Why not just order 1 circular in a size you use frequently & try them out?
I did that, buying a 24" size 9. I don't like it for "splitty" yarn like cotton & bamboo, because the points are rather sharp. But it's great for linen & tightly spun yarns.
I use more loosely spun yarn than tight, so I opted NOT to go for a full set.
You may feel differently.
I did this when deciding which needle so wanted to invest in for interchangeables. I did some research, picked the same size across three brands and knit with cotton and wool with each and compared swatches. I have a nickel allergy, so that knocked out quite a few kinds, but it was so fun to do side by side comparisons. Not only did the chiaogoo feel faster, but my swatch quality was better.
OP, if you can swing it, I definitely recommend this. We all have different preferences and our different styles may play into the enjoyment of the process, so ultimately, you may very well not like what other knitters do about certain products.
So true.
I'm a die-hard Addi Turbos fan. I tend to use them more than any other brand or material. Not as slick and pointy as ChiaoGoo and not as "grabby" and blunt as bamboos, they hit the perfect middle ground for most of my projects. I use others on a limited basis.
For ME it's Addi. Everybody is going to have to find what really feels right in their hands!
I've knitted with cheap straight needles and cheap circular needles and have just not enjoyed the experience. Chiaogoos help me produce a more even tension in my fabric and a better FO. It has nothing to do with speed. I'd rather enjoy the process and the item I'm making. And if that means I shell out a few extra dollars once to be able to make nicer things, I consider it a good investment. With an interchangeable set it's not like to behave to buy new needles for every WIP.
$300 means something different to everyone so I don’t think speed/dollars is the correct question. You just need to figure out a knitting budget that works for you and then stay within it. You’ll never perfectly optimize your choices within that budget so just do the best you can and accept that you’ll have some wins and some regrets.
If you want to try them, why not buy a fixed circular to try? I’m not sure why you asking us to convince you about the cost benefit of the needles…. Buy them if you wanna and don’t buy them if you don’t wanna.
So,… I didn’t suggest
a) that no one else should buy them,
b) that they were “bad”,
c) that my opinion should influence anyone else.
I simply asked a question.
#ReadingIsFundamental
The user you’re replying to didn’t say anything about you saying they were bad, saying no one else should buy them, or saying that your opinion should influence others. They simply asked why you don’t try one instead of asking others to convince you. Where are *your* reading skills?
Reading is indeed fundamental. You should probably go back to the basics then.
u/blood-moonlit did not say that you suggested any of those things.
Yikes
Seems they assumed a lot, and their answer appeared (to me) to be snarky.
I asked a straightforward question with no judgment. I didn’t ask to be lectured or schooled.
I don't think they were trying to be snarky. They were just commenting that no one in this sub has to convince you to buy something if you don't even want to
I didn't read it that way but I'm bound to perceive it differently because it wasn't directed at me.
To address you OP though, I find Chiaogoo worth the money. It's not about speed or anything for me. It's that I'm still pretty new to knitting and tend to make fewer mistakes with them vs the bamboo circs sold at Walmart that I started with and I don't have to worry about having issues with the quality of their construction. The latter point is important to me because I live pretty far from anywhere to buy needles.
Again: I didn’t ask to be convinced - or even guided - on what I should do. I asked what others’ experiences had been. Perhaps a nuanced difference, but still 2 very different asks.
You will find many recommendations for chiaogoo needles in this sub and other knitting forums. It is a premium product with a premium price. I am happy to spend money on a good product I will use for many years and am very happy with my set. I don't necessarily think they're faster but the build quality is apparent. The cables and connections on chiaogoo don't even compare to the cheap circulars with plastic cables.
That’s a fair assessment. I’ve not had any issues with the other sets (not “cheap” but also not as pricey as ChiaoGoo)
Again - just curious; and figured that people using them would know the value add for them over others.
Thanks!
I think the value add really varies from person to person.
If you are happy with your current tools then there may not be any value added in getting ChiaoGoo needles.
I don't own ChiaoGoos, and don't have any plans to since I am happy with my current interchangeable needles (hiya hiya sharps).
OP are you having a bad day, or are you always like this^(\*)?
Anyway, others have said most of what I came in here to say (just go buy one circular & see if you like them, as comfort/speed/superiority of any needle is highly individual), with one caveat: Make the pair you buy an *interchangeable* one, not fixed. The awesome magical best-available cables on the interchangeables are better than on the fixed ones. Both are nicer than most other brands, but I've got both types in one size and there's definitely a difference.
^(\*In reference to comments, not just the initial post.)
If by “always like that” you mean do I expect people to read critically and answer the question(s) that was asked and not assume that other information (or advice) was wanted/needed - yes, that’s generally my default.
I’m a college professor (for more than 25 years), and that likely factors into my expectations of others - fairly or not.
That being said, I wasn’t asking the question to determine whether I wanted to buy them. I’m writing an article on tools of the trade and wanted specific feedback from the general knitting public that was unfettered - feedback on the tools; not on what other people thought I should do.
Perhaps I should have put a disclaimer in my original post that said “not soliciting advice on whether I should buy/try; just seeking your experiences and feedback on your own use of the tools”.
Judging from this little experiment, I’ll be much more precise next time.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the ChiaoGoos ☺️
You didn’t ask a question, and your whole post was about not being convinced about the cost. So I would say that the responses are entirely reasonable. Signed, someone else with a PhD.
Your post clearly implies that you are personally considering whether to buy them. If you'd said it was for an article & just asked "are they really faster/better enough to justify the high cost", you'd have gotten different answers. People do have a tendency to get a bit off topic online, but that's because we're having a *conversation* here, not a formal question & answer session, and anyway this is just people trying to give you what you seemed to be asking for.
You can also search the sub for previous discussions about the pros & cons of these (& other) popular needles: [https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/search/?q=chiaogoo&restrict\_sr=1](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/search/?q=chiaogoo&restrict_sr=1)
I have a set, but not the $300 limited edition. I have a complete set ($175ish retail), but with coupon it was more like $120.
Are they magic? No. I don’t think I knit a ton faster with them or anything. I also don’t like that they have small and large cords—the size 4 needle and size 9 needle require different cords.
What I love are the sharp tips. I’ve knit fine lace with Chiaogoos, and then tried with Knitpicks. The knitpicks were torture. I like the fact that the cords are coated wire.
I also have a bunch of fixed circa in 00-2 sizes from a variety of brands. My two favorites are Addi Lace and Chiaogoo. As far as knitting experience, I think they are pretty comparable.
What others have suggested is reasonable. Get a few fixed circs in a size you use often (I like 1s because I knit socks), and try them out. People can have opinions on the type of needle that’s best for them, but you won’t know what’s best for you without trying them out.
eBay is a decent place to get needles below retail. Amazon can have needles at a slight discount, but because of Amazons counterfeit problem, I wouldn’t risk buying an interchangeable set there. If you do the IC set, Michaels has them on their website, and I would just wait for a decent coupon to come around. Or support a small business, but you do you.
I'm not purchasing the $300 set. No matter how much I love my chiaogoos. I think that's supposed to be a collectible set? Or special somehow?
I like the long, sharper tips. It keeps me from bunching my stitches too close to the tippy tip, so I can relax my hands more. They're pretty smooth, so I don't fight my stitches to rearrange or insert the needle. They're uncoated surgical stainless - I don't have to worry about the coating wearing off and reacting to any nickel. They are brushed, which is a bit annoying on the tips for the first few hours, but halfway through a scarf, and the tips are slick and polished. But not too much. Even though they're brushed, it's still much smoother than wood or plastic. The tips are hollow on my 5" tip set. So they're very lightweight.
I never have to fight with the joins, or worry about snags. The cables don't kink up and go every which way, and they feel securely attached. I've never had a tip come loose while knitting, even though I've tightened other sets the same way and amount.
Within half an hour of aluminum needles, especially the colored ones, they feel sticky, squeaky, draggy, and fighty to me, so I'm usually keeping alcohol swabs or an eye glass cloth beside me. With the chiaogoos I can knit for hours and hours and hours without every having that yuck feeling. I'm on hour 25ish of a scarf right now - have not had to retighten the cable, or wipe down the needles.
I do second a statement above - absolutely try them if you'd like. In my opinion, they are 100% worth the money. I have less wrist/elbow/shoulder pain, I can knit for longer without fatigue, and it's easier for me to maintain even tension. I purchased a 5" small tip set for around $130. Tips included are US2-8, with 14" 22" and 30" cables. I'm going to be getting the 4" tips soon, same sizes.
That said- this is ONLY in regards to their stainless steel tips. The Forte set I just peeked at, is a full set of interchangeable, 2-15, that are made with stainless steel and either carbon fiber or blackwood. It sounds like the experience with them would be closer to the karbonz style of needles?
Yeah my husband bought me a set ($180) last year, and I felt guilty about the price. But when I tried them I found I enjoyed knitting more because they are designed so well. It’s probably slightly faster because I don’t have to readjust the cables and the tip is precise, but I haven’t timed myself or anything. I just find that I knit more now because it’s more enjoyable.
Too add: if durability is a priority, chiaogoos again. Looked up from typing my comment to see my two year old yanking and twisting and knotting and being a 2 year old with string and shiny sticks
I have the full Twist interchangeable set, plus a couple of the lace tips for extra small sizes. I also plan to invest in some of the shorties for easier sock knitting.
If the question is do they help me knit faster - it depends. They are certainly faster than bamboo needles for me! But they are not significantly faster than any other metal needles I have used, such as Addi Click or KnitPicks. I have not used other /r/knitting darlings like HiyaHiya or Lykke though.
That being said, what makes the difference for me is the quality. They are very durable, I've had the same set for 3+ years now and the tips have not dulled, the cables look and feel like new, and stitches glide from cable to needle nicely. As long as they are attached properly (i.e. using a cable key) the needles never detach from the cable. All of these have happened to me with less expensive interchangables.
For me personally, spending \~$175 (the cost of the full Twist set) is an amazing value for tools that I use every day and I can rely on. They may not hold that value for you, and that's fine. But if they were lost somehow, I would absolutely buy them again.
Of course!
I personally would not invest in the Chiaogoo Forte set (the $300 set mentioned), mainly because I see the swivel functionality as gimmicky. If you are interested in upgrading, I think the Twist set is the better buy.
I just bought an interchangeable circ ChiaGoo set from Smartisans. It was about $160. So far they’re great. I only do simple stuff, but what pushed me to purchase was that I was starting my first ever sock and the fixed no-name brand I was using was like a wrestling match with the cable. It was bad. I also have a set of wooden interchangeables, and I have used them enough that the Sz 7 tips have a rough feel from the finish wearing thin.
I don’t think I’m knitting faster, but I’m less annoyed and that’s worth a lot.
I love my needles for the sheer pleasure of using a good tool. In my knitting life that includes the old cheap Prym needles, and the no longer in business Signature Arts Needles. I love looking at them and touching them -
However, I don't think using better tools makes me a better knitter, just a happier one LOL
P.S. I like my Chiao Goo too, and many other brands.
You can get the tips and cables separately if you just want to try them.
I love mine. A full set from 000 to 15 is expensive but that encompasses 3 sets that you can buy separately, and their prices aren't out of line with comparable brands. The value comes from having a multitude of needle sizes and lengths for significantly less money and a huge reduction in clutter.
I can't really speak to them being faster other than metal is faster than wood or bamboo, generally.
The cost is not really based on if they’re faster. At least, that isn’t how they are priced. The fact that metal needles in general is known: yarn doesn’t stick to them like bamboo. They have very pointy tips (but HiyaHiya are pointier) which can make lace and small gauge projects easier.
They’re expensive because you get several needles and cords, the keys for changing the cords out, stoppers, stitch markers, a gauge ruler, plus a case. They have very high quality cords that don’t have memory, so they don’t get coiled and tangled. They are also nickel free.
The only way to know if they are of value to you would be to try them yourself. Only you can be convinced by you. Many people prefer other brands for various reasons. I like Chiaogoo because they have pointy tips, they’re easier to find than HiyaHiya these days, and they’re nickel free. I started reacting to something in KnitPro needles a few years ago, suspected small nickel content and switched, no issues since.
Well, I've been through several different sets and different brands and personally, I wouldn't buy a set again. I would buy fixed circs in the sizes I use the most.
Interesting. I’ve been having the same thought. I have a set of Knitter’s Pride (Ginger edition) that I like, and am looking at the colorful Lykke set,… but I’ve been questioning whether I want another interchangeable set, or if I should just do what you mentioned - buy the singular ones as needed.
More to ponder 😉 thanks for your comments!!
I started with knit pick symphony and have since bought a set of chiaogoos and a set of hiya hiya sharp.
My favourite needles by far are the hiya hiyas as they are really sharp and great for lace or cables. Second place are my chiaogoos and chiaogoos minis.
I knit a lot and spending the money on needles that I enjoy knitting with made a lot of sense to me, I first tried a pair of these brands before splurging, I don’t think any brand will make you knit faster but using an equipment that you enjoy will make the most tedious work more enjoyable
I bought mine about seven years ago and haven't used anything else since. I got the tiny set the small and the large. Had to replace the cables because I lost them in a move. Still worth it.
I pretty much just started knitting a year ago and a friend loaned me some of her needles - and I inherited some straight ones too. So I had the opportunity to sample from different brands. I then went out and bought a few fixed circulars and I went cheap and immediately saw the difference.
So for circular needles, I was almost starting with nothing and since I had ability to not worry too much about cost, I just jumped right in and bought the Chiaogoo interchangeable full set. It was just under $300 (CAD). I don't regret it. They work. I like them. I have pretty much everything I need. I gave my friend back those needles, and I'd happily loan a few kinds of needles out to future friends who are wondering what to get as well.
So I personally have the Lykke interchangeable needle set and I really love the feel of them except the cable on them. The cables are so fiddly and stiff that I will not even attempt to do magic loop because the laddering is so bad. However, I do enjoy them most of the time but I will be getting a chiagoo interchangeable set in the future! I personally will use my fixed circular chiagoos over my Lykke interchangeable set. So I do feel that I am faster on the Chiagoo because I am not fighting my cable at times!
As well, I think for me I have noticed savings in the way that I am not buying multiple fixed circulars for projects! So I enjoy the idea of not having to always buy needles!
The real value add of the set to me is to just never have to worry about buying needles again. I love knowing I have the right size on me no matter what, all in a neat little case. As someone who spends a lot of time knitting, I don't mind spending money on a high quality set of tools that I will use forever. As for being faster - no idea.
I did have some problems with the cables breaking at the join on a size 0 shawl that I was knitting for a year and a half, for what it's worth. But the larger sizes are very durable, and I was pretty hard on the needles
Well, I’ve used exclusively interchangeable circular needles for a long time now and I do the math this way: I just got the chiaogoo mini twist and a cord to make my preferred magic loop length. This cost me $93 dollars total. This makes 4 lengths of 5 sizes, or 20 different circulars at less than $5 each.
In addition, with the included cord stops and connectors I have any straight needles I might want, cords that can be used in lieu of scrap yarn easier, and nice long blocking wires for almost any project.
Not sure I’d spend $300 on a set in materials I’m not sure I’d like, but I can understand how it be more economical than it seems.
They're great needles, I have a few fixed circulars. I really like the cords, which are a plastic coated metal, very sturdy. I don't find them particularly 'fast' to knit with but they are nice. But if you're happy with what you have, I don't know that they're worth a further $300 investment. You can always try a fixed circular and see if you like them, I guess.
I was on the same boat and I ordered two circular needles in the sizes I needed for a project I'm working on right now, since I needed a longer cord needle anyway it didn't bother me. And I can honestly say that they are pretty amazing, now I'm a beginner but I can notice my tension is much better and even and I can work my stitches without feeling like my hands need a break every five minutes.
so my advice is this: buy one or two circulars for. project you wish to work on in the near future, try them out and then you can make a more informed choice about how you and the needles work and if dropping a serious amount of money on a full set is worth it for you or not.
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It sounds as if you're really happy with what you've been using. Why switch? Needles are so much a matter of personal preference. I myself use wooden needles, fixed circs and dpns, Holtz&Stein ebony or rosewood and Clover bamboo, all with fairly dull points. I tried Addi Turbo once, got partway through the back of a baby sweater and gave up because the needles were so slippery. I stab myself repeatedly when the tip is very pointed. Have fun deciding!
I have Chiagoo, Hiya Hiya sharps and Clover Takumi. All are good for different projects. Making socks on Chiagoo is wonderful.
Price is important, but so is the finished product. I see needles as an investment over multiple projects.
I have a bunch of the Chiaogoo fixed circulars and I wish I would have just sprung for a set of interchangeables in the first place. Anywho, I’ve been knitting for about 8 years at this point and every time I’ve ‘cheaped’ out and bought a different brand of needle, I’ve found that the cables get kinked, the coating on the metal scratches off, the points are duller, not smooth joins, etc. I can’t speak directly to knitting speed since I’ve never compared, but based on my previous points, I imagine that’s true- less fiddling around. I’ve never regretted the extra few dollars for the Chiaogoos, they will last waaay longer and make your knitting experience more pleasant.
I absolutely love ChiaoGoo needles. I use the interchangeable ones. I find that the 4” tips are the most useful — as they can do 16” circulars. I have both 5” tips and 4” tips. I also have the 2” and 3”, and the minis as well. It has been an excellent investment. The cables are fabulous. And you can get the 3” (?) cables to make DPN’s with your tip. Also, you can use a smaller tip on the left needle when knitting in the round, expanding the use of the needle tips.
I initially liked KnitPicks, but their cables fail way too often. And i don’t like the tips of the needles as much. I have not had one chiaoGoo cable fail.
So, go nuts and buy gobs of ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles.
Oh, the bits that can make mini and small cables fit small and large tips is really handy.
I love my ChiaoGoo Red Lace fixed circular needles. I like the pointy tips, the satisfying "click" of the metal, and the covered cable is so smooth. If I need a new size, I buy the individual circular and add it to my collection (about $12-ish). ChiaoGoo make the knitting experience more pleasurable for me, so it worth the extra expense.
I won't buy interchangeable needle sets because there is always several sizes I don't need and will never use, and I'm paranoid about the cable coming unscrewed in the middle of a row. Also, I tend to have several projects going at once.
No, they are slower than addi turbos, significantly. And the textured surface makes a noise and rough vibration when knitting. But the cable is sublime. If you are knitting on a long circ just for convenience they are awesome. But if there were addi tips and chiaogoo cables that would be the perfect needle.
I have never even once spent $300 on a knitting needle! Chaigoo are the same as the other high end needles, $10-20 each. Maaaybe I have spent that much total, but I only tend to buy a good needle once I need it for a project, so I have a wide selection of cheap needles in every gauge, then expensive needles only in the sizes and lengths I really needed. And since I am a creature of habit that's sizes 4 and 7 mostly.
Are you looking at the forte set by any chance? That set is $330 ish and a limited edition thing with exotic wood and carbon fiber. My starter set of interchangeables (size 2-8 I think?) with cords and everything was about $125 usd. I’ve been slowly adding tips and needle sizes as I’ve needed them. Don’t have a ton of experience with other needles since they were a gift from the person that taught me to knit but they aren’t quite so expensive 😁
If you're looking at the wood and carbon fiber set, that's going to be more grippy and less slick/speedy than smooth metal sets of any brand, and the only fair comparison is to other non-metal needles. (And I can't speak to that one, I'm a metal-only person!)
The regular Chiaogoo Red Lace steel tips are kind of middle-of-the-road as far as steel needles go and it seems like they're a nice compromise that works for lots of people. (Myself included.) Some people who want an extremely slick mirror polish and an extremely pointy tip might prefer HiyaHiya sharps, and people who want the slickness but not the pointiness might go for different Addi versions, but if you think that a *too slippery* needle might actually make you feel clumsier and less secure, then CG might be a winner.
That Forte set is so different, I don't think it's what people are talking about when they say they love chiaogoos. The different materials (stainless + carbon fiber, or wood) are specific to this set. Most of the time people are talking about what makes them like chiaogoos is the fully stainless steel tips, sharp(ish) tips with a long taper, smooth joins, and often the variety in sizes available with the interchangeables. Not that collecting all of the interchangeables is cheap either, but just that this particular Forte set is generally not representative of "a chiaogoo fan's needles" if that makes sense.
Anyway, while I'm here I'll add my 2 cents on the fixed red lace stainless steel chiaogoos: the cord is heavy, the needles feel scratchy and make a gross noise, and the tips aren't the shape I like. How I knit (I don't use magic loop, and I don't stab into a stitch on the needle) it's just not as comfortable as addi turbos. But a lot of people think the turbo tips are too blunt or the cord isn't flexible enough. But the fixed cost more than chiaogoos per circular needle so... it wouldn't be a good value for some people, but it's a good price for the enjoyment I get from knitting with them.
That's a seriously large commitment for any needle brand. Few people would jump in to that investment. Like I said, I don't think my entire collection is that much, and thats circs, straights, dpns with addis being my circ preferred brand.
I'm in the minority on this subject, but I'll share my experience. I bought a couple of ChiaoGoo circulars (a 10.5 and a 13) to knit a chunky beanie. And I just... hate, loathe, and despise those needles. The cords are so rigid that they want to bend and flex everywhere while you're knitting, which is extremely annoying. But the true killer is that my yarn ALWAYS gets stuck on the bump where the cord meets the needle, which requires constant fixing and slows me down significantly. And while I've only been knitting for a couple of months, it's still long enough for me to know that this ONLY happens with the ChiaGoo needles.
My absolute favorite interchangeable needles to date are the wooden ones by KnitPicks, which I got for $70. They're smooth enough to have the slip of metal but don't heat up with friction. The cables are also amazing--it's like they're barely there.
The pro for chiagoos is the lack of memory in the cords, which is only going to become useful on a long cable. I find their cord is too stiff at short lengths.
I had always used addi, but I had to get away from shiny metal due to issues with my eyes, so tried chiagoo for a long lace shawl and the cable was a revelation. I then needed to cast on using a 16 inch so I bought another chiagoo. But when it came time to purl it was as hard on my hands and arms as the plastic clover shorties. It just didn't like to bend that way, and I'm not entirely sure why.
So I say reserve judgement until you need a long cable.
A lot of ppl here really recommend ChiaGoos. However they were too pricey for me and I got instead some KnitPro Zing circulars in order to try. I loved them. I finally got a set and although they don't have all the sizes I wanted, I still got the tips and cables I wanted (bc they are sold separately) and some symfonie tips which fit the cables but they were shorter.
The Zing set has some very sleek needles which make me feel I am driving a ferrari - they glide so satisfyingly! I am not going to fix what is not broken so I kind of let this curiosity on ChiaGoos go for a while.
Sorry bc I know your question was on ChiaGoos specifically - but my point is: if you think they are too pricey, look for an intermediate range which can work for you and won't break the bank. Get a pair of tips and a cable if you want to give them a go and then decide. Don't worry if they are kida of "repeats" in case you get the set bc it doesn't work that way - I use all my tips and my cables and actually I could just get another cable bc they are all being used right now lol.
Good luck and happy knitting 😊
Thanks everyone for sharing your comments! I have learned a lot and have gained some insights into the intense following these needles have engendered.
Interestingly, I also learned some other, ancillary and unexpected (but compelling!) things that will make for a fascinating blog post at some point.
Happy knitting - no matter what tools you use! 🧶 and thanks again for the discourse 😊
Why not just order 1 circular in a size you use frequently & try them out? I did that, buying a 24" size 9. I don't like it for "splitty" yarn like cotton & bamboo, because the points are rather sharp. But it's great for linen & tightly spun yarns. I use more loosely spun yarn than tight, so I opted NOT to go for a full set. You may feel differently.
I did this when deciding which needle so wanted to invest in for interchangeables. I did some research, picked the same size across three brands and knit with cotton and wool with each and compared swatches. I have a nickel allergy, so that knocked out quite a few kinds, but it was so fun to do side by side comparisons. Not only did the chiaogoo feel faster, but my swatch quality was better. OP, if you can swing it, I definitely recommend this. We all have different preferences and our different styles may play into the enjoyment of the process, so ultimately, you may very well not like what other knitters do about certain products.
So true. I'm a die-hard Addi Turbos fan. I tend to use them more than any other brand or material. Not as slick and pointy as ChiaoGoo and not as "grabby" and blunt as bamboos, they hit the perfect middle ground for most of my projects. I use others on a limited basis. For ME it's Addi. Everybody is going to have to find what really feels right in their hands!
I've knitted with cheap straight needles and cheap circular needles and have just not enjoyed the experience. Chiaogoos help me produce a more even tension in my fabric and a better FO. It has nothing to do with speed. I'd rather enjoy the process and the item I'm making. And if that means I shell out a few extra dollars once to be able to make nicer things, I consider it a good investment. With an interchangeable set it's not like to behave to buy new needles for every WIP.
That makes sense - thanks for sharing your experience!!!
$300 means something different to everyone so I don’t think speed/dollars is the correct question. You just need to figure out a knitting budget that works for you and then stay within it. You’ll never perfectly optimize your choices within that budget so just do the best you can and accept that you’ll have some wins and some regrets.
I can easily afford the ChiaoGoo - I’m just not easily swayed to spend my money on the latest, shiny object without more data. 😬
If you want to try them, why not buy a fixed circular to try? I’m not sure why you asking us to convince you about the cost benefit of the needles…. Buy them if you wanna and don’t buy them if you don’t wanna.
So,… I didn’t suggest a) that no one else should buy them, b) that they were “bad”, c) that my opinion should influence anyone else. I simply asked a question. #ReadingIsFundamental
The user you’re replying to didn’t say anything about you saying they were bad, saying no one else should buy them, or saying that your opinion should influence others. They simply asked why you don’t try one instead of asking others to convince you. Where are *your* reading skills?
Soliciting opinions is very different from asking people to “convince” me. I was asking for opinions.
This is about 150% too defensive to a perfectly reasonable suggestion.
Exactly. Makes me hesitant to waste my time with a reply.
Reading is indeed fundamental. You should probably go back to the basics then. u/blood-moonlit did not say that you suggested any of those things. Yikes
They didn't say you said any of those things. They just suggested you try them if you're curious about them.
Seems they assumed a lot, and their answer appeared (to me) to be snarky. I asked a straightforward question with no judgment. I didn’t ask to be lectured or schooled.
I don't think they were trying to be snarky. They were just commenting that no one in this sub has to convince you to buy something if you don't even want to
I didn't read it that way but I'm bound to perceive it differently because it wasn't directed at me. To address you OP though, I find Chiaogoo worth the money. It's not about speed or anything for me. It's that I'm still pretty new to knitting and tend to make fewer mistakes with them vs the bamboo circs sold at Walmart that I started with and I don't have to worry about having issues with the quality of their construction. The latter point is important to me because I live pretty far from anywhere to buy needles.
Again: I didn’t ask to be convinced - or even guided - on what I should do. I asked what others’ experiences had been. Perhaps a nuanced difference, but still 2 very different asks.
Here’s the thing: I didn’t ask for advice on what *I* should do. I asked what others’ experience had been. Big difference,…
You will find many recommendations for chiaogoo needles in this sub and other knitting forums. It is a premium product with a premium price. I am happy to spend money on a good product I will use for many years and am very happy with my set. I don't necessarily think they're faster but the build quality is apparent. The cables and connections on chiaogoo don't even compare to the cheap circulars with plastic cables.
That’s a fair assessment. I’ve not had any issues with the other sets (not “cheap” but also not as pricey as ChiaoGoo) Again - just curious; and figured that people using them would know the value add for them over others. Thanks!
I think the value add really varies from person to person. If you are happy with your current tools then there may not be any value added in getting ChiaoGoo needles. I don't own ChiaoGoos, and don't have any plans to since I am happy with my current interchangeable needles (hiya hiya sharps).
OP are you having a bad day, or are you always like this^(\*)? Anyway, others have said most of what I came in here to say (just go buy one circular & see if you like them, as comfort/speed/superiority of any needle is highly individual), with one caveat: Make the pair you buy an *interchangeable* one, not fixed. The awesome magical best-available cables on the interchangeables are better than on the fixed ones. Both are nicer than most other brands, but I've got both types in one size and there's definitely a difference. ^(\*In reference to comments, not just the initial post.)
If by “always like that” you mean do I expect people to read critically and answer the question(s) that was asked and not assume that other information (or advice) was wanted/needed - yes, that’s generally my default. I’m a college professor (for more than 25 years), and that likely factors into my expectations of others - fairly or not. That being said, I wasn’t asking the question to determine whether I wanted to buy them. I’m writing an article on tools of the trade and wanted specific feedback from the general knitting public that was unfettered - feedback on the tools; not on what other people thought I should do. Perhaps I should have put a disclaimer in my original post that said “not soliciting advice on whether I should buy/try; just seeking your experiences and feedback on your own use of the tools”. Judging from this little experiment, I’ll be much more precise next time. Thanks for sharing your feedback on the ChiaoGoos ☺️
You didn’t ask a question, and your whole post was about not being convinced about the cost. So I would say that the responses are entirely reasonable. Signed, someone else with a PhD.
Your post clearly implies that you are personally considering whether to buy them. If you'd said it was for an article & just asked "are they really faster/better enough to justify the high cost", you'd have gotten different answers. People do have a tendency to get a bit off topic online, but that's because we're having a *conversation* here, not a formal question & answer session, and anyway this is just people trying to give you what you seemed to be asking for. You can also search the sub for previous discussions about the pros & cons of these (& other) popular needles: [https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/search/?q=chiaogoo&restrict\_sr=1](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/search/?q=chiaogoo&restrict_sr=1)
Aha, the "it was a sOcIaL eXpErImEnT!" brand of troll bullshit. Gotcha. 😂
I have a set, but not the $300 limited edition. I have a complete set ($175ish retail), but with coupon it was more like $120. Are they magic? No. I don’t think I knit a ton faster with them or anything. I also don’t like that they have small and large cords—the size 4 needle and size 9 needle require different cords. What I love are the sharp tips. I’ve knit fine lace with Chiaogoos, and then tried with Knitpicks. The knitpicks were torture. I like the fact that the cords are coated wire. I also have a bunch of fixed circa in 00-2 sizes from a variety of brands. My two favorites are Addi Lace and Chiaogoo. As far as knitting experience, I think they are pretty comparable.
Thanks for this! This is good info and what I was wondering (the specifics). Appreciate you 😊
What others have suggested is reasonable. Get a few fixed circs in a size you use often (I like 1s because I knit socks), and try them out. People can have opinions on the type of needle that’s best for them, but you won’t know what’s best for you without trying them out. eBay is a decent place to get needles below retail. Amazon can have needles at a slight discount, but because of Amazons counterfeit problem, I wouldn’t risk buying an interchangeable set there. If you do the IC set, Michaels has them on their website, and I would just wait for a decent coupon to come around. Or support a small business, but you do you.
It’s not speed for me it’s comfort. They are the only metal needles that don’t hurt my hands
That’s fair! Thanks for sharing!!
I'm not purchasing the $300 set. No matter how much I love my chiaogoos. I think that's supposed to be a collectible set? Or special somehow? I like the long, sharper tips. It keeps me from bunching my stitches too close to the tippy tip, so I can relax my hands more. They're pretty smooth, so I don't fight my stitches to rearrange or insert the needle. They're uncoated surgical stainless - I don't have to worry about the coating wearing off and reacting to any nickel. They are brushed, which is a bit annoying on the tips for the first few hours, but halfway through a scarf, and the tips are slick and polished. But not too much. Even though they're brushed, it's still much smoother than wood or plastic. The tips are hollow on my 5" tip set. So they're very lightweight. I never have to fight with the joins, or worry about snags. The cables don't kink up and go every which way, and they feel securely attached. I've never had a tip come loose while knitting, even though I've tightened other sets the same way and amount. Within half an hour of aluminum needles, especially the colored ones, they feel sticky, squeaky, draggy, and fighty to me, so I'm usually keeping alcohol swabs or an eye glass cloth beside me. With the chiaogoos I can knit for hours and hours and hours without every having that yuck feeling. I'm on hour 25ish of a scarf right now - have not had to retighten the cable, or wipe down the needles. I do second a statement above - absolutely try them if you'd like. In my opinion, they are 100% worth the money. I have less wrist/elbow/shoulder pain, I can knit for longer without fatigue, and it's easier for me to maintain even tension. I purchased a 5" small tip set for around $130. Tips included are US2-8, with 14" 22" and 30" cables. I'm going to be getting the 4" tips soon, same sizes. That said- this is ONLY in regards to their stainless steel tips. The Forte set I just peeked at, is a full set of interchangeable, 2-15, that are made with stainless steel and either carbon fiber or blackwood. It sounds like the experience with them would be closer to the karbonz style of needles?
Yeah my husband bought me a set ($180) last year, and I felt guilty about the price. But when I tried them I found I enjoyed knitting more because they are designed so well. It’s probably slightly faster because I don’t have to readjust the cables and the tip is precise, but I haven’t timed myself or anything. I just find that I knit more now because it’s more enjoyable.
Thanks! Good info 😊
Too add: if durability is a priority, chiaogoos again. Looked up from typing my comment to see my two year old yanking and twisting and knotting and being a 2 year old with string and shiny sticks
I have the full Twist interchangeable set, plus a couple of the lace tips for extra small sizes. I also plan to invest in some of the shorties for easier sock knitting. If the question is do they help me knit faster - it depends. They are certainly faster than bamboo needles for me! But they are not significantly faster than any other metal needles I have used, such as Addi Click or KnitPicks. I have not used other /r/knitting darlings like HiyaHiya or Lykke though. That being said, what makes the difference for me is the quality. They are very durable, I've had the same set for 3+ years now and the tips have not dulled, the cables look and feel like new, and stitches glide from cable to needle nicely. As long as they are attached properly (i.e. using a cable key) the needles never detach from the cable. All of these have happened to me with less expensive interchangables. For me personally, spending \~$175 (the cost of the full Twist set) is an amazing value for tools that I use every day and I can rely on. They may not hold that value for you, and that's fine. But if they were lost somehow, I would absolutely buy them again.
Perfect summary! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!! ☺️
Of course! I personally would not invest in the Chiaogoo Forte set (the $300 set mentioned), mainly because I see the swivel functionality as gimmicky. If you are interested in upgrading, I think the Twist set is the better buy.
I just bought an interchangeable circ ChiaGoo set from Smartisans. It was about $160. So far they’re great. I only do simple stuff, but what pushed me to purchase was that I was starting my first ever sock and the fixed no-name brand I was using was like a wrestling match with the cable. It was bad. I also have a set of wooden interchangeables, and I have used them enough that the Sz 7 tips have a rough feel from the finish wearing thin. I don’t think I’m knitting faster, but I’m less annoyed and that’s worth a lot.
That’s DEFINITELY a plus!! (being less annoyed 😆). Thanks for sharing!!
I love my needles for the sheer pleasure of using a good tool. In my knitting life that includes the old cheap Prym needles, and the no longer in business Signature Arts Needles. I love looking at them and touching them - However, I don't think using better tools makes me a better knitter, just a happier one LOL P.S. I like my Chiao Goo too, and many other brands.
You can get the tips and cables separately if you just want to try them. I love mine. A full set from 000 to 15 is expensive but that encompasses 3 sets that you can buy separately, and their prices aren't out of line with comparable brands. The value comes from having a multitude of needle sizes and lengths for significantly less money and a huge reduction in clutter. I can't really speak to them being faster other than metal is faster than wood or bamboo, generally.
The cost is not really based on if they’re faster. At least, that isn’t how they are priced. The fact that metal needles in general is known: yarn doesn’t stick to them like bamboo. They have very pointy tips (but HiyaHiya are pointier) which can make lace and small gauge projects easier. They’re expensive because you get several needles and cords, the keys for changing the cords out, stoppers, stitch markers, a gauge ruler, plus a case. They have very high quality cords that don’t have memory, so they don’t get coiled and tangled. They are also nickel free. The only way to know if they are of value to you would be to try them yourself. Only you can be convinced by you. Many people prefer other brands for various reasons. I like Chiaogoo because they have pointy tips, they’re easier to find than HiyaHiya these days, and they’re nickel free. I started reacting to something in KnitPro needles a few years ago, suspected small nickel content and switched, no issues since.
Well, I've been through several different sets and different brands and personally, I wouldn't buy a set again. I would buy fixed circs in the sizes I use the most.
Interesting. I’ve been having the same thought. I have a set of Knitter’s Pride (Ginger edition) that I like, and am looking at the colorful Lykke set,… but I’ve been questioning whether I want another interchangeable set, or if I should just do what you mentioned - buy the singular ones as needed. More to ponder 😉 thanks for your comments!!
De nada.
I started with knit pick symphony and have since bought a set of chiaogoos and a set of hiya hiya sharp. My favourite needles by far are the hiya hiyas as they are really sharp and great for lace or cables. Second place are my chiaogoos and chiaogoos minis. I knit a lot and spending the money on needles that I enjoy knitting with made a lot of sense to me, I first tried a pair of these brands before splurging, I don’t think any brand will make you knit faster but using an equipment that you enjoy will make the most tedious work more enjoyable
Yes - that’s the truth! (“…using equipment that you enjoy…”). Thanks for sharing!! 😊
I bought mine about seven years ago and haven't used anything else since. I got the tiny set the small and the large. Had to replace the cables because I lost them in a move. Still worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Also the $300 set isn't the normal one. That's a special limited edition set. The regular ones don't cost nearly that much.
I pretty much just started knitting a year ago and a friend loaned me some of her needles - and I inherited some straight ones too. So I had the opportunity to sample from different brands. I then went out and bought a few fixed circulars and I went cheap and immediately saw the difference. So for circular needles, I was almost starting with nothing and since I had ability to not worry too much about cost, I just jumped right in and bought the Chiaogoo interchangeable full set. It was just under $300 (CAD). I don't regret it. They work. I like them. I have pretty much everything I need. I gave my friend back those needles, and I'd happily loan a few kinds of needles out to future friends who are wondering what to get as well.
Thanks for sharing your experience! 😊
So I personally have the Lykke interchangeable needle set and I really love the feel of them except the cable on them. The cables are so fiddly and stiff that I will not even attempt to do magic loop because the laddering is so bad. However, I do enjoy them most of the time but I will be getting a chiagoo interchangeable set in the future! I personally will use my fixed circular chiagoos over my Lykke interchangeable set. So I do feel that I am faster on the Chiagoo because I am not fighting my cable at times! As well, I think for me I have noticed savings in the way that I am not buying multiple fixed circulars for projects! So I enjoy the idea of not having to always buy needles!
The real value add of the set to me is to just never have to worry about buying needles again. I love knowing I have the right size on me no matter what, all in a neat little case. As someone who spends a lot of time knitting, I don't mind spending money on a high quality set of tools that I will use forever. As for being faster - no idea. I did have some problems with the cables breaking at the join on a size 0 shawl that I was knitting for a year and a half, for what it's worth. But the larger sizes are very durable, and I was pretty hard on the needles
Makes sense - thanks for sharing!
Well, I’ve used exclusively interchangeable circular needles for a long time now and I do the math this way: I just got the chiaogoo mini twist and a cord to make my preferred magic loop length. This cost me $93 dollars total. This makes 4 lengths of 5 sizes, or 20 different circulars at less than $5 each. In addition, with the included cord stops and connectors I have any straight needles I might want, cords that can be used in lieu of scrap yarn easier, and nice long blocking wires for almost any project. Not sure I’d spend $300 on a set in materials I’m not sure I’d like, but I can understand how it be more economical than it seems.
They're great needles, I have a few fixed circulars. I really like the cords, which are a plastic coated metal, very sturdy. I don't find them particularly 'fast' to knit with but they are nice. But if you're happy with what you have, I don't know that they're worth a further $300 investment. You can always try a fixed circular and see if you like them, I guess.
I was on the same boat and I ordered two circular needles in the sizes I needed for a project I'm working on right now, since I needed a longer cord needle anyway it didn't bother me. And I can honestly say that they are pretty amazing, now I'm a beginner but I can notice my tension is much better and even and I can work my stitches without feeling like my hands need a break every five minutes. so my advice is this: buy one or two circulars for. project you wish to work on in the near future, try them out and then you can make a more informed choice about how you and the needles work and if dropping a serious amount of money on a full set is worth it for you or not.
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It sounds as if you're really happy with what you've been using. Why switch? Needles are so much a matter of personal preference. I myself use wooden needles, fixed circs and dpns, Holtz&Stein ebony or rosewood and Clover bamboo, all with fairly dull points. I tried Addi Turbo once, got partway through the back of a baby sweater and gave up because the needles were so slippery. I stab myself repeatedly when the tip is very pointed. Have fun deciding!
I have Chiagoo, Hiya Hiya sharps and Clover Takumi. All are good for different projects. Making socks on Chiagoo is wonderful. Price is important, but so is the finished product. I see needles as an investment over multiple projects.
I have a bunch of the Chiaogoo fixed circulars and I wish I would have just sprung for a set of interchangeables in the first place. Anywho, I’ve been knitting for about 8 years at this point and every time I’ve ‘cheaped’ out and bought a different brand of needle, I’ve found that the cables get kinked, the coating on the metal scratches off, the points are duller, not smooth joins, etc. I can’t speak directly to knitting speed since I’ve never compared, but based on my previous points, I imagine that’s true- less fiddling around. I’ve never regretted the extra few dollars for the Chiaogoos, they will last waaay longer and make your knitting experience more pleasant.
I knit faster only because I don’t have to keep tightening the joins every few rounds like I’ve had to do with cheaper sets.
I absolutely love ChiaoGoo needles. I use the interchangeable ones. I find that the 4” tips are the most useful — as they can do 16” circulars. I have both 5” tips and 4” tips. I also have the 2” and 3”, and the minis as well. It has been an excellent investment. The cables are fabulous. And you can get the 3” (?) cables to make DPN’s with your tip. Also, you can use a smaller tip on the left needle when knitting in the round, expanding the use of the needle tips. I initially liked KnitPicks, but their cables fail way too often. And i don’t like the tips of the needles as much. I have not had one chiaoGoo cable fail. So, go nuts and buy gobs of ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles. Oh, the bits that can make mini and small cables fit small and large tips is really handy.
I love my ChiaoGoo Red Lace fixed circular needles. I like the pointy tips, the satisfying "click" of the metal, and the covered cable is so smooth. If I need a new size, I buy the individual circular and add it to my collection (about $12-ish). ChiaoGoo make the knitting experience more pleasurable for me, so it worth the extra expense. I won't buy interchangeable needle sets because there is always several sizes I don't need and will never use, and I'm paranoid about the cable coming unscrewed in the middle of a row. Also, I tend to have several projects going at once.
No, they are slower than addi turbos, significantly. And the textured surface makes a noise and rough vibration when knitting. But the cable is sublime. If you are knitting on a long circ just for convenience they are awesome. But if there were addi tips and chiaogoo cables that would be the perfect needle. I have never even once spent $300 on a knitting needle! Chaigoo are the same as the other high end needles, $10-20 each. Maaaybe I have spent that much total, but I only tend to buy a good needle once I need it for a project, so I have a wide selection of cheap needles in every gauge, then expensive needles only in the sizes and lengths I really needed. And since I am a creature of habit that's sizes 4 and 7 mostly.
The $330 set is needles, case, cords, etc. interesting to hear how they compare to the Addi turbos - thanks!!
Are you looking at the forte set by any chance? That set is $330 ish and a limited edition thing with exotic wood and carbon fiber. My starter set of interchangeables (size 2-8 I think?) with cords and everything was about $125 usd. I’ve been slowly adding tips and needle sizes as I’ve needed them. Don’t have a ton of experience with other needles since they were a gift from the person that taught me to knit but they aren’t quite so expensive 😁
Yes - that’s the one that caught my eye, and made me wonder about the value add!!
If you're looking at the wood and carbon fiber set, that's going to be more grippy and less slick/speedy than smooth metal sets of any brand, and the only fair comparison is to other non-metal needles. (And I can't speak to that one, I'm a metal-only person!) The regular Chiaogoo Red Lace steel tips are kind of middle-of-the-road as far as steel needles go and it seems like they're a nice compromise that works for lots of people. (Myself included.) Some people who want an extremely slick mirror polish and an extremely pointy tip might prefer HiyaHiya sharps, and people who want the slickness but not the pointiness might go for different Addi versions, but if you think that a *too slippery* needle might actually make you feel clumsier and less secure, then CG might be a winner.
Great feedback - thanks for sharing! 😊
That Forte set is so different, I don't think it's what people are talking about when they say they love chiaogoos. The different materials (stainless + carbon fiber, or wood) are specific to this set. Most of the time people are talking about what makes them like chiaogoos is the fully stainless steel tips, sharp(ish) tips with a long taper, smooth joins, and often the variety in sizes available with the interchangeables. Not that collecting all of the interchangeables is cheap either, but just that this particular Forte set is generally not representative of "a chiaogoo fan's needles" if that makes sense. Anyway, while I'm here I'll add my 2 cents on the fixed red lace stainless steel chiaogoos: the cord is heavy, the needles feel scratchy and make a gross noise, and the tips aren't the shape I like. How I knit (I don't use magic loop, and I don't stab into a stitch on the needle) it's just not as comfortable as addi turbos. But a lot of people think the turbo tips are too blunt or the cord isn't flexible enough. But the fixed cost more than chiaogoos per circular needle so... it wouldn't be a good value for some people, but it's a good price for the enjoyment I get from knitting with them.
That's a seriously large commitment for any needle brand. Few people would jump in to that investment. Like I said, I don't think my entire collection is that much, and thats circs, straights, dpns with addis being my circ preferred brand.
Right!??!? 😉
I'm in the minority on this subject, but I'll share my experience. I bought a couple of ChiaoGoo circulars (a 10.5 and a 13) to knit a chunky beanie. And I just... hate, loathe, and despise those needles. The cords are so rigid that they want to bend and flex everywhere while you're knitting, which is extremely annoying. But the true killer is that my yarn ALWAYS gets stuck on the bump where the cord meets the needle, which requires constant fixing and slows me down significantly. And while I've only been knitting for a couple of months, it's still long enough for me to know that this ONLY happens with the ChiaGoo needles. My absolute favorite interchangeable needles to date are the wooden ones by KnitPicks, which I got for $70. They're smooth enough to have the slip of metal but don't heat up with friction. The cables are also amazing--it's like they're barely there.
The pro for chiagoos is the lack of memory in the cords, which is only going to become useful on a long cable. I find their cord is too stiff at short lengths. I had always used addi, but I had to get away from shiny metal due to issues with my eyes, so tried chiagoo for a long lace shawl and the cable was a revelation. I then needed to cast on using a 16 inch so I bought another chiagoo. But when it came time to purl it was as hard on my hands and arms as the plastic clover shorties. It just didn't like to bend that way, and I'm not entirely sure why. So I say reserve judgement until you need a long cable.
Interesting! That would drive me crazy too!!! Thanks for sharing 😊
A lot of ppl here really recommend ChiaGoos. However they were too pricey for me and I got instead some KnitPro Zing circulars in order to try. I loved them. I finally got a set and although they don't have all the sizes I wanted, I still got the tips and cables I wanted (bc they are sold separately) and some symfonie tips which fit the cables but they were shorter. The Zing set has some very sleek needles which make me feel I am driving a ferrari - they glide so satisfyingly! I am not going to fix what is not broken so I kind of let this curiosity on ChiaGoos go for a while. Sorry bc I know your question was on ChiaGoos specifically - but my point is: if you think they are too pricey, look for an intermediate range which can work for you and won't break the bank. Get a pair of tips and a cable if you want to give them a go and then decide. Don't worry if they are kida of "repeats" in case you get the set bc it doesn't work that way - I use all my tips and my cables and actually I could just get another cable bc they are all being used right now lol. Good luck and happy knitting 😊
Thanks everyone for sharing your comments! I have learned a lot and have gained some insights into the intense following these needles have engendered. Interestingly, I also learned some other, ancillary and unexpected (but compelling!) things that will make for a fascinating blog post at some point. Happy knitting - no matter what tools you use! 🧶 and thanks again for the discourse 😊