Knitting Needle Reviews and Fantastic Handmade Gift Ideas, too

I recently discovered some deals on Amazon and wondered if they were too good to be true. I prefer circular knitting needles to straights because I think they alleviate some of the strain on my wrists from holding the bulk of the weight. I am not a big fan of interchangeable knitting needles because I find they often snag finer weight yarns in the joins and if I’m not diligent about joining, can fall apart mid row. While I believe everyone has the right to their own opinion, and personal preference plays a big role in discovering which tools work best for everyone, I often get asked what I like to use. This is a review about what works for me.

When purchasing circular knitting needles years ago, I thought the best value for me was to purchase the longer lengths because they would have the most range of uses. However, over time, I realized that I still like them when I have hundreds of stitches on my needles, I don’t like them for small projects like swatches or even the beginning of top down stuff. I also am not a fan of doing smaller things on larger needles or using 2 sets of needles for smaller items.

I actually prefer 16″ circulars for sleeves, hats and swatches. And I prefer 24″ circulars for sweaters in the round and just about everything else for rows or rounds. I only like the big 32″ and 40″ for afghans or other really large projects.

So over the years, I have purchases a 16″ circular here or there, a 24″ circular here or there… but never invested the money to purchase an entire set of 16″ or 24″ circulars. I always put it off.

So when I found these rainbow color/size coded sets on Amazon for such a low price I thought this is either going to be amazing or a small waste of money. I read the reviews and decided to go for it.

First, I thought the bamboo tips were smooth, and I love the fact that the needles are marked with sizes but also the color coded cords are a really easy way to know the sizes from a glance (if I can’t find my reading glasses LOL). As a long time knitter, crocheter, crafter and otherwise DIY diva, I love to make things work. While I like the joins on the circulars, I am a realist and know they may fall apart one day after heavy usage (I happen to knit A LOT as a professional designer). With a little glue, I believe this will be an easy fix. While I have found the bamboo tips to be smooth, I noticed some of the other reviews said they were a little rough. This is an easy fix, too! With a little piece of fine grade sandpaper and a little oil or beeswax you could whip these into perfection in no time.

I have been using the 4mm 24″ circulars for 5 days in a row working on a lace cardigan in Be So Fresh Yarn color Night. This is a #2 fine, sport weight linen yarn. I have 140+ stitches on my needles and I have not snagged at a join – NOT ONCE.

Check out the 16″ bamboo circular knitting needle set here:

Check out the 24″ bamboo circular knitting needle set here:

Check out the 8″ bamboo double pointed knitting needle set here:

Overall, I give these needle sets a thumbs up. I am happy with my purchase, am happy to share my find with my friends, and think they would make fabulous gifts!

I think buying one of these sets of needles as a gift and hand making the case to present them in would be a gorgeous presentation. Here are a few of my favorite designs I have used over the years for organizing knitting needles:

The Knitting Needle Holder Knitting Pattern by Kristin Omdahl

Simple stitches, bulky yarn, and a handy hanging loop make the perfect knitter’s accessory. Click on the photo or link to order this instant download pattern from Interweave Store.

Finished Size: 18″ long and 9″ wide.
Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Alpine Wool (100% wool; 93 yd (85 m)/3 oz [85 g]): #123 bay leaf, 3 balls.
Yarn Weight: #5 – Bulky
Needles: Size 8 (5 mm): 24″ circular (cir) and 2 double-pointed (dpn).
Notions: Thirteen 14 mm silver-plated pewter number charms, numbers 1-13, model #CHMHN-LAS-#1 through CHMHN-LAS-#13, found on www.beadsrfun.com; sewing needle and matching thread; waste yarn.
Gauge: 15 sts and 24 rows = 4″ in St st.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits Weekend, 2011

How to Sew a Roll-Up Case for Crochet Hooks, Coloring Pencils or Makeup Brushes
FREE Sewing Pattern by Kristin Omdahl

What you will need:
(3) pieces of cotton fabric 15″ x 9″
shown in Day of the Dragonfly Fabric Collection by Kristin Omdahl: in Kristin Omdahl’s Spoonflower Shop
(1) piece of fuseable interfacing 15″ x 9″ (optional)
36″ of 1/2″ grosgrain ribbon
Pins
Sewing thread for your sewing machine

Follow the link in the photo or title to download this free pattern or watch the video tutorial.

How I Organize my Circular Knitting Needles with Over the Door Storage System

Click on the title or photo to go to this tutorial page.

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If you prefer store bought organizing ideas, don’t overlook the fishing department! For many years I used fishing tackle boxes to organize my supplies and the soft fishing lure binders worked very well for organizing circular knitting needles. You can find them at your local fishing supply store. Here is one similar to what I used to use:

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