I’m sure most of you know that there are now XL flexiflips, which solves the problem of finding the originals too short. I LOVE my XL ones! They also come as a squared version with a sort of bumpy surface; I thought this would slow me down, but it really doesn’t, and the surface holds the stitches well too - not sure how they achieve that, but for me they are both smooth and glide-y but not scarily slippery.
I found this video to be very helpful. I was having trouble with these and your tips made a big difference! Always appreciate your clear teaching style, Roxanne.
When knitting in the round with double points I ALWAYS use a rubber point protector on the transition needle so I don't lose track of the new round start. I am a self taught knitter and it seems like sometimes I figured out a way to solve a problem others may not have. In knitting groups people are always complaining about stitches falling off double points and mine don't because I use point protectors. I also use double points (and circs too) for flat knit projects like scarves because I always found long needles really awkward to use. The shorter the needle the better I like it.
Thank you. I've been debating with myself about these needles. I hold my needles just like you do so the length of the tip would be an issue for me. This was very helpful.
Very interesting review. I especially appreciate your discussion of how the tip length affects your gauge. I hold needles similarly to you, and when I tried to use 9 in circ to do a sweater sleeve, my gauge was totally off the rest of the work and I had no idea why. I usually do socks 2 at a time magic loop, but was hoping these might solve my sleeve conundrum.
In using the two circs method, it seems to me you could add a third, similar sized circular needle and mimic the flexiflips. I think I'll give that a try. It would also solve the problem you have with the flexiflips being too short for your hand. I love your videos and you present concepts so logically and clearly compared to some presenters. I've learned so much from you as a fairly new knitter (1 year). I think I would have given up and figured I just couldn’t knit if it hadn't been for you. Knitting has stymied me since I was a little girl. Now I can trade off between knitting and my first love crocheting as the mood strikes with confidence. Thank you from this 74 year old who loves to learn new things. Blessings, good health, success and happiness to you and yours.
Hello and thanks for the review. Being in Germany, of course the reviews I get offered are by Sylvie herself and of course she would promote her patent no-matter-what. I also like your technical/objective approach.
Ah, I didn't realize that these needles were an invention of Sylvie. I had watched her video, and realized those were her hands in the booklet, but I didn't realize they were her invention, and that "CraSy" is part of her website domain name, and her designing name. Thanks for that! :-)
Love your review as it shows these new needles in their purist form. For me, I use them until I reach the heel flap and then add in 2 dpns until I'm back to working in the round. Takes all the pressure off for picking up the gusset stitches. Agree that I would like to see the needles at the 5" length for more comfort.
Yes 5" length and 4 needles - I keep missing a fourth needle - I have tried and tried but always putting them away. I will sell them as I have the same issues as mentioned in the video and by you.
Thanks for taking the time to produce this video and review these needles! I work at a LYS, and my boss had first mentioned them (she is a DPN gal), but since we decided to quit carrying Addi products, they probably weren't something we'd bring in on their own. They really are a hybrid of DPN's and 2 circs, and I can see them being a tool of choice for maybe sock knitters. However, I think it's great that even more options are offered for knitting in the round, because as we all know, all methods are fiddly in their own way ;). If customers inquire about them, I will direct them to your video here so they can see them in action. These needles aren't for me, either - I'm a ML'er, and the way the tip of the needle was getting in the way as you were knitting is why I don't like or use DPN's for ITR knitting....they are great for i-cord and fixing multiple stitch mistakes with several ladders, however. Keep up the great work on the videos, and have a great 2018!
Thanks for your comment! I love exploring new and different techniques and tools to see which ones I might adopt as a primary method of accomplishing a task, and which techniques and tools might not be for me, but still have utility in specific circumstances, while at the same time, recognizing that different knitters have very different feelings about the tools and techniques I prefer. It's great to know what's out there, and to see what the potential advantages and disadvantages a given tool/technique might have for different knitters!
ROX, Thanks for showing the important part, to me (the heel & gusset) of the sock set up on these needles (also, the funnest part of sock construction for me) and the correct use with the 3rd working needle.
Thank you for this great review! You highlighted certain characteristics (needle tip length) that might impact my gauge, and I appreciate that information. Thanks again!
I just starting using mine and I really like them! A little cumbersome, but I am use to circulars and just didn’t like the feel of DPNs, so these work great for me.
Hi Roxanne, thank you for another great tutorial. I just thought that you might like to know the XL version has a 5" needle instead of the 4". This made a difference to me and it appears from your comments that it would for you too. These are now my favorite for small circumference in the round. The longer length needle made all the difference. Also, the Crazy trio from Europe have a permanent slight angle/bend to them that helps with both advancing stitches and not having to manipulate them back to the center of the second needle as with the more "floppy" ones. Thanks again! Always learn something from you and I appreciate that.
I did an update on the FlexiFlips in a segment of my Casual Friday podcast a while back. ua-cam.com/video/aCUWUV9RVbc/v-deo.html At the time, the metal XL was a bit longer than the original, but still too short. Only the bamboo XL had a 5'' tip, and they were only available in tip diameters of 4.0mm or higher. If they've changed again since then, that would be interesting.
I had bought a set of Flexi-Flips in a size 1 US, as though I had heard that this size Addi needles were actually 1-1/2 US size. The size was specified at the time on Amazon, as 2.25 which is the correct mm size for US size 1. But the Addi needles on the pkg., read 2.5 mm. I was hoping to use them on my sock recipe which is perfect for my foot on size 1. So I kept them but was disgruntled. Now my daughter-in-law is pregnant with TWINS!!! So I have 2 x's the baby booties and bay socks to knit. So I found a patter for the size 1-1/2. Really like the Flexi-Flips. As a baby sock is so fewer stitches, all the picked up stitches on the gussets with going across the top of the heel flap isn't a problem for me and keeps me from managing all the stitch markers to find my decreases. I tried Magic Loop and found the Addi worked more comfortably and I did not have to reposition my needles to do the toe decreases. I got used to the shorter tips in the meanwhile I had gotten the ChiaoGoo Mini Twists in the red pouch which I love. The shorter tips are fine for knitting adult socks but if one is knitting the ribbing on socks for a baby sock, then the Flexi-Flips is far better as the diameter of the circle is too narrow to use the 9" circular method. So here I switched to Magic Loop and am doing ribbing on size 0, OMG!!! The 0 size is from my ChiaoGoo Mini Twists in the red pouch and the tip is no longer than 3". Hanging on to the stainless tip in my right hand whether using Continental (my usual method now) vs. English Flicking, makes the needle had to hold onto. But... in the midst of Coronavirus madness, we have blue surgical Nitrile gloves and one finger cut from a glove on my right ring finger gives me enough grip without being driven up the wall by the glove on my whole hand. The whole hand make the needle then too sticky to the glove. One finger is just perfect. I may get other Flexi-Flips in the stainless steel as I am used to working with them now and then I can get smaller sizes than the bamboo goes. I like the stainless steel now. I used to have such arthritis that I didn't have enough grip to use them. Now I do. Who knew a change in diet along with daily knitting could rehabilitate my hands. So glad it worked. Thank you for your many fine videos, Roxanne, very much appreciate them.
To your review I'd like to add that, as a top-down, heal-flap-and-gusset knitter, I use a couple of dpns as I am picking up the stitches so as not to have to fiddle around with where the row begins and ends, having to slip stitches around or having all the stitches on one needle; to avoid any jog/ladder characteristics, I make sure the stitches on the needle I've just finshed are on the cable between the tips; because they were so expensive I'm sticking at them to make them work for me and am much happier with how the second pair are going; I would have preferred both tips to be pointed. The next pair will be toe up vanillas as there is a pattern I really want to try on ravelry and I have never done toe-ups before. After that I will try colour-work mittens, they are the reason I purchased these needles in the first place as I can't the same smooth transition on them as for socks on dpns.
I recently purchased these needles. I have small hands and just couldn’t get the hang of DPNS. I had ladders and kept loosing my stitches. I gave up on them. However, I saw these on-line and decided to give them a try. So far so good. My sock is looking good. I will use another one to do the heel flap. I guess it depends on your tastes and how you knit. Thank you for your review.
they now have some with longer tips. they call them ergonomic. i just bought some and are waiting for them to arrive to try for myself, like you i need the longer tips to fit my hand. excited to try a new method for my socks!
Thanks for a great review! Up until last night I’ve only used dpns to finish the top of hats. Last night we started a project with dpns and I am feeling quite pleased with myself! Once I got going it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I’m determined to conquer them. I’ve been knitting for years but always shied away from them. Now this is the second type of curved dpns I’ve seen. I haven’t tried either but I do love my Addi Turbo clicks! When I don’t need a sharp point for lace I use my Addi’s. Love them. When I knit socks I use 2 needles at the same time while making both socks at the same time. Keeps the tension and gauge even on both. For some reason I have no desire to learn magic loop. Maybe someday. Thanks again!
bless your heart. so great to hear your opinion. my knitting style is like yours, where the needle sort of needs to rest on the inside of my palm. which makes it not good when i tried the very small circular for my socks. eventually i may try these, but for now why fix anything that i am satisfied with and ill continue with my most lovely dpns. im sure soon the market will make these with a longer needle point. that is when i may make the purchase.thanks again. stacy
It took me forever to really understand all the different parts of my knitting style, and to realize I don't actually "hold" the needles, as other people do! :-)
Great review, thank you. Just a note though, the Crasy Trio is not the same as Flexiflips. Both are quite different. They are both flexible, yes, but the Crasy Trio's flexible cable is permanently curved which is quite helpful when using them. The Flexiflips are straight and can go any whichway... I have some coming to try but I'm really enjoying the Crasy Trio.
Great review as always! I just found out that there now is Flexi flips XL or Crasy trio long. Would you maybe do another review on them? Would be really interesting to know if they work better for you! Thanks for a great channel!
Roxanne! Very interesting. I have just taught myself how to do 2 socks at a time on one circular..and I love it. I have just done my first flk heel and love that too. Great video as usual. Thankyou🎄happy new year
I got these for Christmas I bought them online on eBay from the UK. I tried these needles on Christmas after I unwrapped them and I love them!!! I got two size 2.75 and 3.75 set of these needles. But then I love my 9 inch circular needles and my Neko Knit Curved Double Pointed Needles I got for Christmas last year.
I just ordered a set of flexi-flips so I am extremely grateful for your review. The short tips are a problem for too. I knit hats on two circular needles fairly often and hate the challenge of not twisting the yarn after casting on. I like knitting a few rounds on dpns before I transfer the work to the circular needles. The best solution for me would be a 20" needle with long tips which would make knitting hats so much easier. It would be nice if Addi would manufacture a "Hat" needle!
Since I did that review, they have come out with FlexiFlips XL, which have longer tips, although they are only in the larger tip sizes (I think US 6/4.0mm is the smallest), and the metal ones are still a bit short. The bamboo tips are longer. I mostly use a 32'' needle for everything, so for hats, I use the Traveling Loop technique for the hat body, and then switch to magic loop for the crown. Lots of options, but not always the *exact* solution you might like. :-)
Thankyou for your input on this new method. Before i try them ill wait for more feedback. I just started to do 2 at a time socks and thrilled to be doing it. These are very interesting😋
I finally received these needles, and prefer DPNs. Lose one FlexFlips unable to continue and also the stitches doesn’t slip easily from the cable join. I had the same problem with the AddiLace interchangeable set with the joins.
Super cool! I don't like going through the cables in magic loop nor dpns so perhaps I would like to try these if I ever knit socks again. But then I never knit socks 😅😅 Thanks for the cool, well summarized review!
Great review, Roxy! I haven't been tempted to try these needles because of the price, but I saw them on sale and thought I'd look at a couple of reviews. I think your opinion of the length of the tip is right on - I have larger hands and prefer a needle that I can hold with all of my fingers.
They have come out with an XL version of these needles, with metal and bamboo versions of each that are longer than the original tips (but not both equally as long, I think it's the bamboo needles that are a bit longer than the metal XL needles), and there is an even newer version with full 5'' tips, called FlexiFlip [squared], where the metal tips are square shaped, rather than round.
I had the og flexible needles, but I didn’t really like them; ended up giving them away. This year, I found out that Addi came out with long flexible needles, so I decided to try out the CrasyTrio Novel Long set. I absolutely love them, even though I have quite small hands. The only thing I had to pay attention is that, since the Novel line is “cuboid”, I went for one size bigger to get my standard gauge (i.e.: I purchased 2.5 mm Novel needles to achieve the gauge I usually achieve with standard 2.25 mm round needles). I would love to see your review of the “new” CrasyTrio Long!
I must agree, I’d like to see these with standard tips. But, sadly, 6yrs since your review, no one has lengthened them. I bought a set yesterday and so far I’ve redone a cuff 4 times due to tension or similar issues. I’ve also found it to be harder to knit continental and have had to revert to English style to maintain tension. Thank you for your thoughts!
They do have some FlexiFlip XL needles now. The metal ones are still a bit short, but the bamboo tips are fine. They did also come out with an even longer metal tip, but it has a strange spiraling texture to it (i.e. it's not the smooth surface of the shorter ones). So there are more choices, but you'd have to see whether or not any of them would suit you.
I got these for Christmas and they are great except they don’t work for thumb gussets, I had to use dpns. But these are fast for socks and mittens but for thumbs for me.
An actually really useful knitting review! With a lovely, wonderful, fabulous description! You truly rock :-) These sounds like they would be something for me - the one thing that irks me with doing magic loop is that the needles on standard long circs are a bit too long for my hands - I've actually seriously looked into short-needle exchangeables for just this reason. Not that I need any more needles, unfortunately... Especially not with how little I'm knitting right now. I should give up my youtube-habit and get back to knitting.
thanks so much for this. I see you posted a link to the xl too! do you have a comparison between the hiya flyers and the flexi flips? Am looking to pick up a few sets and doing research between the options.
When making socks 🧦 what is your preference? I agree with length of 9” circular and flexis being short in my hand and the pushing the stitches over the join . DPNS scare me a little . Just made my first socks 🧦 and I used straights to cast on transferring to 9” circular then DPNs on heel then magic loop on toe , never realised I’d need so many varieties of needles .
My preference is to use a 32'' circular needle for everything, regardless of whether it's a sock or not, because I like to minimize the number of tools I have, and vary the in-the-round technique I use based on the size of the project (small, med, or large circumference). Other knitters have very different preferences and approaches to their choice of tools and techniques. There is no right or wrong. Only you can decide what you prefer.
@@RoxanneRichardson thanks 😊 for replying and your so correct we all have different preferences. I have some 80cm circulars in my Amazon basket , I might change them for the longer ones thanks 😊 Edit ✍🏽 32” is 80 cm 🤣😂
Thank you for this review as I have the Addi FlexiFlips on order. If these doesn’t work for socks, then will order Signatures DPNs for socks, as the sizes rub off on Karbonz
Hi! I learned to knit with straight knitting needles a long time ago. Now I am back knitting. I am using the Takumi Clover fixed circular needles to knit a scarf which felt very strange in my hands because I hold the needles the same way you do and I find them kinda short. Now I am getting use to it because I don't have the size I am using for the scarf in straight needles. I have never knit socks, hats, mittens or gloves before. I am trying to knit a hat for my son. I am using the US 6 (4 mm) 16" Takumi Clover fixed needle and the feeling is kind of strange. I don't know if it is because is the first time I am knitting a beanie or because the needles/shaft are 3.5" long, or maybe both. Do you recommend using dpns to knit the beanie because is my first time knitting a beanie? Should I use short circular needles? If I keep using the Takumi Clover circular needles, should I switch to double pointed needles for the crown? I am kind of a new knitter. I only knitted slippers twice with straight needles since I learned. I have like 5 Takumi Clover needles in different sizes. My son gifted them to me. Thanks in advanced. Love your videos. 🥰
They are good only if you have small or even medium hands. Big hands like mine hang with nothing to grab and as you crisp your fingers to hold on whatever you can, it quickly becomes uncomfortable to painful. Furthermore if you do not knit continental... even less practical. They leave as much a ladder as any other needle. The points hang awkwardly in a rather messy way (as if on string)... I have a set to give away! There still nothing better than my double pointed for me, and among those (have tried all shapes and brands I could find) the simplest work best!
melendu29 I completely agree… I bought three sets without trying them first. What a mistake. I have medium to large hands and cannot use these for the same reason stated in the comment above.
Same here! I have big hands and I can't use this needles (not in a way which is comfortable for me at least). Gotta go back to my double pointed needles too...
Roxanne, have you tried the new FlexiFlip XL needles (4.25” tips with a 1.6” cord)? I hold my needles as you do, and I was reluctant to purchase the original version, since I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get used to the shorter needle length. I’d love to hear what you think of the XL version with the longer tips!
I did try the XLs when they came out, and discussed them in a segment of my Casual Friday podcast a couple of years ago: ua-cam.com/video/aCUWUV9RVbc/v-deo.html
I've been knitting for more than 60 years, have knitted using five dpns and magic loop, but these flexiflips floor me. What do you do if you usually guide your wool with you right hand? All the demonstrations are done with holding and guiding with the left hand?
You've seen them knit with two FlexiFlips, or with two circular needles? Two circs is a commonly used technique for knitting small circumferences in the round, but these needles are not circular needles. There is only a small amount of cable, which allows the dpns to flex, but doesn't really allow for the two circs method. Using three FlexiFlips is a hybrid of the two circs method and knitting with 4 or 5 dpns.
I do German short row toe up socks (from very pink knits) I knit the entire sock on 9in circulars (I never have to switch to dpn) its a very quick easy method for lazy me and safer than dpns for knitting around very small children
@@RoxanneRichardson glad I read this before I gifted you with the Clover 9" #1s I bought to try out. Ran screaming into the night after 15 minutes. The tips are one inch if I'm being generous
Hi Roxanne, I just bought a set of these. I am a diehard DPN knitter, but an willing to try new things. Two things, I found it hard to cast on and ladders were an issue. Any suggestions, or is it just just practice, practice, practice. Thanks.
Casting on was similar to knitting with these, for me, which means I could do it, but I would have preferred a longer tip. I'm not sure what to say about the ladders. I had seen the claim before I got these that ladders were not an issue. I assumed I would still get those "ghost lines" at the transition points that aren't really ladders, but still show where the transition occurred (and then they disappear after the socks have been washed a time or two). I got absolutely no ladders and no ghost lines, so that was a pleasant surprise for me. Sorry I'm not of more help! I would pay close attention to how you'e managing the tips when you start a new needle (including whether or how much you bend the back needle), and then systematically try different things for, say, 5 rounds at a time, to see what makes a difference.
I've tried the Flexiflips, and have not given up yet but I have large hands which makes holding the shorter tips awkward, and like you I was thinking that a longer needle tip with the same short join would be much better for me.
Hi roxanne. Watching your video again Im thinking these may work for doing my two toes before transferring for magic loop. I carry a reinforcement thread in my toes and Im thinking this would make that process easier. Still will wait for more feedback.
If you don't want to do your toes TAAT, then this is certainly one way to do the toes one at a time, if you don't have a second long circ. Whether or not you'll find it easier, I can't say. You might as well try it, and see what you think.
Roxanne Richardson actually I do have a second long circular. Just thought this might be a tad easier. You are correct. Worth a try. Love your videos. Hope I can get your take on the fleegle heel sometime
Hi Roxanne I am not an experienced knitter I mostly knit flat Socks may be a good motivator to push me out of my comfort zone😁 Such lovely colors As a beginner sock knitter would the flexi tips work or should I continue with DPN'S? I plan to follow a top down basic sock pattern
If you're knitting a sock with a heel flap and gusset, I'd stick with dpns, or you could use a long circular needle (32'') and use the Magic Loop technique. The problem with FlexiFlips and a heel flap and gusset is that you really need a 4th needle at the start of the gusset, until you're done with the gusset decreases. There are just too many sts on the needle, otherwise.
I've purchased two sets of the Flexiflips and indeed, had trouble with the gusset and lack of extra needle so I ripped it out. I was not given a booklet as you mention. Should I be contacting Skacel about this? It would have helped me prepare for what I thought was 'user error'. Thanks for this video. Jeannie B
I don't know that the booklet would have helped, much. It may be that it was only shipped with the CraSyTrio needles in Europe. The booklet explains how to pick up sts, so that you end up with all three needles used, but it doesn't actually make it clear what to do next. It was by watching the German-language video by Sylvie (who came up with the idea for these needles, and whose hands are shown in the booklet photos) that I realized the intent was to continue knitting with the third needle in order to put all the gusset sts on one of the needles on the following round. The video demonstrates this on a tiny sock, not an adult sized sock, so I can't see how it would work with an adult sock. The stitch counts are just too high. The alternative, which I suggested in the video, is to rearrange the sts in the same way that many knitters rearrange them when using Magic Loop, by dividing the round in half, and then rearrange again, once the gussets are complete.
Thank you. I thought I was not smart enough for the needles, LOL. My fix would have been to get a 4th needle in the work, get past the gusset as I would have with 5 dpn straights, and continue on. It is probably the same as the Magic Loop technique. Still, too much jury rigging for this new hybrid tryout. I doubt I will buy more. I appreciate your response. Jeannie B
Thank you for this great review! I’ll probably still try these at some point, but I think I will prefer more traditional methods for sock knitting in the end.
Yeah, they are definitely worth trying. I can't always predict accurately whether or not I'll like something or find it useful, so I'm always game to try new things.
HiI am a 2 circular needle sock maker, since I seen the review I am going to try the flex flipsI tried double points and didn't like them that is the reason I taught myself socks on 2 circulars
I prefer 5 dpns over 4 dpns, slick metal in the small diameter dpns, and bamboo for dpns larger than a US 3/3.25 mm. For metal, I like Signature Needle Arts. Years ago, I really liked Inox. These days, I mostly prefer using a 32'' circ for everything, and then just change my technique, but there are exceptions.
Roxanne Richardson ok. Interesting ive always used 3 dpns. Why 4? Do you find it easier? And ive also noticed people on videos using them tend to keep their right hand needle under the needle they are knitting with. I always have my working needle on top of my rt needle. It is so cumbersome underneath. I know these things are personal choice. I have just finished my first flk heel. I like it. Doing 2 at a time but im doing the heels on dpns
I prefer the collapsible square and dividing the work into fourths. The typical way to divide a sock onto 3 dpns is the instep on one and the sole on the other two. While I appreciate that the instep often contains the patterning, and it can't always be divided, I don't like the rigidity of the triangular configuration. I also learned to knit while living overseas, so I was likely influenced by the fact that dpns came in sets of 5, whereas American brands tend to come in sets of 4. As for the transition from one dpn to the other, I always position the just-finished needle under the left hand needle, and then the working needle joins that left needle above, as well. I find this minimizes excess slack at the transition, which prevents laddering. Every knitter is different, so your results may vary, based on your knitting style.
I just watched an interesting method on a German podcast and she cast on total number of stitches over TWO needles then pulled each needle out with the correct number of stitches on it.
Just got these needles. Couldnt wait to try judys magic cast on for toe up socks. Its working just fine. But Im thinking why couldnt we just use 3 9 inch circular to work the same way..price is about the same🙃
If you can stand to use 9'' circs, you could do just that, but as much as some people love their 9'' circs, many people simply cannot use them comfortably (I'm one of them!) The FlexiFlip tips are significantly longer than those of a 9'' circ.
Hi rox...was hoping to could convert this knitting pattern into circular in the round knitting💜 Sandy Casagrande You saved to KnitSpine Stitch. Multiple of 6 + 4 Row 1: (WS) *P5, K1* to last four stitches, P4 Row 2: K4 *K1, P1, K4*:
No, but I can tell you how to approach doing it yourself. Get out some graph paper and charting it out over, say, 16 sts, and then decide if the +4 sts can be eliminated or not in order to make it work in the round.
If you are knitting an adult sized sock with a heel flap and gusset construction, you will probably want additional ndls, but dpns might work just fine until the gussets are complete. If you're working short row heels or peasant/afterthought heels, you wouldn't need more needles.
Every knitter is different. I find the relatively short tips cause my hands to hurt. I need a full 5'' tip, due to how I hold needles, and my knitting style. Other knitters have a different style, and find these needles easy to work with. These are certainly more comfortable than 9'' circs (for me), but I am most comfortable with needles that have a full length tip (I don't even like working with 16'' circs, because the tips are shorter than I like.)
I hadn't used them by starting with a closed CO, so I just tested it out, and it's reasonably easy to slide the few sts you start with at the toe onto the center cable of the bottom needle while you work across the top needle with the 3rd FlexiFlip.
I got some XLs a couple of months ago, but at the time, they were only available in larger diameter tip sizes, not in sock needle sizes, and the metal ones still had somewhat short tips. Only the bamboo (US 6 and larger) had an adequate tip length. Has that changed?
I honestly don’t know. I get my Addi needles at Fabulousyarn.com so I was checking over there and I saw the longer lengths. I didn’t check the sizes. I will take a look!
Very helpful review. I really like using the 4” tips for chiaogoo minitwist magic loop but switch to other needle methods to avoid repetitive strain issues, usually DPNs . I’ve been eyeing the new flexiflips, and didn’t know if, for the price, they would be worth it. I think I’ll wait for a sale because I still I love trying new technology!
Thank you for the review, it's very clear & helpful. These are not for me, for a number of reasons. I brace the needle against the edge of my palm, I need square needles to help with my grip, I prefer wood, to help hold the stiches, & I really hate knitting with so few needles, even on baby socks.
5 or 1 here too. I would probably pair these with a fourth standard dpn as needed (I switch needles mid-sock anyway, between 1, 3, 4 and 5 as is most convenient).
I have preferences, but definitely make adjustments, depending on the particular sock situation. As it is, I bring in a dpn to PU sts for the gussets, because of the particular technique I use. I have even been known to use 4 dpns, instead of ML or 5 dpns, if whatever I'm working has 3 repeats/rnd. Whatever makes the project easiest, I do it!
I bought some of these, and I regret it. The transition from the needle to the cord isn't smooth so stitches don't slide smoothly across that join. Otherwise it's a great concept.
So, I used these needles to knit a pair of socks. I had to ditch them & go back to DPN's because I couldn't stand the yarn "sticking" and "scraping" on the metal needles was driving me crazy!!! The concept was good, but I do not like the metal needles for exactly that reason. I would like these much, much more with wooden or carbon fiber needles. Completed the first sock using them, and on the leg part of the second sock, I had to go back to DPN's. I'd love to see these with different needles.
I’m sure most of you know that there are now XL flexiflips, which solves the problem of finding the originals too short. I LOVE my XL ones! They also come as a squared version with a sort of bumpy surface; I thought this would slow me down, but it really doesn’t, and the surface holds the stitches well too - not sure how they achieve that, but for me they are both smooth and glide-y but not scarily slippery.
I found this video to be very helpful. I was having trouble with these and your tips made a big difference! Always appreciate your clear teaching style, Roxanne.
When knitting in the round with double points I ALWAYS use a rubber point protector on the transition needle so I don't lose track of the new round start. I am a self taught knitter and it seems like sometimes I figured out a way to solve a problem others may not have. In knitting groups people are always complaining about stitches falling off double points and mine don't because I use point protectors. I also use double points (and circs too) for flat knit projects like scarves because I always found long needles really awkward to use. The shorter the needle the better I like it.
Thank you. I've been debating with myself about these needles. I hold my needles just like you do so the length of the tip would be an issue for me. This was very helpful.
Very interesting review. I especially appreciate your discussion of how the tip length affects your gauge. I hold needles similarly to you, and when I tried to use 9 in circ to do a sweater sleeve, my gauge was totally off the rest of the work and I had no idea why. I usually do socks 2 at a time magic loop, but was hoping these might solve my sleeve conundrum.
In using the two circs method, it seems to me you could add a third, similar sized circular needle and mimic the flexiflips. I think I'll give that a try. It would also solve the problem you have with the flexiflips being too short for your hand. I love your videos and you present concepts so logically and clearly compared to some presenters. I've learned so much from you as a fairly new knitter (1 year). I think I would have given up and figured I just couldn’t knit if it hadn't been for you. Knitting has stymied me since I was a little girl. Now I can trade off between knitting and my first love crocheting as the mood strikes with confidence. Thank you from this 74 year old who loves to learn new things. Blessings, good health, success and happiness to you and yours.
Thank you for such a helpful review. The Flexi Flips are expensive and since I prefer a longer tip too, you saved me some money!
Hello and thanks for the review. Being in Germany, of course the reviews I get offered are by Sylvie herself and of course she would promote her patent no-matter-what.
I also like your technical/objective approach.
Ah, I didn't realize that these needles were an invention of Sylvie. I had watched her video, and realized those were her hands in the booklet, but I didn't realize they were her invention, and that "CraSy" is part of her website domain name, and her designing name. Thanks for that! :-)
What a great review! Thanks so much. I think I'll try these since I'm often plagued by ladders with the Magic Loop technique.
Love your review as it shows these new needles in their purist form. For me, I use them until I reach the heel flap and then add in 2 dpns until I'm back to working in the round. Takes all the pressure off for picking up the gusset stitches. Agree that I would like to see the needles at the 5" length for more comfort.
Yes 5" length and 4 needles - I keep missing a fourth needle - I have tried and tried but always putting them away. I will sell them as I have the same issues as mentioned in the video and by you.
Thanks for taking the time to produce this video and review these needles! I work at a LYS, and my boss had first mentioned them (she is a DPN gal), but since we decided to quit carrying Addi products, they probably weren't something we'd bring in on their own. They really are a hybrid of DPN's and 2 circs, and I can see them being a tool of choice for maybe sock knitters.
However, I think it's great that even more options are offered for knitting in the round, because as we all know, all methods are fiddly in their own way ;). If customers inquire about them, I will direct them to your video here so they can see them in action.
These needles aren't for me, either - I'm a ML'er, and the way the tip of the needle was getting in the way as you were knitting is why I don't like or use DPN's for ITR knitting....they are great for i-cord and fixing multiple stitch mistakes with several ladders, however.
Keep up the great work on the videos, and have a great 2018!
Thanks for your comment! I love exploring new and different techniques and tools to see which ones I might adopt as a primary method of accomplishing a task, and which techniques and tools might not be for me, but still have utility in specific circumstances, while at the same time, recognizing that different knitters have very different feelings about the tools and techniques I prefer. It's great to know what's out there, and to see what the potential advantages and disadvantages a given tool/technique might have for different knitters!
Great intro to FlexiFlip needles. I will definitely consider picking-up a pair.
ROX, Thanks for showing the important part, to me (the heel & gusset) of the sock set up on these needles (also, the funnest part of sock construction for me) and the correct use with the 3rd working needle.
Thank you for this great review. I agree, I think I’ll wait to see if they come out with a set with longer tips too😉
Thank you for this great review! You highlighted certain characteristics (needle tip length) that might impact my gauge, and I appreciate that information. Thanks again!
I just starting using mine and I really like them! A little cumbersome, but I am use to circulars and just didn’t like the feel of DPNs, so these work great for me.
Hi Roxanne, thank you for another great tutorial. I just thought that you might like to know the XL version has a 5" needle instead of the 4". This made a difference to me and it appears from your comments that it would for you too. These are now my favorite for small circumference in the round. The longer length needle made all the difference. Also, the Crazy trio from Europe have a permanent slight angle/bend to them that helps with both advancing stitches and not having to manipulate them back to the center of the second needle as with the more "floppy" ones. Thanks again! Always learn something from you and I appreciate that.
I did an update on the FlexiFlips in a segment of my Casual Friday podcast a while back. ua-cam.com/video/aCUWUV9RVbc/v-deo.html At the time, the metal XL was a bit longer than the original, but still too short. Only the bamboo XL had a 5'' tip, and they were only available in tip diameters of 4.0mm or higher. If they've changed again since then, that would be interesting.
I had bought a set of Flexi-Flips in a size 1 US, as though I had heard that this size Addi needles were actually 1-1/2 US size. The size was specified at the time on Amazon, as 2.25 which is the correct mm size for US size 1. But the Addi needles on the pkg., read 2.5 mm. I was hoping to use them on my sock recipe which is perfect for my foot on size 1. So I kept them but was disgruntled.
Now my daughter-in-law is pregnant with TWINS!!! So I have 2 x's the baby booties and bay socks to knit. So I found a patter for the size 1-1/2. Really like the Flexi-Flips. As a baby sock is so fewer stitches, all the picked up stitches on the gussets with going across the top of the heel flap isn't a problem for me and keeps me from managing all the stitch markers to find my decreases. I tried Magic Loop and found the Addi worked more comfortably and I did not have to reposition my needles to do the toe decreases.
I got used to the shorter tips in the meanwhile I had gotten the ChiaoGoo Mini Twists in the red pouch which I love. The shorter tips are fine for knitting adult socks but if one is knitting the ribbing on socks for a baby sock, then the Flexi-Flips is far better as the diameter of the circle is too narrow to use the 9" circular method.
So here I switched to Magic Loop and am doing ribbing on size 0, OMG!!! The 0 size is from my ChiaoGoo Mini Twists in the red pouch and the tip is no longer than 3". Hanging on to the stainless tip in my right hand whether using Continental (my usual method now) vs. English Flicking, makes the needle had to hold onto.
But... in the midst of Coronavirus madness, we have blue surgical Nitrile gloves and one finger cut from a glove on my right ring finger gives me enough grip without being driven up the wall by the glove on my whole hand. The whole hand make the needle then too sticky to the glove. One finger is just perfect.
I may get other Flexi-Flips in the stainless steel as I am used to working with them now and then I can get smaller sizes than the bamboo goes. I like the stainless steel now. I used to have such arthritis that I didn't have enough grip to use them. Now I do. Who knew a change in diet along with daily knitting could rehabilitate my hands. So glad it worked.
Thank you for your many fine videos, Roxanne, very much appreciate them.
Thank you--a most excellent and comprehensive review and very much needed.
I'm glad you liked it! :-)
To your review I'd like to add that, as a top-down, heal-flap-and-gusset knitter, I use a couple of dpns as I am picking up the stitches so as not to have to fiddle around with where the row begins and ends, having to slip stitches around or having all the stitches on one needle; to avoid any jog/ladder characteristics, I make sure the stitches on the needle I've just finshed are on the cable between the tips; because they were so expensive I'm sticking at them to make them work for me and am much happier with how the second pair are going; I would have preferred both tips to be pointed. The next pair will be toe up vanillas as there is a pattern I really want to try on ravelry and I have never done toe-ups before. After that I will try colour-work mittens, they are the reason I purchased these needles in the first place as I can't the same smooth transition on them as for socks on dpns.
I recently purchased these needles. I have small hands and just couldn’t get the hang of DPNS. I had ladders and kept loosing my stitches. I gave up on them. However, I saw these on-line and decided to give them a try. So far so good. My sock is looking good. I will use another one to do the heel flap. I guess it depends on your tastes and how you knit. Thank you for your review.
they now have some with longer tips. they call them ergonomic. i just bought some and are waiting for them to arrive to try for myself, like you i need the longer tips to fit my hand. excited to try a new method for my socks!
Thanks for a great review! Up until last night I’ve only used dpns to finish the top of hats. Last night we started a project with dpns and I am feeling quite pleased with myself! Once I got going it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I’m determined to conquer them. I’ve been knitting for years but always shied away from them. Now this is the second type of curved dpns I’ve seen. I haven’t tried either but I do love my Addi Turbo clicks! When I don’t need a sharp point for lace I use my Addi’s. Love them. When I knit socks I use 2 needles at the same time while making both socks at the same time. Keeps the tension and gauge even on both. For some reason I have no desire to learn magic loop. Maybe someday. Thanks again!
bless your heart. so great to hear your opinion. my knitting style is like yours, where the needle sort of needs to rest on the inside of my palm. which makes it not good when i tried the very small circular for my socks. eventually i may try these, but for now why fix anything that i am satisfied with and ill continue with my most lovely dpns. im sure soon the market will make these with a longer needle point. that is when i may make the purchase.thanks again. stacy
It took me forever to really understand all the different parts of my knitting style, and to realize I don't actually "hold" the needles, as other people do! :-)
Thank you. This was a very informative video. I never considered how the length of needles would affect the gauge or comfort of knitting.
Love your videos... You are a realllt good teacher..
Thank you! :-)
Thank you!! It was interesting to see how these work. I like seeing a review before going out and buying a new product.
Have a good day,
Sharon :)
They are very interesting to use, and a really great idea!
Great HONEST review! Thanks Much!
Great review, thank you. Just a note though, the Crasy Trio is not the same as Flexiflips. Both are quite different. They are both flexible, yes, but the Crasy Trio's flexible cable is permanently curved which is quite helpful when using them. The Flexiflips are straight and can go any whichway... I have some coming to try but I'm really enjoying the Crasy Trio.
I would very much appreciate your opinion Thank you You are a knitting professional and a teacher Regards
Great review as always! I just found out that there now is Flexi flips XL or Crasy trio long. Would you maybe do another review on them? Would be really interesting to know if they work better for you! Thanks for a great channel!
Roxanne! Very interesting. I have just taught myself how to do 2 socks at a time on one circular..and I love it. I have just done my first flk heel and love that too. Great video as usual. Thankyou🎄happy new year
I got these for Christmas I bought them online on eBay from the UK. I tried these needles on Christmas after I unwrapped them and I love them!!! I got two size 2.75 and 3.75 set of these needles. But then I love my 9 inch circular needles and my Neko Knit Curved Double Pointed Needles I got for Christmas last year.
Thank you so much for the BEST Review of any Needles...informative and to the point much appreciated...
I just ordered a set of flexi-flips so I am extremely grateful for your review. The short tips are a problem for too. I knit hats on two circular needles fairly often and hate the challenge of not twisting the yarn after casting on. I like knitting a few rounds on dpns before I transfer the work to the circular needles. The best solution for me would be a 20" needle with long tips which would make knitting hats so much easier. It would be nice if Addi would manufacture a "Hat" needle!
Since I did that review, they have come out with FlexiFlips XL, which have longer tips, although they are only in the larger tip sizes (I think US 6/4.0mm is the smallest), and the metal ones are still a bit short. The bamboo tips are longer. I mostly use a 32'' needle for everything, so for hats, I use the Traveling Loop technique for the hat body, and then switch to magic loop for the crown. Lots of options, but not always the *exact* solution you might like. :-)
Thankyou for your input on this new method. Before i try them ill wait for more feedback. I just started to do 2 at a time socks and thrilled to be doing it. These are very interesting😋
I finally received these needles, and prefer DPNs. Lose one FlexFlips unable to continue and also the stitches doesn’t slip easily from the cable join. I had the same problem with the AddiLace interchangeable set with the joins.
Super cool! I don't like going through the cables in magic loop nor dpns so perhaps I would like to try these if I ever knit socks again. But then I never knit socks 😅😅 Thanks for the cool, well summarized review!
Great review, Roxy! I haven't been tempted to try these needles because of the price, but I saw them on sale and thought I'd look at a couple of reviews. I think your opinion of the length of the tip is right on - I have larger hands and prefer a needle that I can hold with all of my fingers.
They have come out with an XL version of these needles, with metal and bamboo versions of each that are longer than the original tips (but not both equally as long, I think it's the bamboo needles that are a bit longer than the metal XL needles), and there is an even newer version with full 5'' tips, called FlexiFlip [squared], where the metal tips are square shaped, rather than round.
Thank you for this incredibly thorough review/tutorial. Much appreciated!
Brilliant review. Thank-you.
I had the og flexible needles, but I didn’t really like them; ended up giving them away. This year, I found out that Addi came out with long flexible needles, so I decided to try out the CrasyTrio Novel Long set. I absolutely love them, even though I have quite small hands. The only thing I had to pay attention is that, since the Novel line is “cuboid”, I went for one size bigger to get my standard gauge (i.e.: I purchased 2.5 mm Novel needles to achieve the gauge I usually achieve with standard 2.25 mm round needles). I would love to see your review of the “new” CrasyTrio Long!
I must agree, I’d like to see these with standard tips. But, sadly, 6yrs since your review, no one has lengthened them. I bought a set yesterday and so far I’ve redone a cuff 4 times due to tension or similar issues. I’ve also found it to be harder to knit continental and have had to revert to English style to maintain tension. Thank you for your thoughts!
They do have some FlexiFlip XL needles now. The metal ones are still a bit short, but the bamboo tips are fine. They did also come out with an even longer metal tip, but it has a strange spiraling texture to it (i.e. it's not the smooth surface of the shorter ones). So there are more choices, but you'd have to see whether or not any of them would suit you.
How do I get the booklet that supposed to come with flex I flip needles. I got mine from amazon and no booklet was included
I got these for Christmas and they are great except they don’t work for thumb gussets, I had to use dpns. But these are fast for socks and mittens but for thumbs for me.
I haven't tried sock knitting yet. I would buy them mainly to knit chemo caps.
An actually really useful knitting review! With a lovely, wonderful, fabulous description!
You truly rock :-)
These sounds like they would be something for me - the one thing that irks me with doing magic loop is that the needles on standard long circs are a bit too long for my hands - I've actually seriously looked into short-needle exchangeables for just this reason.
Not that I need any more needles, unfortunately... Especially not with how little I'm knitting right now. I should give up my youtube-habit and get back to knitting.
Thanks for the review. I like 9” circular but definitely want a pr of these
Thanks a lot for the review! It's was so helpful. 🌸
Thank You Very Much 💞
Hey thanks, this was a very informative review!
Addi now makes the flexiflips in the rocket square configuration. These are longer and have longer tips which I also prefer. What do you think?
thanks so much for this. I see you posted a link to the xl too! do you have a comparison between the hiya flyers and the flexi flips? Am looking to pick up a few sets and doing research between the options.
Once I realized this type of needle was not for me, I didn't keep an eye out for other companies making copycat versions.
I like them but really wish they had a 4th needle. I often end up using another regular dbl pointed needle.
I have Nekos and now the FlexiFlips and I haven’t used them yet! Lol! Seems I just collect new stuff!
I love using these!
When making socks 🧦 what is your preference?
I agree with length of 9” circular and flexis being short in my hand and the pushing the stitches over the join . DPNS scare me a little .
Just made my first socks 🧦 and I used straights to cast on transferring to 9” circular then DPNs on heel then magic loop on toe , never realised I’d need so many varieties of needles .
My preference is to use a 32'' circular needle for everything, regardless of whether it's a sock or not, because I like to minimize the number of tools I have, and vary the in-the-round technique I use based on the size of the project (small, med, or large circumference). Other knitters have very different preferences and approaches to their choice of tools and techniques. There is no right or wrong. Only you can decide what you prefer.
@@RoxanneRichardson thanks 😊 for replying and your so correct we all have different preferences. I have some 80cm circulars in my Amazon basket , I might change them for the longer ones thanks 😊
Edit ✍🏽 32” is 80 cm 🤣😂
Super helpful! Saved me money, I think I will stick with Magic Loop.
Thank you for this review as I have the Addi FlexiFlips on order. If these doesn’t work for socks, then will order Signatures DPNs for socks, as the sizes rub off on Karbonz
The Signatures are easy to tell apart! :-)
Hi! I learned to knit with straight knitting needles a long time ago. Now I am back knitting. I am using the Takumi Clover fixed circular needles to knit a scarf which felt very strange in my hands because I hold the needles the same way you do and I find them kinda short. Now I am getting use to it because I don't have the size I am using for the scarf in straight needles. I have never knit socks, hats, mittens or gloves before. I am trying to knit a hat for my son. I am using the US 6 (4 mm) 16" Takumi Clover fixed needle and the feeling is kind of strange. I don't know if it is because is the first time I am knitting a beanie or because the needles/shaft are 3.5" long, or maybe both. Do you recommend using dpns to knit the beanie because is my first time knitting a beanie? Should I use short circular needles? If I keep using the Takumi Clover circular needles, should I switch to double pointed needles for the crown? I am kind of a new knitter. I only knitted slippers twice with straight needles since I learned. I have like 5 Takumi Clover needles in different sizes. My son gifted them to me. Thanks in advanced. Love your videos. 🥰
They are good only if you have small or even medium hands. Big hands like mine hang with nothing to grab and as you crisp your fingers to hold on whatever you can, it quickly becomes uncomfortable to painful. Furthermore if you do not knit continental... even less practical. They leave as much a ladder as any other needle. The points hang awkwardly in a rather messy way (as if on string)... I have a set to give away! There still nothing better than my double pointed for me, and among those (have tried all shapes and brands I could find) the simplest work best!
melendu29 I have small hands and knit Continental. If you haven't given your set away yet, can you send them to me?
melendu29 I completely agree… I bought three sets without trying them first. What a mistake. I have medium to large hands and cannot use these for the same reason stated in the comment above.
Same here! I have big hands and I can't use this needles (not in a way which is comfortable for me at least). Gotta go back to my double pointed needles too...
Roxanne, have you tried the new FlexiFlip XL needles (4.25” tips with a 1.6” cord)? I hold my needles as you do, and I was reluctant to purchase the original version, since I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get used to the shorter needle length. I’d love to hear what you think of the XL version with the longer tips!
I did try the XLs when they came out, and discussed them in a segment of my Casual Friday podcast a couple of years ago: ua-cam.com/video/aCUWUV9RVbc/v-deo.html
@@RoxanneRichardson Oh, I must have missed that! Thanks for the link. 😊🧶
Thank u where can I get these I still can't use a circular needle for small circles eg socks I'm stressed
I see what you are saying about your stitch gauge changing due to the shortness of the needle.
Addi FlexiFlips the best ever, Jorge.
Hi is it true that the needles snag at the join? Thanks for the review!
Me as a continental knitter have no problems with the length of the needles.
I've been knitting for more than 60 years, have knitted using five dpns and magic loop, but these flexiflips floor me. What do you do if you usually guide your wool with you right hand? All the demonstrations are done with holding and guiding with the left hand?
I've seen some knitters just knit with the two needles? The third is just an extra?
You've seen them knit with two FlexiFlips, or with two circular needles? Two circs is a commonly used technique for knitting small circumferences in the round, but these needles are not circular needles. There is only a small amount of cable, which allows the dpns to flex, but doesn't really allow for the two circs method. Using three FlexiFlips is a hybrid of the two circs method and knitting with 4 or 5 dpns.
I do German short row toe up socks (from very pink knits) I knit the entire sock on 9in circulars (I never have to switch to dpn) its a very quick easy method for lazy me and safer than dpns for knitting around very small children
Great review! I’ll stick with my 2 circs! The tension, no losing stitches plus I like a longer needle. Too short cramp my hands;)
Oh, those 9'' circs are murder on my hands! These really weren't too bad, not a whole lot different than a 16'' circ, but I *do* want a longer tip!
@@RoxanneRichardson glad I read this before I gifted you with the Clover 9" #1s I bought to try out. Ran screaming into the night after 15 minutes. The tips are one inch if I'm being generous
Do they have visual of how do the needles
Hi Roxanne,
I just bought a set of these. I am a diehard DPN knitter, but an willing to try new things. Two things, I found it hard to cast on and ladders were an issue. Any suggestions, or is it just just practice, practice, practice. Thanks.
Casting on was similar to knitting with these, for me, which means I could do it, but I would have preferred a longer tip. I'm not sure what to say about the ladders. I had seen the claim before I got these that ladders were not an issue. I assumed I would still get those "ghost lines" at the transition points that aren't really ladders, but still show where the transition occurred (and then they disappear after the socks have been washed a time or two). I got absolutely no ladders and no ghost lines, so that was a pleasant surprise for me. Sorry I'm not of more help! I would pay close attention to how you'e managing the tips when you start a new needle (including whether or how much you bend the back needle), and then systematically try different things for, say, 5 rounds at a time, to see what makes a difference.
Thanks
I would love to try these but they are way to expensive for me. Couldn't we just us a tiny cord with the interchangeable needles we already own?
I've tried the Flexiflips, and have not given up yet but I have large hands which makes holding the shorter tips awkward, and like you I was thinking that a longer needle tip with the same short join would be much better for me.
Hi roxanne. Watching your video again Im thinking these may work for doing my two toes before transferring for magic loop. I carry a reinforcement thread in my toes and Im thinking this would make that process easier. Still will wait for more feedback.
If you don't want to do your toes TAAT, then this is certainly one way to do the toes one at a time, if you don't have a second long circ. Whether or not you'll find it easier, I can't say. You might as well try it, and see what you think.
Roxanne Richardson actually I do have a second long circular. Just thought this might be a tad easier. You are correct. Worth a try. Love your videos. Hope I can get your take on the fleegle heel sometime
Hi Roxanne I am not an experienced knitter I mostly knit flat Socks may be a good motivator to push me out of my comfort zone😁 Such lovely colors As a beginner sock knitter would the flexi tips work or should I continue with DPN'S? I plan to follow a top down basic sock pattern
If you're knitting a sock with a heel flap and gusset, I'd stick with dpns, or you could use a long circular needle (32'') and use the Magic Loop technique. The problem with FlexiFlips and a heel flap and gusset is that you really need a 4th needle at the start of the gusset, until you're done with the gusset decreases. There are just too many sts on the needle, otherwise.
@@RoxanneRichardson Thank you so much I will use dpn's!
I've purchased two sets of the Flexiflips and indeed, had trouble with the gusset and lack of extra needle so I ripped it out. I was not given a booklet as you mention. Should I be contacting Skacel about this? It would have helped me prepare for what I thought was 'user error'. Thanks for this video. Jeannie B
I don't know that the booklet would have helped, much. It may be that it was only shipped with the CraSyTrio needles in Europe. The booklet explains how to pick up sts, so that you end up with all three needles used, but it doesn't actually make it clear what to do next. It was by watching the German-language video by Sylvie (who came up with the idea for these needles, and whose hands are shown in the booklet photos) that I realized the intent was to continue knitting with the third needle in order to put all the gusset sts on one of the needles on the following round. The video demonstrates this on a tiny sock, not an adult sized sock, so I can't see how it would work with an adult sock. The stitch counts are just too high. The alternative, which I suggested in the video, is to rearrange the sts in the same way that many knitters rearrange them when using Magic Loop, by dividing the round in half, and then rearrange again, once the gussets are complete.
Thank you. I thought I was not smart enough for the needles, LOL. My fix would have been to get a 4th needle in the work, get past the gusset as I would have with 5 dpn straights, and continue on. It is probably the same as the Magic Loop technique. Still, too much jury rigging for this new hybrid tryout. I doubt I will buy more.
I appreciate your response.
Jeannie B
Thank you for this great review! I’ll probably still try these at some point, but I think I will prefer more traditional methods for sock knitting in the end.
Yeah, they are definitely worth trying. I can't always predict accurately whether or not I'll like something or find it useful, so I'm always game to try new things.
HiI am a 2 circular needle sock maker, since I seen the review I am going to try the flex flipsI tried double points and didn't like them that is the reason I taught myself socks on 2 circulars
It's always fun to try new techniques. The FlexiFlips are a nice hybrid of two circs and dpns. Have fun with them!
Hi again roxanne..wonder if you would tell me your preferred dpns?
I prefer 5 dpns over 4 dpns, slick metal in the small diameter dpns, and bamboo for dpns larger than a US 3/3.25 mm. For metal, I like Signature Needle Arts. Years ago, I really liked Inox. These days, I mostly prefer using a 32'' circ for everything, and then just change my technique, but there are exceptions.
Roxanne Richardson ok. Interesting ive always used 3 dpns. Why 4? Do you find it easier? And ive also noticed people on videos using them tend to keep their right hand needle under the needle they are knitting with. I always have my working needle on top of my rt needle. It is so cumbersome underneath. I know these things are personal choice. I have just finished my first flk heel. I like it. Doing 2 at a time but im doing the heels on dpns
I prefer the collapsible square and dividing the work into fourths. The typical way to divide a sock onto 3 dpns is the instep on one and the sole on the other two. While I appreciate that the instep often contains the patterning, and it can't always be divided, I don't like the rigidity of the triangular configuration. I also learned to knit while living overseas, so I was likely influenced by the fact that dpns came in sets of 5, whereas American brands tend to come in sets of 4. As for the transition from one dpn to the other, I always position the just-finished needle under the left hand needle, and then the working needle joins that left needle above, as well. I find this minimizes excess slack at the transition, which prevents laddering. Every knitter is different, so your results may vary, based on your knitting style.
What yarn are you knitting with? It is a beautiful color!
2:49 min. It is SO difficult to se what you do ?? How you add the third stick ??
I just watched an interesting method on a German podcast and she cast on total number of stitches over TWO needles then pulled each needle out with the correct number of stitches on it.
Just got these needles. Couldnt wait to try judys magic cast on for toe up socks. Its working just fine. But Im thinking why couldnt we just use 3 9 inch circular to work the same way..price is about the same🙃
If you can stand to use 9'' circs, you could do just that, but as much as some people love their 9'' circs, many people simply cannot use them comfortably (I'm one of them!) The FlexiFlip tips are significantly longer than those of a 9'' circ.
Hi rox...was hoping to could convert this knitting pattern into circular in the round knitting💜
Sandy Casagrande
You saved to KnitSpine Stitch. Multiple of 6 + 4 Row 1: (WS) *P5, K1* to last four stitches, P4 Row 2: K4 *K1, P1, K4*:
No, but I can tell you how to approach doing it yourself. Get out some graph paper and charting it out over, say, 16 sts, and then decide if the +4 sts can be eliminated or not in order to make it work in the round.
Roxanne Richardson thanks but thats not telling me how to do it in the round.
Question : so buy 2 set of the flexi needles then ?
If you are knitting an adult sized sock with a heel flap and gusset construction, you will probably want additional ndls, but dpns might work just fine until the gussets are complete. If you're working short row heels or peasant/afterthought heels, you wouldn't need more needles.
I wonder if these needles will be better for me ref having arthritis in my left hand? These needles are very expensive!
Every knitter is different. I find the relatively short tips cause my hands to hurt. I need a full 5'' tip, due to how I hold needles, and my knitting style. Other knitters have a different style, and find these needles easy to work with. These are certainly more comfortable than 9'' circs (for me), but I am most comfortable with needles that have a full length tip (I don't even like working with 16'' circs, because the tips are shorter than I like.)
Dumb question, but can you do toe ups fairly easily?
I hadn't used them by starting with a closed CO, so I just tested it out, and it's reasonably easy to slide the few sts you start with at the toe onto the center cable of the bottom needle while you work across the top needle with the 3rd FlexiFlip.
Roxanne Richardson I just got a set but haven't tried them out yet.
how do you cast on I don't know how to use the magic loop??
These needles don't require Magic Loop. They are used exactly like regular dpns, but with 3, instead of 4 or 5.
They come in a longer size now as well!
I got some XLs a couple of months ago, but at the time, they were only available in larger diameter tip sizes, not in sock needle sizes, and the metal ones still had somewhat short tips. Only the bamboo (US 6 and larger) had an adequate tip length. Has that changed?
I honestly don’t know. I get my Addi needles at Fabulousyarn.com so I was checking over there and I saw the longer lengths. I didn’t check the sizes. I will take a look!
No. You are right. They only come in larger sizes. That’s too bad. They should definitely make them in sock sizes.
Did you ever end up trying flexiflip XLs?
Yes. ua-cam.com/video/aCUWUV9RVbc/v-deo.html
Huh. I Like it. I detest dpn's, too fiddly and ladders. I like these....Thanks for the review!
Very helpful review. I really like using the 4” tips for chiaogoo minitwist magic loop but switch to other needle methods to avoid repetitive strain issues, usually DPNs . I’ve been eyeing the new flexiflips, and didn’t know if, for the price, they would be worth it. I think I’ll wait for a sale because I still I love trying new technology!
how to use them please
Kan du sette på oversettelse til Norsk ?
Use the auto-translate feature for closed captions at the bottom of the video screen to see the Norwegian translation.
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Thank you for the review, it's very clear & helpful. These are not for me, for a number of reasons. I brace the needle against the edge of my palm, I need square needles to help with my grip, I prefer wood, to help hold the stiches, & I really hate knitting with so few needles, even on baby socks.
My preference is either one needle (Magic Loop), or 5 needles. :-)
5 or 1 here too. I would probably pair these with a fourth standard dpn as needed (I switch needles mid-sock anyway, between 1, 3, 4 and 5 as is most convenient).
I have preferences, but definitely make adjustments, depending on the particular sock situation. As it is, I bring in a dpn to PU sts for the gussets, because of the particular technique I use. I have even been known to use 4 dpns, instead of ML or 5 dpns, if whatever I'm working has 3 repeats/rnd. Whatever makes the project easiest, I do it!
I bought some of these, and I regret it. The transition from the needle to the cord isn't smooth so stitches don't slide smoothly across that join. Otherwise it's a great concept.
why doesn't anyone start with the cast on?????
Because you cast on the same as you would for regular dpns. The focus is on how to knit with them, because that's what is different.
So, I used these needles to knit a pair of socks. I had to ditch them & go back to DPN's because I couldn't stand the yarn "sticking" and "scraping" on the metal needles was driving me crazy!!! The concept was good, but I do not like the metal needles for exactly that reason. I would like these much, much more with wooden or carbon fiber needles. Completed the first sock using them, and on the leg part of the second sock, I had to go back to DPN's. I'd love to see these with different needles.
They have them in bamboo as well.
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