Gruenetree Lecture Series- Vol. 1: Interchangeable Knitting Needles

I recently started a new project, Rusted Root by Zephyr Style and was deciding which needles to use. I have both Denise Interchangeable and KnitPicks Options and often just pick at random. However, this time i actually thought about it and started a discussion in my head. It then occurred to me that this discussion might be something that has occurred to others or newbies who are wondering which is best for them. here is what my brain has produced for your reading pleasure.

Denise Interchangeables: These are plastic with a variety of cord lengths (circular length: 17”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 33”, 40”, 50”, 58”). The kit comes with a carrying case, ends (to make into straight needles and stitch holders) and the cords can be linked to increase length.
Pros

• They are plastic, which for me is a PLUS. I am mildly allergic to nickel and it can make my teeth hurt a little and makes my hands ache a little. These are smooth and soft.
• You can link the cords, I love this because it makes it easier to change cord lengths and to add on without a disturbance to your knitting.
• You just turn and click. connecting the cable to the needle is super easy and you can do it with one hand.
• Denise comes in bigger needle sizes. Options go from 4-11 while Denise vary from 5-15

Cons

• They are plastic. Which means they were cast from a mold. There is a slight seam from this casting and sometimes is can bother your fingers. This is very slight and not on every needle.
• Sometimes the needle and the cord become detached. it is very easy to fix but every once in a while i will drop a stitch. It is not disastrous but time consuming.
• Denise is not great for magic loop. The cord is too thick.

KnitPicks Options: These are nickel needles that also come with various cord lengths (circular length 24'' (2) and 32'' (2). The kit comes with ends (to make into straight needles and stitch holders), cable keys (to tighten the cords onto needles) and a carrying case.
Pros

• The needles are metal and this makes for faster knitting.
• The cords are are very thin which is good for magic loop and enable Options to come in size 4 needles.
• The carrying case can be adapted for carrying things other than the needles and cards, unlike Denise.

Cons

• The needles are not marked with the size like Denise
• They can untwist themselves and come loose. However before that happens your yarn will catch on the created indention from where the threads of the cable connect to the needle
• You cannot link cords together.

Decision: I love both of mine and i would recommend to even the beginner to purchase both. It is always good to have circulars and i have found you can never have too many.
Both have great customer service and repair/replace policies. Both are well made and good quality.
Both have faults but nothing to rule it out. My one complaint for both is distinguishing cord length. The Denise carrying case does not have marked spots which would make it easier and their needles are marked. Options do not mark needles or cords but you can make your own labels and label the pocket you keep that tool in. They also sell needle markers to mark your cord when using it as a stitch holder, but then so do I.
I love both and I use each according to project requirements (magic loop? will it increase in size or will the project stay the same width? change needle sizes?), yarn fiber (some work on metal better- wool & some on plastic- angora) cord length and mood
Both have additional pieces for very reasonable prices! I highly recommend both.

FYI: Nashua Ivy Yarn (Dreamy Alpaca and  Merino Wool with  a hint of metallic silver) is on sale At WEBS for $5.37)

Comments

[adrienne]

great review! I also have both and love them both for different reasons!

[toya]

great review