves in the round. Once the new 'mini' Chiaogoo interchangeable set comes out, maybe the Addi Easy Knits will fit in there! :-)
Thank you so much for this video. I just learned to knit socks. First to pairs on the ChiaoGoo 9 inch, third pair using the magic loop. I like the 9 inch once I get a couple rows done, pretty awkward at first. I learned the magic loop with the third pair, ChiaoGoo needles, l love the flexibility of the cord. I like the idea of the Addi with one needle slightly longer. With them being 10 inches though, did you find it a bit more difficult with the first couple rows being fussy? Was looking to try a pair of the Addis but the size I need I cannot find. I shall have to look at the Hiya Hiya sharps.
First. I apologize. I was thinking... just get to the reviews already.
Found the chapters. Got straight to the reviews and OH MY GOSH! The clarity and detail of your reviews! I'll be going back to the introductions. Worth it. Thank you!.
Liked and subscribed!
I have some of these needles but they cramp up my hands. My fingers cramp up and I have to stop knitting after just a few minutes! I made a crochet needle holder for my fixed circular needles because I don’t want them to kink up. I made a roll up storage pouch for my straight needles which I hardly ever use. My double points are in some little cardboard tubes that I bought from Knit Picks. I also have some interchangeable needles that have their own little storage pouch. I also made another roll up pouch for my crochet hooks and I have an interchangeable set of those that come in their own storage.
BeatlesFanSonia yes my hands cramped up too
Hello -- yes, I know that happens with a lot of people. Sometimes mine get a little cramp, too. But I just stretch out my fingers periodically, and that works for me. I know that the tiny needles aren't for everyone, though. :)
Hi - I have tried 9" circs and couldn't make them work. BUT, I've kept them and plan on giving them another shot at some point. My gauge was too loose, but since I've tried them, I've changed to continental knitting so maybe that will help? They also were not easy on my hands... Thanks so much!
I would really like a video of you doing heels on the 9". I always do after thought heels (or technically forethought as I use waste yarn, I don't cut my yarn). I cast on with larger needles (I do cuff down, and my cast on edge is always really tight otherwise), do my ribbing and the body of the foot on my 9". For my toes and heel, I use 3 9" (think of it like how the flexi flips are used).
I really tend to prefer my chaiogoo's, but wish the needles were shorter and were smoother (like the addi's), and slightly pointier. I found your video when searching to see if the hiyahiya's would be a good solution for me, but don't think I will get them now as you covered these questions in your video (same smoothness, but too pointy maybe?). Thank you for being so thorough!
I’d love to see a review of the many different interchangeable needles by ChiaoGoo. I get confused with all the options. Also, what do you think of needles
Great segment on 9-inch circulars! You probably already know that you can get Hiya Hiya circulars that are not sharps. I do know what you mean about poking your fingers with them because they are the needles that I usually use. Yes, please show us how you knit socks with 9-inch circulars. I've used them for fingerless gloves but haven't attempted socks yet.
I have not yet used tiny circulars, but am very keen to try them. I currently use KnitPicks Rainbow Wood Double Pointed Needles and enjoy them, however, I think a circular needle would be less cumbersome. With DPN's stitches can easily be dropped.
Perfect timing, I was going to try knitting socks with the small circumference needles. Which one to try was my question and now you have solved it. Since I already favor Chiaogoo needles for my regular knitting, they will be my first choice. Thank you for your extensive review.
I've been using the Addi Easy Knits for awhile and prefer to knit with the longer needle instead of the shorter needle. My 'career' with these shorter needles started with the 9" Chiaogoo's, which took me a few sessions to build up a resistance to the cramping that ensued from holding needles so differently than I had all my knitting life. I was able to knit several pairs of socks with them, but I did knit the cuff, heel flap, heel and toe more easily with 2 circs. I find that with the Addi Easy Knits there is NO cramping, (although my hands may have gotten conditioned by the 9" already), I can hold the longer needle in my right hand more easily and find knitting the cuff easier probably because of that extra 1". I have since started doing an afterthought heel on my socks, so the heel flap & turning the heel is no longer a consideration. Note: all my other needles are Chiagoo's, and I really look forward to their 'tiny' set that is coming out in May or June. Thanks for the reviews, Kristine!
I really want to love 9 or 10" circulars and I've tried the HiyaHiya sharps and the Addi Easy Knits 10" and both needles cramp my hands up so much while knitting with them. I'm a 'thrower' when knitting and that might be why it's so uncomfortable. I just recently started learning how to knit continental but with 10 years of muscle memory as an English knitter it's going to take awhile to make the transition but when I do I'll try the tiny needles again. Thanks for the great videos!
I have lots of these small circumference needles. I am not sure why because I don't use them. I probably tried and it was awkward. I saw vids for socks using two circs and tried just to try. I do knit socks using the magic loop method and a 42" cable. The brand I use is Hiya Hiya sharps. I like them but you are right about splitting and I haven't punctured myself yet but I am sure to be mindful when I use them. I use the underside of my fingernail which could be quite painful if the needle slipped. OUCH !!! Anyway, before I learned TAAT sock knitting, I really never wanted to knit the second sock so I gonna have to stick with that method. I have an idea for knitting tubes and I will try the small ones for that in fact, I think my set has a very short cable ... nope ... it doesn't. I can't wait to try the tiny needles. I am going to make long tubes and fill them with rice to heat and put on sore muscles or cold feet !!!
I tried the clover 9" only because I could buy them at Joanns and really like using 9", but prefer metal. I've been trying to decide what metal 9" needles and was think Chiaogoo - you're video confirmed my decision!
Yes, to a sock tutorial. I am not much of a sock knitter. Only one pair of wearable socks under my belt, done toe up with magic loop. Others were Christmas stockings. I found your enthusiasm for 9” needles interesting. The only ones I have encountered were inherited, hence old. The cord was very stiff, nearly rigid, and were tossed, not even donated. I am particularly interested in your “grip”. I have not liked needles that do not rest across my hands to the outer edge of my palm. There is something I do, that I like the leverage this gives me. Obviously, 2” tips will not do that. How do you use them and not have your fingers or hand cramp?
Wonderful video! I knit Portuguese style, exclusively, and I always have socks on my 9” ChiaoGoo Size 1 circs. I cast on 60 stitches and knit a 20 row 1X1 or 2X2 rib then start my sock pattern or plain stockinette. I do a Fish Lips Heel (my favorite because of no fiddliness) or a wedge heel and usually a wedge toe with a Russian graft. My gauge is usually 8 1/2 to 9 st/inch. I knit the entire sock except for the shaped toe with the circs. I have also knit the same sock inside out because purling is simpler in Portuguese knitting than knitting. Everything came out the same but I did not save any time purling inside out because I had to manage the curl over the needles and the grip was more awkward. I hold my hands lightly on the needles with needles at a 90 degree angle when crossed. It is very easy to control the first stitches on the needles then. I manage to keep a not -too-tight tension by easing up the needles a teensy bit after making the stitch so that the yarns fluffs to fill up the space between stitches on the needle before I start the next stitch. This loosens the tension on the back of the stitch and is an intuitive move. I very rarely have dropped stitches and am trying to learn how to knit while not looking now. Thank you so much for all the research you do.