Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles: Interchangeables Facts & Budget Guide

Interchangeable Knitting needles are important knitting tools in a knitter’s collection. They save time, energy and are super convenient! With these tools, you don’t have to purchase a new set of needles for every project.

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Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting

My Quick Recommendations

• My Top Pick – Knit Picks Options Rainbow Set
• Best Luxury Option –Addi Rocket Lace Set
• Best Budget Pick – Denise Interchangeables

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on Apr 9, 2024.

Table Of Contents

• Rainbow Options Set
• addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip
• addi Click Mixed Set
• Lykke Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set
• Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Set
• Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Sharp Steel Knitting Needle Set
• Knitter’s Pride Zing Deluxe Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set
• ChiaoGoo Twist Tip Interchangeable Complete Set
• ChiaoGoo TWIST Shorties Red Lace Interchangeable Knitting Set
• Blue Chiaogoo Twist Shorties Set
• Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina Deluxe Interchangeable Set
• Clover Takumi Interchangeable Needles Set
• Denise Interchangeables
• What Makes The Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles?
• Which Is Best?
• Q&A

Rainbow Options Set

The Rainbow Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set from KnitPicks features colored swirls. Choose interchangeble knitting needles with color! Here’s my review of this starter kit. One of the best interchangeable knitting needles I’ve used.

How Does It Compare?

• Made Of – Laminated Birchwood
• Length – Tip is 4 3/4″
• Sizes – 9 Pairs in US size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8mm)
• Cables – 2 each of 24″ and 32″ (This length is when needle tips are attached to the cord)
• Are They Comfortable? – The finish feels smooth in your hand
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Being wood, there is a bit of grab.
• Durability – Be careful with smaller diameters as they could break.

Product Design: Love affordable colorful needles? These are for you! The laminated wood is smooth, so your stitches glide. The range of sizes works with a variety of projects.

I used my Rainbow options needles to create slipper socks and my first colorwork project, a cowl. I used the magic loop technique for the socks and had no problems with the cord.

When using them for my colorwork cowl project, I found the stitches stayed on the birch wood needles and felt comfortable in my hands. That’s only one reason why I enjoyed knitting with them. They’re quiet needles with a slight tapping sound when the needles hit each other.

The wood tips are pointy, with a long taper. This gets into stitches in cable and lace patterns. Push your needles with your index finger? Be mindful of this.

Pros

• Durable (store them for extensive use)
• Products are covered by a replacement policy in case of damage or defect
• Colorful tips enhance your knitting experience
• When the needle tip and cord are connected, the join is smooth and doesn’t snag the yarn. There’s nothing more frustrating than yarn catching!
• These pieces are a great solution for your projects, whether knitted flat or in the round
• This knitting needle system has a reasonable price
• Ideal for magic loop technique, which is a great advantage
• Extra cables can be used as stitch holders with the end caps attached. 
• The set comes with one cable connector to make a longer cord
• The join between the cords and the connector is smooth, and doesn’t come apart in the middle of a project
• This site has outstanding customer service. If you have any kinds of questions or issues, they’re ready to answer!
• These knitting needles have great customer reviews
• This interchangeable knitting needle ships to the United Kingdom

Cons

• The plastic used for storing this set has a warning for California Proposition 65
• The clear vinyl snap lock case isn’t appealing (I’ll sew a fabric roll for them)
• The size for each tip is etched on the metal screw in section, but it’s difficult to read. (I need good lighting to see the size)
• Not good for knitting lace
• The needle colors might differ in real life compared to the picture
• Not suitable for blankets, as the cord lengths aren’t long enough. However, if you’re knitting them in small sections, they work well
• The Rainbow knitting needle sets are popular and sometimes are out of stock.
• The next best alternative is the Mosaic Options Set. The difference between it and this one is the color of the needles. The other specifications are the same

addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip Interchangeable System

addi has an excellent reputation for making high-quality knitting needles sets. In fact they’ve been in business since 1829! The addi click connection at the cord joint is one of the many great features.

How Does It Compare?

• Made Of – Interchangeable knitting needle sets with Brass metal long tips (5″ long) coated with white bronze. addi no longer uses nickel plating.
• Length – 5″ – When the cord is connected, the total length of the metal section is 5.5″
• Sizes – 8 different knitting needle sizes US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 (3.50mm, 3.75mm, 4.00mm, 4.50mm, 5.00mm, 5.50mm, 6.00mm, 8.00mm
• Cables lengths 24″, 32″, and 40″ ( 60 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm) These lengths are achieved when cords are attached to the needle tips. The cords are known as addiclickSOS because there’s a split where you thread a life line through
• 1 coupling, 1 addi gold brooch, 1 addiGrip
• Are They Comfortable? – Lace knitters love the sharp point for intricate stitches
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The slippery surface coating provides faster knitting, they slide through your working yarn like a dream
• Durability – Super strong, not likely to break like wooden needles

Product Design: The addi click system differs from a screw system. No more worrying about your connections coming unscrewed mid-way through your project. No tightening keys or grippers are required. If you’re having trouble imagining how it works, picture opening a medicine bottle with a child safety cap on it. But with less struggle! Some people use the stoppers on the end to create the same funtion as straight needles.

Product Evolution: Addi’s brass tips are coated in white bronze. Their metal knitting needles used to be nickel-plated, but no longer.

Pros

• Sharp tips to grab yarn, perfect for lace knitting
• Easy to mix and match the needles and cables
• These interchangeable circular needles have fast click connections
• The tip and cable don’t require a cable key to strengthen the connection
• The addi click connector joins 2 cables to make a longer one
• Good selection of sizes, cord lengths, and needle combinations
• Has a Lifetime guarantee from any manufacturer’s defect
• The more extended cable size is suitable for the magic loop technique
• Smooth, fast metal needles make knitting an easier activity
• This circular needle is ideal for people with larger hands

Cons

• Some users reported the connection was stiff on first use
• Some tarnishing may occur over time
• The join between the cable and tip is not as seamless as the others mentioned here. The gap can cause the yarn to snag. 
• 3 cables, you might have to buy spares if you have lots of projects on the go
• The long cable connector may be awkward to work with as it is not flexible and adds weight to the cord

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addi Click Mixed Set

The addi Turbo Mixed Set includes needles in 2 different styles for each size for something a little different. The Standard Rocket has a sharper point, and a longer taper. The Turbo Basic is not as pointy and less of a taper. The addi click system is used for both styles of tips. This is a keyless system.

Why would you want to have two different styles of needles in the one pair? Having two different styles of needles gives you more flexibility with the projects you do and the yarn you use. Cables and lace projects benefit with a sharp point. Yarns prone to splitting benefit from a duller point.

• Tip Type: The addi interchangeable brass metal long tips (5″ long) coated with white bronze. As I mentioned above, addi no longer uses nickel plating.
• Length – 5″, but when attached to the cable, this extends to 5.5″
• Sizes – 8 different knitting needle sizes US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 (3.50mm, 3.75mm, 4.00mm, 4.50mm, 5.00mm, 5.50mm, 6.00mm, 8.00mm)
• Cables lengths 24″, 32″, and 40″ ( 60 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm) These lengths are achieved when cords are attached to the needle tips. The cords are known as addiclickSOS or SOS lifeline because there is a split where you can thread a life line through. 
• 1 coupling, 1 addi gold brooch, 2 addiGrip
• Are They Comfortable? – They are lightweight, so you can knit with ease
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – It has a slippery surface so you can knit faster
• Durability – Super strong

Product Design: The knitting needle tips and other products are made in Germany.

Pros

• 2 different style tips – The Standard Rocket is great for lace knitters, or cable projects as the sharper point gets into stitches. The Turbo Basic is great for beginners and knitters who use their fingers to push the needle. Also if a yarn splits
• Fast click connections – the insertion cords stay connected and don’t unscrew
• The addi click connector joins 2 cables together to make a longer one
• Super light hollow needle tips
• Has a Lifetime Warranty from any manufacturer’s defect
• A longer cable size is suitable for the magic loop technique
• Smooth, fast metal interchangeable circular needle
• This one set has a good size range for versatility
• Suitable for people with larger hands or hand fatigue
• The marking for the sizes is easy to read when working out what you need for your next project
• These things have many ratings with five stars

Cons

• Some users reported the needles tend to have a stiff connection on first use
• Some tarnishing may occur
• The join between the cable end and tip isn’t as seamless as the others mentioned here. Some people report they found their yarn snagged
• 3 cables, you might have to buy spares if you have lots of projects on the go
• The cables have memory. If they get too tangled, a short soak in hot water (minus the needles) should solve the problem
• Knit more with smaller-sized needles less than US 4? This set won’t suit

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Lykke Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set

Lykke is Norwegian for happiness. This is one of the best interchangeable knitting needle collections, favored by knitters. In this set, the tips are a soft, weathered grey. The warm wood is appealing to knitters.

How Does It Compare?

• Made Of – The wood is not driftwood but birch.
• Length – Tips – 5″
• Sizes – US4/3.5mm, US5/3.75mm, US6/4mm, US7/4.5mm, US8/5mm, US9/5.5mm, US10/6mm, US10/6.5mm, US11/8mm, US13/9mm, US15/10mm, US17/12mm
• Plastic Cables – 2 x 24″, 2 x 32″ and 1 x 40″
• 2 connectors used for cable extenders, 4 keys, 8 stoppers
• Are They Comfortable? – They feel lovely in your hand and are lightweight
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The wooden surface has a slight grip.
• Durability – Substantial and sturdy

Product Design: The tips aren’t sharp, but neither are they blunt. A good mid-range tip. Use the kit’s key to tighten the cable length and tip connection. Use a little pressure for a fastened join. Later on, you’ll not have a problem with your knitting project if you secure the join this way.

These needle sets are handcrafted in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Product Evolution: These needles also come in Umber and Indigo, but these options seem harder to find.

Pros

• The driftwood aesthetic is attractive
• Use them to knit almost anything, from winter knits to summer creations
• Excellent customer service if you have problems with your order
• The carrying case is sturdy and looks lovely
• The wooden surface feels smooth
• The cable is flexible, much like the Rainbow options above but not as flexible as the Hiya Hiyas
• Each size is etched into the end of the tip for easy identification
• This thing is one of the better choices for arthritic hands, as the warming wood is comfortable

Cons

• Some knitters talked about the cable connectors being too long, and it snagged the yarn

Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle Set

These are colorful wooden needles. Each size is a different color.

How Does It Compare?

• Made Of – Laminated Birchwood
• Length – 4 1/2″ (11.5cm) (5 1/4 ” (13.5cm) when the metal part of the cable connection is attached)
• Sizes – 9 Pairs in US size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8mm)
• Extras – 1 set of size markers, 8 end caps, 4 cord keys, and 1 cord case
• Cables – 4 Cords to make 24″, 40″ & 2×32″ (This length is when needle tips are attached to the cord)
• Are They Comfortable? – They feel smooth in your hand
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Being wood, there’s grab 
• Durability – Be careful with smaller diameters as they could break 

Product Design: As the laminated wood is slick, your stitches glide, but there’s a slight grip. The range of sizes is for a variety of projects. The tips are pointy with a long taper for lace patterns or making eyelets.

Pros

• The size is marked on the wooden shaft of the needle tip and the metal end.
• Have Knit Picks cables or Lykke cables? Use them on the Knitter’s Pride needles
• Smooth join between the tip and the cords. Like the Knit Picks Rainbow Option connection
• Affordable
• The surface has a slight grip being wood, but yarn slides

Cons

• The clear plastic zippered case is basic
• The cardboard the needles are attached to won’t last forever

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Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Sharp Steel Knitting Needle Set

A premium stainless steel knitting needle set includes 13 pairs. The speed of these needles is excellent. The thin, flexible cables are excellent for magic loop.

• Made Of – Tips are stainless steel, and cables are flexible nylon.
• Length – 4″ (10cm) tip length.
• Sizes – Sharp tips US Needles Sizes 2-15 (2.75mm, 3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5,5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm)
• Cables lengths – Includes 4 cable sizes in 18″, 26″, 34″, and 42″. Using the swivel cord prevents the curling of the cable as you knit.
• Are They Comfortable? – These needles are super lightweight
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The surface is slick, so slippery yarns come off if you aren’t watching
• Durability – Strong and long-lasting
• Includes tightening grip tool, small cable connectors, tip adaptors, panda stoppers, single point adapters, snips, darning needles, and safety pins
• Has a brocade case to hold everything

Pros

• Stainless steel is slick and speeds up your knitting
• Stitches slide over the needle
• Smooth connections, yarn doesn’t snag at the transition between the cord and needle
• Flexible Swivel Cables to prevent twisting of the cord.
• Tip adapter for using the larger size needles
• Nifty tools – tightening gripper and cute panda stoppers, snips, and darning needles
• Includes lifeline holes which expert knitters recommend for fixing mistakes
• Use the extra cables as stitch holders
• Suitable for fingering weight yarns and lace weight yarns
• Easy to travel with and pop in your bag
• The sharpness of the needle points is excellent for lace knitting.
• Ships to most countries in Europe and India
• The storage case is stronger than the vinyl case some models have

Cons

• May need to use waxed paper on first use to stop yarns sticking.
• They make noise as you knit
• Knitter who moves the points with your finger, beware! They’re super sharp, so they might prick your fingers.
• The smaller diameter needles have a small cable. The larger diameter needles have a large cable. The small cables don’t attach to the larger diameter needles nor the large cables attach to the smaller diameter needles. You need an adapter.

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Knitter’s Pride Zing Deluxe Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set

For those who don’t live in North America, the brand is Knit Pro. The Deluxe Set differs from the Knitter’s Pride Set, with one less needle size included. (It doesn’t have the 6.5mm size).

How Does It Compare?

• Made Of – needle tips – aluminum, cables – flexible nylon
• Length – 4 1/2″ (11.5cm) (5 1/4″ (13.5cm) when the metal part of the cable connection is attached)
• Available Sizes – Each needle size is 3.50mm – Gold, 4.00mm – Blue, 4.50mm – Electric blue, 5.00mm – Magenta, 5.50mm – copper brown, 6.00mm – deep purple, 7.00mm – lilac purple & 8.00mm – emerald green.
• The colors mentioned above are my interpretation. The company has other names for the colors :
• 3.50mm (US 4) – Chrysolite, 4.00mm (US 6) – Sapphire, 4.50mm (US 7) – Iolite, 5.00mm (US 8) – Ruby, 5.50mm (US 9) – Sienna, 6.00mm (US 10) – Purple Velvet, 7.00mm (US 10.75) – Amethyst, 8.00mm (US 11) – Emerald 
• Cables – 4 cables to create needle length – 60cm, 80cm x 2 & 100cm. The length mentioned for the cables is when the needle tips are attached to each end.
• Are They Comfortable? – They have a slight weight to them, but this feels comfortable
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The surface is smooth but not too slippery
• Durability – The hollow aluminum needle tip is sturdy

Pros

• The surface is smooth
• Colors are lovely
• Suits almost all yarn weights
• Lightweight, but there’s a slight weight when you hold them
• The tip is not so sharp as to poke holes in your index finger
• A smooth connection where tip and cable meet
• Great extras like connectors and stoppers
• Cables are different colors, so you’ll recognize the lengths
• The storage case is padded, and looks appealing
• The screw connection is easy to do. Use the keys to tighten
• The laser-etched sizing on the needle shaft is easy to read
• 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, 1 set of cable connectors (2)
• Instructions included; how to attach the needle tips to the cable and unscrew and use the end caps/stoppers

Cons

• Getting the needle tips out of the stretchy nylon bands is a little tricky at first

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ChiaoGoo Twist Tip Interchangeable Complete Set

Chiaogoo makes a range of interchangeable needle sets.

• Made Of – Stainless steel needle tips. Chiaogoo Red Lace Twist red cables are a multi-strand steel cord coated with red nylon and are memory-free, so no kinks!
• Length – 4″ (10 cm), surgical-grade, stainless steel metal, lace tips
• Sizes – ChiaoGoo sells three sets –
• Small – 7 sizes – US 2 (2.75mm), US 3 (3.25mm), US 4 (3.55mm) , US 5 (3.75mm), US 6 (4mm), US 7 (4.5mm), US 8 (5mm)
• Large – 6 sizes – US 9 (5.5mm), US 10 (6mm), US 10.5 (6.5mm), US 11 (8mm), US 13 (9mm), and US 15 (10mm)
• Chiaogoo 7400 c Twist Tip Interchangeable Complete set – 13 sizes
• Cables lengths – Three cables: 8″ (20cm), 14″ (35cm), and 22″ (55cm) in the small size and larger size cables
• Are They Comfortable? – Lightweight and smooth to the touch
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Stainless steel is smooth, so be careful with slippery yarns.
• Durability – Excellent quality stainless steel and sturdy
• Sets have easy-to-read, coded cable connectors, end stoppers, T-shaped tightening keys, stitch markers, a needle gauge, and a fabric carry case

Pros

• The stainless steel needle tip has a smooth surface 
• The Chiaogoo Twist Interchangeable set makes knitting each row easier!
• A longer taper than HiyaHiya tips and sharper
• The cables are memory free, so they don’t kink
• The twist set has a variety of nifty tools
• The shapes make it comfortable to try
• Tips of these metal needles have a lifeline hole
• Popular with lace knitters as the sharp tips improve accuracy
• Memory free cables
• The lifelines are a great extra detail
• Great for the magic loop, the flexibility of the cord makes it easy
• Different sized tips are marked
• Great for speed knitting and making a test knit!

Cons

• Don’t like metal sound when the surfaces touch? These needles aren’t for you
• You can’t use the small tip cables with the large tip cables unless you buy the adapters separately.

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ChiaoGoo TWIST Shorties Red Lace Interchangeable Knitting Set

Perfect for smaller diameter circular knitting. Love knitting with 9″ circular knitting needles or need shorter-length circular needles between 9 -14″? These good interchangeable needles are for you. Here are what the sets come with.

• Made Of – Stainless steel
• Length – 2” & 3” tips
• Sizes – US 0, US 1, US 1.5, US 2, US 2.25, and US 3 . (2mm, 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3mm, 3.25mm) These sizes are for the 2″ and 3″ tips, so you get 12 pairs of needle tips.
• Cables lengths – 5”, 6” and 8” (13cm, 15cm & 30cm) cable length
• Are They Comfortable? – They are wonderful for knitting smaller items
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – The stainless steel is slick, so be careful
• Durability – Super strong

This is convenient information thanks to a kind reader.

• 2” tip + 5” cable + 2” tip = 9” length / 3” tip + 5” cable + 3” tip = 11” length
• 2” tip + 6” cable + 2” tip = 10” length / 3” tip + 6” cable + 3” tip = 12” length
• 2” tip + 8” cable + 2” tip = 12” length / 3” tip + 8” cable + 3” tip = 14” length

Pros

• Excellent for smaller items – socks, sleeves, wrist warmers, and fingerless mitts
• Lightweight coated steel needles
• Smooth surface on the needle and cable
• The join between the tip and cable won’t snag your yarn
• Have small hands? You’ll find these comfortable for finer work
• Has a red pouch to keep everything organized
• Has tiny T Pins for tightening the connection
• Includes stoppers and 2 cord connectors, a needle gauge, and stitch markers
• The pouch for the needles is marked with the sizes

Cons

• Some users reported them unscrewing. Use the keys to tighten the connection and to check throughout your project
• Pricey
• These mini cables won’t work with any other set
• The cord connectors are TINY and easy to lose

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Blue Chiaogoo Twist Shorties Set

The combinations of tips and cables allow for short circulars 9” through 14″ (23cm – 36cm) long. Look at the combinations above. This is the larger needle-size version of the shorties Chiaogoo offers.

• Made Of – Needles are stainless steel. 2″ tips – solid – 3″ tips – hollow
• Length – The set contains 2 & 3″ (5 & 8cm) tips 
• Sizes – US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5mm) These sizes are for the 2″ and 3″ tips, so you get 10 pairs of needle tips.
• Cables lengths – Three Blue, X-Flex (S) join cables – 5″, 6″, 8″ (13, 15, 30cm). These are more flexible than the red cables in the shorter set.
• Are They Comfortable? – Great for smaller circumferences
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Watch out for slippery yarns with a this stainless steel surface
• Durability – Strong and sturdy

Pros

• Works well for smaller knitting projects
• Flexible cords
• A versatile combination of lengths for the cables and needles

Cons

• These are small items and would be easy to lose. Put them back into the pouch when not in use
• Expensive but worth it if you’re knitting small items.

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Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina Deluxe Interchangeable Set

These are a good budget option for metal interchangeable knitting needles. Their slick surface is terrific for fast knitting.

• Made Of – Tips are brass – plated with chrome
• Length – 4 1/2 ” (11.5cm) (5 1/4″ (13.5cm) when the metal part of the cable connection is attached)
• Sizes – 9 Pairs in US size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8mm)
• Cables lengths – 4 Cords (24″, 40″, x2 32″) in bright colors
• Are They Comfortable? – Lovely and light
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Yes, but be careful with slippery yarns.
• Durability – Sturdy, but they get minor scratches or dents over time

Pros

• The needles come with sharp points and a long taper
• The Knitter’s Pride cables are smooth
• Smooth join between the tip and the cord
• Good budget option for metal needles
• The pairs of needles have a good all-purpose tip
• Slick surface on the needle and the cable
• Great for working more complicated stitches
• Strong connection when screwed together and tightened with the key

Cons

• There’s a slight memory with the plastic cords
• The plastic zipper case is basic
• No cord connector included

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 Clover Takumi Interchangeable Needles Set

This set of interchangeable needles is excellent for beginners. I’ve also knitted with circular Clover needles and DPNs. The bamboo needles balance between being smooth, lightweight, and easy to work with.

Use these Japanese needles for multiple projects and the best bamboo knitting needles for those who enjoy working with bamboo. The Takumi Bamboo set has twelve knitting circular needle sizes. Each has the size and mm etched on it. A screw join connects the two parts unlike a fixed circular needle. You screw the tip into the cord. The bamboo needles in this interchangeable knitting needle set are enclosed in a leather-like zippered fabric case.

• Made Of – Bamboo
• Length – 9.5 cm (3.75″) for needle sizes US 3-10 1/2 (3.25 to 6.5 mm)
• 10.5 cm (4.13″) for US 8, 13, 15 (8, 9, 10mm).
• Sizes – US 3, 4, 5,6 ,7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15 (3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 40, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8, 9, 10mm)
• Cables lengths – Five lengths – 16″ , 24″, 29″, 36″, 48″
• Are They Comfortable? – Lightweight and warm to the touch
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Bamboo has a slight grip, so it’s lovely for slippery yarns.
• Durability – Sturdy (Bamboo is one of the most robust natural materials)

Pros

• These interchangeable knitting needle sets have smooth bamboo needle tips and joins
• These manufacturers produce flexible cables
• Bamboo needles tips are tapered
• Suitable for the magic loop
• Great for beginning knitters or those with arthritis
• Has a number of comfortable tip lengths
• Country of origin is Japan
• Good value for money
• No matter what you make, whether a sweater or shawl, it creates a lovely result

Cons

• Some people said the connection between the tip and cable comes unscrewed. Ensure they’re fastened before starting a project and check occasionally
• These might be hard to work with if you have a tight tension
• Slight chance of them breaking
• Comes securely packaged in a box

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Denise Interchangeables

The interchangeable needle set comprises ten pairs of color-coded plastic resin needle tips manufactured in the United States. Denise offers beginner options in their collection.

• Made Of – Plastic resin
• Length – about 4″ for the US 5-10.5 and about 4.25″ for the 11-15
• Sizes – 10 pairs of different sizes – US Sizes 5 / 3.75mm to US 15 / 10mm
• Cables lengths – Six cords (5″, 9″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 19″)
• Are They Comfortable? – Light and smooth, perfect for beginners or people who don’t like their needles to be heavy
• Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle? – Plastic is smooth, and there is a little friction between the surface of the needle and yarn.
• Durability – Strong plastic
• Also includes a connector piece, four end buttons, and a compact blue case

Pros

• For maximum smoothness, tips are plastic resin
• The colors of the different needle sizes are fun
• To attach the tip to the cable, twist and turn in the opposite direction. No confusing pin hole or fiddling with the ends to deal with!
• Denise needles, cables, and accessories are made in the United States with a sturdy construction
• Beginners and kids find these items useful
• A business owned and operated by a family
• These needles are made in the United States
• These ones have dozens of reviews with a five-star rating
• On a budget? These products are a good choice
• Several pairs of needle tips are held in the plastic case

Cons

• Smallest needle pairs might bend if you knit tightly

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What Makes The Best Interchangeable Needle Set?

Here are key decision-making factors and criteria to consider when choosing the best interchangeable circular knitting needles. Select what’s right for you!

What’s It Made Of?

The materials used vary. It’s what suits you best and the projects you often create. Wood/Bamboo has a slight grab. Metal is slick, as is carbon fiber. (Did you know interchangeable crochet hooks exist? They’re made of similar materials.)

What Type Of Needles Are They?

Consider the point and how sharp you need it to be. Are you a lace knitter, or a normal one? Also, are you going to use the magic loop method for your sock knitting patterns? If so, you need a specific size of cable space on your needles. What connection point do you prefer? One with a tightener, or a turn and connect one? (There are no interchangeable double pointed needles.)

How Long Are They?

Most of the needle tips in interchangeable sets are 4 or 5″. Smaller needle tips 2″ or 3″ are available for smaller circumference projects.

What Sizes Are Available?

Think about the types of sizes you use most or have used. This determines if larger or smaller diameter options suit your needs best. Also think about how many sizes each set has. If you knit a lot, get a collection with more sizes. It’ll be a better investment in the long run, despite the higher prices.

Are They Comfortable To Use?

This is based on your preference. Some people love wood and detest metal and vice versa. I like metal and wood, and find both comfortable in my hand. This is important for their effectiveness!

Do The Stitches Stay On The Needle?

Use slippery yarns. Choose a surface with more grab. Metal needles are slick, so stitches glide. With interchangeable screw connections, use the keys included to tighten. Sometimes your fingers slip more often than the stitches! To combat that problem, some needle sets have a rubber patch to enhance grip.

Are They Durable?

Metal is sturdier than wood. Also, be mindful of small diameter wooden needles as they could break if not handled with care. Many companies mentioned offer replacements for manufacturing defects. A weak point of an interchangeable needle is where the cord is inserted in the connection piece. People have reported this can break, but it’s rare.

Which Is Best For You?

Can’t decide which one to get for the job? This list should help.

• Knit Picks Rainbow Options is an affordable wooden choice and lovely to use
• Love knitting with Bamboo needles? The Clover set is worth it
• Looking for a budget metal set? I recommend the Knitter’s Pride Zing Deluxe
• The Chiaogoo complete set is terrific for lace knitters
• As is the Hiya Hiya and addi

Bottom Line: Addi are the best for serious lace knitters, Knit Picks has the best budget wood options, and Clover is great for Bamboo.

FAQs About Interchangeables

Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Universal?

Interchangeable Knitting Needles aren’t universal. They differ in connection systems, although some brands share cables. Here are the brands cables work with each other:

• Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro and Knit Picks, Lykke, and Plymouth share cords
• Clover and HiyaHiya share cords
• Lantern Moon and Knitter’s Pride/KnitPro (as of Dec 2021) share cords
• ChiaoGoo and addi are unique

Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Worth It?

Interchangeable sets are an investment. They’re worth it as they forego buying individual circular needles.

What Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles?

Interchangeable Knitting Needles comprise a pair of needle tips attached to a flexible cable. The cable isn’t fixed. Depending on the connection system, they’re screw or click. They’re ideal for knitting in the round. Interchangeable needles are great for sweaters, hats, and socks. Various styles to choose from, depending on your preferences. Choose the suitable needles for every task!

It saves buying individual fixed circular needles.

What Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Used For?

Interchangeable knitting needles are for any projects worked in the round, like what you use fixed circular needles for. You also knit back and forth like with straight needles.

How To Change Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Changing interchangeable Knitting needles is as simple as unscrewing or clicking out the needle tip from the cable and replacing it with another size tip.

How To Connect Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Depending on the system, you screw the needle tip into the cable or screw the cable into the needle tip and tighten with a wire key. The keys are included with the set. Click systems are different as they don’t have screw connections. Instead, the connection on the end of the cable inserts into the needle tip, and you push in and twist away from you. The tip and cord are fixed in place.

How To Tighten Interchangeable Knitting Needles

To tighten the screw connection of interchangeable knitting needles, use the key and insert it into the hole. Hold the key and tighten.

How To Measure Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Interchangeable knitting needles are measured from tip to tip. So it is the length of the 2 tips plus the length of the cord. For example, 24″.

Which Interchangeable Knitting Needles Are Best?

The best interchangeable knitting needles depends on your preference but I recommend the Knit Picks Rainbow Options set. If you work on multiple projects at once that require the same size needles, sets with cable stoppers are a must. These stop stitches sliding off cables that aren’t attached to the tips. Needle extenders are also helpful extras.

Will The Lykke Interchangeable Needle Function With Knit Picks Cables?

Yes, the Lykke Interchangeable Needle tips attach to Knit Picks cables.

Which Brand Of IC Circular Needles Have Swivel Cords?

Swivel cords are available in the following Interchangeable Needle sets: Chiaogoo Spin Sets, Hiya Hiya sets, Knitter’s Pride Mindful sets, and Lantern Moon Ebony sets.

Do The Chiaogoo Interchangeable Needles Set Have Both Large And Small Versions Of Each Needle?

The Chiaogoo set with large and small needle tips is the complete set of 13 pairs.

Why Choose Interchangeables Over Fixed Circulars?

You have more needle tip sizes on hand and cable lengths. Interchangeables are more versatile than fixed circulars.

Which Is The Best For Magic Loops Between The Chiaogoo And The Hiya Hiyas Needles?

The Hiya Hiya cables are thinner and more flexible than the Chiaogoo, but they work for Magic Loop.

If The Cord You Need Is Longer Than The Longest Cord In The Clover Interchangeable, Will Combining Cords Work?

Use the Clover connectors to combine the Clover cords to make a longer cord.

Will The Lykke Interchangeable Needle Function Properly For Beanies, And Will The Cord Make 16 Circulars?

The Lykke Interchangeable Needles with the 3.5″ tips make 16″ circulars suitable for beanies/hats.

Should I Be Worried About Them Unscrewing While Working?

With a screw connection, they might unscrew but use the tightening key, and it shouldn’t happen. Check the connections from time to time.

Are All Interchangeable Knitting Needles Compatible?

No, not all Interchangeable knitting needles are compatible; however, some brand cables work with other brand’s tips.

Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Worth It?

There are many choices of interchangeable knitting needles. What material you prefer to knit with influences your purchasing decision. Here’s a video review to help you decide if they’re worth it for your knitting sessions.

Conclusion

I hope my guide has helped you, and if you buy a set, tell me about your experience. I love hearing from my readers. Or if you have a question, please leave a comment below.