interchangeable needle inquiry

[ktd205]

I'm just curious: I've heard good and bad things about interchangeable needles. The bad (or at least irritating) things that I've heard/read from people is that yarn can sometimes snag where the cable meets the needle tip. That, and it's not always possible to tighten the tips and you have to keep tightening them while you knit. Has anyone had experience with this? Is this only with certain brands? I would love to invest in a set, as it probably saves money, but I'm hesitant. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Wanda Witch]

The only interchangeable needles I've used are the Knit Picks. I have not found them to snag yarn at all and if tightened properly with the little wrench-like tool that accompanies they will not come loose. I do check my every few rows thought, just in case. The only problem I have experienced with Knit Picks: I have broken off two of the cables. One was due to the weight of a very heavy afghan I am still working on and the other just sort of happened. I have read on the Forum here one can phone them and Knit Picks will replace at no cost. I have yet to do that since I have several sets of the sizes I have been using. I really do like having the option of using the same needles on two different projects at the same time, something obviously one cannot do otherwise. A great way to save money on buying duplicate needles. The cables are inexpensive so one can have several sets as I do without breaking the piggy bank. I love my Option Knit Picks. Good luck on your search.

[Quiltlady]

I have two different sets. I have the Denise set and then I bought the Harmony set from Knit Picks. If I could only have one set it would be the Denise. Only because they do not come apart on me and my knitting does not slide off faster than you want it too. I've never had any problems with the yarn getting caught in the connections.

The Harmony ones are beautiful and I like the points on the ends but mine do keep coming unscrewed frequently even tho I use the little "key" they give. Sometimes they are so slippery that my knitting falls off when I don't want it to.
I do use both sets when I knit but it depends on what the project is. I am SO glad that I have a set of interchangeables. They really are wonderful to have. Good luck in making your selection.

[Mike]

I haven't had KP Options snag, but I have had the cable come loose (luckily not all the way out) while knitting because my hands are big and my palm pushes against the cable right at the joint and it gets a pretty good bend in it.

The only time I've had a problem with them needing retightened is when I don't use the key to tighten.

I like how when you get to the end of something like the back panel of a sweater, you just screw off the tips, screw on the stoppers and the cable serves as a stitch holder.

[Debkcs]

I ordered a set of KnitPick Options Thursday night, they mailed them on Friday, I'm hoping they'll be in the mail today. KnitPicks is fast~

So far I've been more than happy with the Denise set I've got, but the 'Knitting with Arthritis' group on Ravelry says it's easier going with Options. We'll soon see.

[Knit4Pie]

I have both the Denise set and the Harmony set from KnitPicks. I have had some snagging on the Denise set, but I think it was from the yarn more than the actual join. My Harmony set would unscrew only when I forgot to use the key. I like them both, but I have to admit that I mainly use my KP set for now.

I will say that I plan on starting an Afghan soon and I'll probably use the Denise set for that, simply because the thicker cables will probably stand up better from the weight of the afghan.

[Jan in CA]

I've never had a problem with my Knit Picks Options. Click the link at the top of the page or go to the stash tab and click from there so KH gets the kickback if you order.

[tasknitter]

i have the knitpicks options and absolutely love them. Even in Aus, when one of my cables came apart i took it back to the shop where my husband bought them and they just swapped them, i've never had any come loose while i'm knitting. I did have one cable that used to catch the yarn, but when i looked closely it was just a teeny bur where they had drilled the hole for the tightening key, so I just got it off really carefully with a nail file, and problem sorted, I wouln't swap them for the world!!! Go for it!!

[SBG]

I've used some Boye ones, and the Knit Picks Options. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Options needles, and I never use anything else anymore. I use the tightening key and a rubber thing that used to open jars, and I have never had a single problem with them loosening up. I had one that wouldn't tighten all the way, which would cause a snag. I emailed Knit Picks and they replaced it immediately-their customer service is fabulous.

[ktd205]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I think the KnitPicks might be the way to go!