I am watching all your reviews. I believe you give both very good pro's and con's to each system out there. Thank you for the most high-quality reviews I've seen on TH-cam! You do an amazing job here - and have transformed me to include Knitting as a hobby. I appreciate your efforts very much!
You have the Best video on the ChiaoGoo !! Thanks for being informational, precise in description, and especially for not junking up the video with unrelated topics. This is just what I was looking for. Small note; I have the regular ChiaoGoo circular needles, and some of them came with malformed cords, probably were exposed to heat and left coiled in their packages for too long. So I did the 'dip' in really hot water and they are perfect now!! Unlike all the other cheap cords out there, they have not returned to the original malformed state! I can knit So Fast with these, and I'm a total novice
Hi Norman, you have done an excellent job on this video. This is the most comprehensive review on Chiaogoo products. I got into knitting less than 2 years ago and spent less than $15 on a bamboo single-point set - just to see if I would like knitting. When I decided knitting was something I planned on sticking with for the long-haul, I decided to invest in a quality set of needles. Being a new knitter and someone who did not want to deal with unnecessary frustration, I decided to invest in the best set of needles I could afford. I really liked that you discussed all other CG products in one video including how modular the interchangeable sets are. I know many people start out with less expensive sets or buy 1 or 2 fixed needles at a time only to have the costs run up over time due to inferior product or just not taking advantage of a set. With the modular system, people can invest in a full set based on their needs, and then purchase individual needles or tips until they decide to buy those sets. My CG collection has grown since my initial purchase and it's certainly time for me to stop buying and get to knitting. However, I can see how this video can be so beneficial to someone trying to decide on the CG brand. I also have the Lykke set which is under Knitter's Pride company. As much as I think the needles are beautiful, I did not like the cord at all and rarely used it. With Knitter's Pride release of Mindful Collection, they took the great aspects of CG and released it under their brand. This means KP now has the same cord as CG (slightly thinner), but will work on all their products. The memory-free cords also come in swivel (similar to CG spin) or fixed (CG red lace) option. They are also thinner that CG so people who complained about CG cords being too thick for magic loop may not have this issue anymore. Anyway, great review and looking forward to more of your videos.
thank you so much for your very comprehensive feedback! I haven't heard of the Mindful sets yet. Probably cuz they are only available in the US and not here in Europe. So thank you for pointing that out to me..i want one, lol. Now I just need to find a retailed ;-)
I love the shorties, because the tips also work with the cables that come with the small red lace twist set. 3 inch and 2 inch tips on a 14 inch cable are great for knitting sleeves.
Definitely the most complete video ever, explaining every combination in this set ! I was looking everywhere to see if the bamboo needles were compatible with the red cable, and this is the only video where I finally found the answer. So I will probably choose the bamboo needle set and complete it with some stainless steel needles for the finer sizes and some red cables. Thank you very much for your video, I just discovered your channel and from now I will follow it. 👍
Hey Marie-Cécile, thank you so much for your lovely feedback, welcome onboard, and so happy to hear I could help you with my very...uh..thorough approach ;-)
I chose the 5” small red lace set because I seldom knit with needles larger than 5 mm. But when I do, I prefer bamboo tips because they are lighter, warmer, and quieter - the larger metal needles really scrape and are cold. I may end up ordering the full bamboo set, so I can augment my stainless set and have many cable options. Thanks for this truly helpful review ❤️
My mum just passed me her set to try. As a beginner knitter, i found this review super useful! Ive been crocheting for awhile and wanted to try knitting. I also watched your other videos.. thank you for being so awesome! Subscribed! 🤩
Norman, you are so nice and so knowledgeable ❤️ I love watching your channel because you seem like such a genuinely kind person. I can’t wait to go back to Germany 🇩🇪
this is such a great review! I just found your channel and I really appreciate how high quality and informative your videos are. also LOL when the needles fell out of the case 😆
Wonderfully in depth video. The set is typically around $130 in the US and will drop lower on Amazon regularly, personally I wouldn’t pay over $140 and suggest waiting for the price drops rather than just buying it. I have the complete set and love it, have my eye on the Tunisian crochet set which is cross compatible. Anyone ever mix the two styles (knitting and Tunisian) together?
I love your channel! Your tips and insight are so helpful, and more, your demeanor is so warm and encouraging. Perfect for a beginner/intermediate knitter like me!
Thank you for doing these needle reviews. I never would have thought that the needles contain nickle. I was actually close to purchasing these, but I would have had an issue with them because of the metal.
THank you for posting this ! I recently ordered a set of the red lace & I'm super excited. I love your videos, Nibleneedles! I have improved my knitting skills thanks to your advice , and I appreciate it. :)
Hi Norman, I love knitting socks with lace and cables so I decided to buy Chiaogoo shorties red pouch. So far, I had the hard time to work on it. I although I don’t have big hand but I need leverage to work on those lace and cables. I tried many time honestly thinking I need to get used to it but still not working. So I go back on magic loop method. But I admit, if I only make stokinet sock pattern then yes Chiaogoo shorties is way to go. I use the combination of 2 inch and 3 inch like addi 9 inch circular needles.
Thx for your feedback! And yeah, my impressions exactly. If it's just stockinette stitch or some 2x2 rib, then they are certainly lovely. And let's be honest, a lot of knitters knit these kinds of socks and there's nothing wrong with that. But for complicated stuff, I just couldn't make it work - at least not in a manner that it is faster/neater compared to dpns.
sadly, I did not find this too be true. For knitpro it works for me, and they almost never come undone. But with ChiaoGoo i get the problem quite a lot.
@@NimbleNeedles Use the heart grips to help tighten up your tips. It works so well for me that my dad had to get me a plier just so I could unscrew them.
I loved my CGs at first, but recently they've been coming loose a lot (and I've put a lot of effort into tightening them with the pin). It's been very frustrating; I haven't had the parts separate completely, so no stitches were dropped, but my stitches do get caught in the groove a l l t h e t i m e.
Wonderful! I was just thinking about purchasing a set of these needles. I have very small hands, so I like the 4 inch size. As you say, it’s so nice to have options. This video really helped me a lot!
I have 3 different sets of ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles. Because I enjoy these, I bought the DPN set. The DPNs I never use cuz they are too slick- no matter what I do, the needles fall off the stitches.
i am still developing my knitting skills and started with the straight needles, then i found some circular needles at a thrift store, some was plastic, one was metal. i was not a fan of the plastic but the metal one (boye brand) and it had a long cord (28" i think) and although i enjoyed knitting with it, the cord would not stay straight kept kinking on me...this almost turned me away from circular needles i also tried the bamboo from clover but not liking the way they knit, and then with the power of youtube i heard of these ChiaGoo needles and i purchased one fixed and fell in love with them. i kept buying different sizes and realized it would save me to just get a whole set.. so i purchased the 4" complete set(mostly because i want to do hats and with the two 4" and an 8" cord i'll have the 16" i need for a hat) and i am loving it. yes, it is an investment. now i want to get them all. i suppose a little at a time. they say golf is an expensive lol. knitting is expensive if you don't have a relative to pass down supplies.. but i'm enjoying the craft so much. thank you Norman for your expert opinion of these needles. p.s. i think i will have to find some kind of sculpture to make with the straight needles now that i've abandoned them for circular. lol also ChiaGoo has DPNs too.
I love my Chiaogoo sets of needles. I recently learned that there are some fake Chiaogoo needles being sold. So if there are glaring issues that person may not actually have Chiaogoo needles. That was news to me. I have tried several different types of knitting needles. Chiaogoo needles are one of my favorites. I really love the blue cables. There are some more expensive knitting needles that I have not tried yet.
yeah, there are quite some needle fakes around. Probably because they are all produced in china or india and smart workers use the knowledge and do a me-too product at home in their own shops.
Thank You Very Much !!! ... for your most Comprehensive and Objective Review of The Chiagoo Interchangeable Knitting Needles. It was easy to understand and take a decision as a beginner, I greatly appreciate your valuable suggestion to use The Bamboo needles. Enjoyed your video !!!👍
Great review - as expected and as usual. I don't yet own anything Chiaogoo, nor have I worked with their products before. I'm really curious now about how they'll measure up to my expectations.
Very thorough review Norman. I love my ChiaoGoo sets and fixed needles as well as my other brands. They all offer me something unique! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!🤗🤗
You can use adapters to connect mini cables to shortie connectors and another adapter to connect to the large needles. So you can have large needles on a mini cable according to the Chiaogoo channel here on TH-cam.
well yeah, you are right. Bbut i'm not sure how much sense it makes either way. I can only talk for myself, but I find adaptors don't exactly enhance the knitting experience.
Hi Norman, What a great review! I think that your review was the most thorough review on TH-cam. I would like to mention that although the longest cable in the set says 30 inches, it is really 40 inches when combined with your 5 inch tips. I have purchased longer cables in case I decide to make larger projects, but haven’t had the need to use them yet in the 3+ years I have owned this set. Another thing worth mentioning is that if you are a hat maker, you can’t make a 16 circular with this set. You can if you purchase the 4 inch set though. Since I have large hands, I purchased the 5 inch set before realizing this. Now I own both sets, so if you are a hat maker and prefer not to magic loop, you should take this into consideration. You gave me a good laugh when your needles fell out of the unzipped case. It reminded me of my hiya hiya case when all of my needles spilled everywhere. Perhaps the zipper case isn’t so bad after all - when you remember to zip it that is😀. Thanks again for the great review!
hey there. Thank you for your valuable feedback and for adding your input to my review. Even though it's already 20min long there are probably a million other things to mention, lol. So, all additional help is more than welcome.
I guess making 16 inch circulars from 5 inch tips would probably be a problem with any brand needles, so that is worth considering before making a purchase of needles. If you don’t think you would use that length, it may not be a big deal. Just something to consider...
@@CrunchCandyLady that is true. Interestingly enough I personally never knit with circulars the way they are supposed to work, so I guess I don't mind, lol.
@NimbleNeedles There is another cable Chiaogoo offers now SWIV 360 they are flexible and make MagicLoop more tolerable. The only thing that I personally experienced with this cable is the "plug" that holds the cable in the shaft below the hole where you tighten with the TPin....un screwed itself and blocked the hole. There's a fix for this.... an eye glass repair screwdriver. Insert it into the shaft an screw it back into place. This information was supplied by Chiagoo. Otherwise I truly appreciate your help and support. I share your page with a lot of my knitting buddies, who also fine your videos very informative and relevant. Thank you so much for taking time out to help me become a better knitter.
I couldn't agree more about the packaging of this set not spelling "premium". I love CGs in fixed circular format (one of my go to brands). (As an aside, I bought the Twist Minis set a couple of years ago but the join on one of the needles broke almost immediately - I don't think the metal joins can be strong enough at such a tiny gauge, and I was using them for magic loop. I got a replacement needle but now I'm afraid to use it. I'd love to know your thoughts on that set...) At any rate, I might have bought the larger set if not for the very cheap-seeming (IMO) case. I also don't like how you need to use diff cables with diff sizes. Intriguingly - and this isn't generally how I roll - I have created my own interchangeable set, over the years, using diff Knitter's Pride needles - sometimes you want wood, sometimes square metal etc. I've used Addis (really don't work for me, I hate the cables), Hiya Hiya, Clover, CG, Knitter's Pride, Lykke, Prym, Louet - all in fixed format. The only ones that have convinced me to purchase interchangeables are the KPs and the CGs (even if that wasn't a good purchase for me personally). And what convinced me to take the plunge with KP is that I didn't need to buy a set - I could do things modularly over time, adding a certain needle as I needed it. I managed to score an Addi case and have also bought another (Joji and Co, super sexy!) Hilariously, my cases are more cash valuable than my needles - but my needles work more than adequately and I love that I can mix and match with so many diff needle materials.
Thx for that lovely and detailed feedback. I have to admit i sorta mix and match as well. It's like..for every knitting project I know I have that one needle that's gonna be perfect. And I'm always amazed by those fans who just stick to one brand. Wouldn't work for me.
Excellent and thorough review. Thank you. And your English is perfect (impressive, given that [assumption here] it's not your first language) I loved my CGs at first, but recently they've been coming loose a lot (yes, I use the pin). It's been very frustrating; My stitches get caught in the groove a-l-l t-h-e t-i-m-e. It would be excellent if CG included the rubber heart with the full sets - the sets are so expensive already, it seems like it would be such a small thing to include. I would much prefer that to the stitch markers. The stitch markers are cute, but don't open (which, for me, is a game changer) I didn't even know about the rubber hearts until recently, when I started searching for a 'loose fit' solution. Hopefully, they will make a difference. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this detailed and objective review. I’ve just started knitting again after many years. How things have changed in the equipment now available. I really like the Chiaogoo and so want them but common sense prevailed and I purchased a set of Knitpro Ginger short tips as I was doing hats. They’re really nice but I feel I would like longer tips too so back to considering the Chiaogoo set. Do I need them - no definitely not - I’m an ‘all the gear no idea’ knitter 🤷♀️ so really cannot justify the price……. but I probably will 😉 Do you use interchangeables for most of your projects or use straight single ended needles if not round knitting? I really like your videos and appreciate the time you take to make them for us.
I love the two different size cables. Because there are two sizes there are fantastic joins. I really like addi short lace needles BUT because there is only one size of cable they don't have the smooth joins that the chiagoo has. I don't like magic loop knitting so the cables are perfect for me. If I were going to magic loop I would want a stiffer cable more like knitters pride. Chiagoo has a nice sharp tip but is not as sharp as hiya hiya., Since I like wood needles and I love 4-inch needles Chiagoo wood is the best for me most of the time. When I bought my large bamboo chiagoo needles I got the red cables with them. I do use my chiaogoo metal set for certain yarns. I also love hiya hiya because they have lovely sharp tips but since I am a push I do play havoc with the tip of my index finger lol.
@@NimbleNeedles I have made a couple of delicate lace things and put bandaids on my finger to save it lol. Hiya-hiyas are the best for delicate lacework.
Hi, high quality review, but I've to contradict when you say one needs differenttsizes of cables: I have some adapters and I normally only use the mini cables for all sizes. Only if I very seldom want to use a bigger sized cable I use the Small one, for a heavier pullover, knit all in one and fabriced by thick and compact wool. I knit since 6 years with CG and only once I did so. After some time I bought some Mini cables more, and some adapters I directly put at the Large needles so I didn't need to screw the adapters each time I needed them - so I thought. But I ended up seldom needing sizes over 6.00 mm. That's realy seldom. But now they alleare prepared with adapters… I can use all with the mini cables. I love them so much. I use the blue and the red tiny cases, too, I bought two of each and so I can create my trio - needles by myself on all needle -esizes I want. I've bought everything from HiyaHiya, too, but as a european knitter they've been too pointy for me. Nowadays I learned flicking and now it's the same for me. I hate the spin cables cause yarn often if thin stops at the cable-to needle-joint. After I dremeled a bit I could use the wonderful Minicables, always and ever. Using adapters the joints are so fine that surprisingly for me one can't notice the joints while knitting. I like the little bit of grip they have, it's a bit more than HiyaHiya gives me and I like it. Everyone must choose it him/herself. I bought the biggest set, the shorties in blue and red twice, too, but now I don't have to buy anything else - if I want to knit I can! I'm hard disabled at hands and fingers singe about 6 years and I can't knit as well as with CG and HH. I tried hard with: Signature, Addi (I learned to hate the cables), KP (better than the cables of Addi, but not as well as HH and CG in my min), Prym(I love the fantastic smoothness, sometimes a bit better than KP surprisingly) and I tried countless others, no names, too. I have got some branding free bamboo DPNs I love as much as them of CG, they're so similar and so cheap! 1 Euro a size. These I sometimes use and everytime I smile.
yeah they are the adaptarts of course..but I personally don't actually like them. Well, to be quite hoenst with you I never could these needles work for me. too slow, i don't really like either of the cables, the tips are awkward.... BUT so many love them and that's just great because there's nothing better than finding the perfect tool for your hobby. Thx for sharing your experience. I am sure others reading the comments will find it super helfpul.
@@NimbleNeedles : So different we are… I love HiyaHiya, too, the sharp ones, and since I knit flicking - wise I don't hurt my index any more. I hat THEIR cables. To the CG cables: I learned not to hold the needles with any power /force in my hands. So they swing softly every time I loosen them to grab for new yarn etc and they go only a tiny swirl right or loft so the cables are on my legs with the fabric and I NEVER EVER have to do anything that my fabric is in right direction. It lays in front of me, waiting to get more of it :) and: I'm hard disabled in hands, arms and both of my shoulders. Only with these cables I CAN knit. The other, shining - through - cables which spin hurt my nervs so much! They go forth and back a bit and this „a bit“ is enough to firm my yarn partly between joint and cable, INSIDE of the joint. I returned it 4 times. It wasn't the one cable, that could happen. But others knit so excelent with them. Not mine, but happy for them. Only thing I don't like is the tip-parts are a bit short in my eyes. I like to do 4 stitches from one etc and then there is a bit little place to work. In these patterns I put one CG needle left and one HH needle right or both needles HH, depending on my need in the pattern. When my disability in hands etc began - after a hard surgery where I awoke three times during surgery, it was horror without ending for me till they noticed I REALLY was awoken, not only talking in narcosis - I had to learn to knit completely knew. Nothing I had bought, and it was tons of stuff, worked and I was so bad,bad sorry and more. Then I kind of met Chiaogoo. It was in a shop. I asked then tried - it worked! For the tip-thing in difficult patterns I can need HiyaHiya, I can knit it with CG,too, but not as comfortable as with HH, After a longer dremel - action(shorten all HH - srews two winds less and dremel the step away where the original cable begins and makes their cables very stabile) I use the Minicables of CG with HH AND with CG. Now this new mixed set holds all and more for me that I ever will need, specially sizes over 5,50/6.00 mm. The Minicables are so flexible, it's my personally hit. I've knit a 1,75 m x 2,30 m x 2,30 m triangle yarn of 3.5 with it and it was ok, only use the key to firm it, don”t forget. I knit since 6 years with both, HH IR a bit faster, but more slicky so I choose if I want to be more fast or more relaxed to choose a CG or HH needle. The best: I was a collector, I got 7 sets of KP, 2 of signature(sold), 2 different of Addi (sold) and 2 of Prym. All sets I lifted pp so I had Interch. from 2.00 mm to 10 mm minimum, KP I have up to 15,00 mm - needles! Now I stopped collecting cause for me nothing works better. It's hard for me to read your comment about CG but it is what it is. Basta. :) One tiny thing, please, at the end: can you, please, give me a second time your heart at the post above? It dissapeared when I fixed a mistake (uuality instead of quality). I love your heart… Thanks, for reading this long post, too. Didn't want that. But now it's complete… LG Tabea C.L.
Thank you for this excellent review, Norman. I am currently using 2.75mm ChiaGoo needles with the magic loop method - 55cm cable. I am knitting some gloves. I find the cable makes it difficult to move from one needle to the other - it is quite restricting and makes the join rather loose, therefore the rib has loose stitches and doesn’t look very good. Would you suggest using a longer cable? I wonder if the blue cable would make a difference? Thank you.
well...i mean I personally wouldn't use ChiaoGoo for magic loop to begin with. So, I can't really help you there. But a longer cable could possible help a bit.
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you, that is very helpful. I will do some research on those brands of needles. I have just found that I have some fixed CHIAGOO 2.75mm 32”circular needles. The cable seems a little more supple and slightly thinner. I will see if they are any better to use.
Thank you so much!😁💜🧶 I am planning on getting that set but I really like the bamboo. But I want those red cables! Lol😁 so I’m thinking I’ll get the Stell set and buy the bamboo and use the cord interchangeably once I get used to knitting I could switch to the steel also, like you said. Awesome review!😁
Well, depends on how much money you want to commit Setta. You could also get a small bamboo set and just 2 or 3 spare red cables. And then see if you like it. :)
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you so much!😁 that’s a much better idea! I don’t know what I was thinking lol! I really enjoyed your teaching style. Thank you so much for making videos.😁💜🧶
@@SettasPlace the feeling is mutual. Loved watching some of your past videos. And I marvel at all the organization that went behind your current release schedule! I can only begin to guess how much work it took!
I have quite a few Chiaogoo fixed circulars which I prefer over any other brand I have used; which is why I’m considering purchasing a set of interchangeables. Is there much of a difference between the fixed and interchangeable? Coated tips? Taper? I think the fixed circulars I have are coated.
Actually Diane, I couldn't tell you because I don't think i ever saw the fixed needles in the stores here in Germany. And since i have the sets, I never bought a fixed circular.
Hi Norman, thank you for your great tutorials and very informative videos. I have a question about Chiagoo cables. I find the easiest way to do magic loop is with a travelling loop and would like to know if you would recommend these? Would the rigidity of the cable cause problems with this style of doing magic loop? My feeling is that it might. This is my only unanswered question mark I have before I feel comfortable to invest in a small set. Also I’m interested in knowing what needles you use on a regular basis. Thank you 😊
hey Ruth, I would say that the red twist CG are not preferable for traveling magic loop. In this case, I would think the HiyaHiya or maybe the Addi cables will bring you a lot more joy (they are much thinner and flexible). CG also has other cables and there are adaptors, but i think that is not their strong point. Most ppl get them precisily because their cables are a bit stiffer and don't curl, etc.
Have you tried the latern moon cables? Apparently they can fit on knitters pride interchangeables and act like the red chiaogoo cables!! Thank you for the helpful review!
I really enjoy your videos except for the ones where you have some music of some description playing in the background, which for many seniors (as me) can make a difference to the clarity of the speech and the overall enjoyment. This is the 2nd video i have watched tonight with the music in it. The first one i thought was an alarm in my phone going off and spent ages looking for the sound source because it is extremely low but is noticeable. As per your video i do not want to be negative about the videos as they are helpful and enjoyed by many but for me the music made it harder than necessary.
I understand. In some older videos I added the background music to hide some of the noise of my camera. In my newer videos that I don't have it anymore. Almost all of my videos have closed captions, though. So maybe switch that on?
Norman! I finished my scarf - my very first project!! I knit a sampler scarf so I can learn new stitches along the way. :) So it's time for a new project and I bought Chiagoo fixed circulars today (size 9). I've been using and enjoying Lykke until now, but I thought I'd try something different. But OMG - I can't stand the Chiagoo's. The sound, the feel. It's driving me mad (like scratching nails on a chalkboard) and it's only been a few hours lol. I'd like to try a Knitter's Pride fixed circular; metal of some sort. Which ones would you recommend? For this particular project, I'm making a headband; then on to a hat. :)
Well, I think I said it in this video or in the other interchangeable video - i really don't like the noise itself. As for knitter's prider - the nova platina are my favorite for fast knitting (the round ones, not the cubic ones)
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you! And, yes, I know you've said you don't like the sound. That's why I knew I'd trust your recommendation. ;) Thanks for being there, Norman!
Do you have any plans to obtain and review those fancy new Chiaogoo Forte interchangeables that are coming out in 2023? I've been putting off getting the existing Chiaogoo's for years so I'm wondering if I should just hold out a little longer and spring for the Forte's.
Well, I couldn't really get them here in Europe. I wrote the CG team but no response so far. I do have to say that the price point is a bit ridicilous. I mean, sure the case and everything looks nice. No doubt. But 300+ USD for needles...well..i think that's a far stretch for a lot of my subscribers here.
Thank you! Happy to hear you like my website. Personally, I don't use Ravelry - too toxic and intolerant people there from my personal experience. But as a lot of my readers enjoy the platform, most of my patterns are linked on it: www.ravelry.com/designers/norman-schwarze
@@NimbleNeedles Yes, have to agree that some are truly toxic on Ravelry but that is not the only place toxic people are, they are in loads of places, where I live, they live on the highway 2 feet off my bumper too. But for all the people who are toxic waste, others are very nice people. I shared recently about working my patterns in .pdf on my iPad so that I don’t get them dog-eared. If I come back and want a clean slate, can turn them all off. I can draw arrows, etc. put web links if I may forget a certain cast on, etc. as with socks I knit, my size is not standard so if I used a different needle size, reminding my self and how the stitch count worked and what yarn, is a time saver. One can draw lines which you can move up your chart, and make them different colors even. And besides, printing now costs too much... you may as well go buy a new printer and get free ink. Expensive! What we can do paperless, is an advantage. Yarn costs go up, so other costs, need to go down. Do you think that anyone liked my suggestions? NO! Actually it wasn’t my idea, I bought a great tutorial on Craftsy by Melissa Leapman on Continuous Cables and she was working from and teaching by marking up her .pdf on her iPad. If we didn’t know how to use these digital tools, would we be having a conversation? No. Knitting brings me more than creativity and something to wear or give, it helps my souls remain peaceful. No matter how others may want to rain on my parade, I can carry an umbrella. BTW, re: sock knitting, I have the Mini Twist set in the red pouch as they are good for more than socks, lace, children’s socks, toys, and more. But I also bought the 2” set of 3 cables and ordered some extra tips and made my own Flexi-Flips. I can’t use the metal ones from Addi, can’t wear nickel or use it in a knitting needle, and no one has any need of absorbing metals which close contact can lead to. No worries with surgical stainless steel, my one ankle is bionic having been screwed together as it was a very nasty break. Anyway, I don’t have to use DPNs with those 2” cables as which I am always losing one or two DPNs, and have not managed to lose any part of my kits. These are also good for extending one of the short cables just enough such as for knitting the sock gusset. Or can be used not just for 10” circulars, but as two needles which can for the two needle circular method which Cat Bordhi did. Hands do get tired so having other arrangements allow for working longer. I was very tormented as a child. Decided I would not let it ruin me and make me like them. Good advice to live by. Wonderful video. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. You are not the only one who is a sweet soul.
@@courag1 Thank you for your very elaborate feedback and for sharing your story. It's much appreciated and I'm sure others who read this will find it just as helpful :)
Is it worth having the red lace and the bamboo set? I'm learning to knit thanks to you and I'm ultimately thinking to buy both sets but I'm wondering which should be the first. I'm thinking the bamboo for the extra drag on the yarn so it doesn't slip around but I don't know.
@@NimbleNeedles I can't lol it's just not my style. My husband wishes it was. When I get into something I go for the motherlode and buy the mega sets and accessories lol. I'm a crocheter and tunisian crocheter but I'm learning knitting and always heard that bamboo is better to start out on bc of the surface drag. What say you about that theory?
@@NimbleNeedles no no that is super helpful! There's so many reviews and differeing opinions. I'm an infant in this and have been so lost for a year now I haven't budged on getting anything lol. I know your favorite could be different then my favorite ultimately in the end but I'd appreciate your guidance or opinion on what set you would recommend? I've watched all your videos on the comparisons but I can't remember the set you said you use most often and I've rewound again and again and can't find it.
@@thryssinstitches9655 Well, if ever watched another tutorial or pattern, it should be fairly easy to deduct what's my preference. And who knows, maybe there is even a post about my knitting toolkit on my blog 🤷♂️🤫
Thank you for this reveiw. I am waiting on a 4 inch set I found on Facebook Marketplace for $140.00 US dollars. It is a birthday present to myself. I have wanted this set for years. I will not regret the purchase.
I recently bought the swivel cables in a small size. They don’t work on the Minnie needles. I saw the adapter might work can you help me figure out how to make the swivel cables work with my size 1 needles.
Unfortunately it's the only choice you have to get interchangeble needles finer than size 3. So if you want to e.g. knit the bigger doilies by Herbert Niebling you'd have to bite the bullet and pay the exorbitant prices for the mini set. For socks or small doilies I still prefer my Karbonz sock needles. And for size 3+ I use the Karbonz interchangables as well, as the metal tips allow for fast knitting but the carbon gives a little bit of grip so the stitches wont slip from the needle quite as easily.
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you. I will do that. I'm relieved I only bought the 3mm's.... and not the whole set. I find them expensive. I may try the cables that do not twist. Sigh!
@@NimbleNeedles Ah Norman, žao mi je da se ranije nismo sreli….možda bi Vas uspjela vidjeti ovdje u Rovinju. Ako dolazite ponovo, bilo bi divno upoznati Vas ! Želim Vama lijepo sve što dolazi….🌻🧚🏼♀️🙏
Thanks for the review. I have been wondering if the bamboo needles used the same cables. Also, thanks for introducing me to the blue cable. I'm going to order one and give it a try.
Hey Punam, kindly check out the description. I linked all reviewed sets there. I got mine all on amazon, though your local yarn shop might have them as well.
Thank you for this review Norman. I’ll be 62 tomorrow, March 30 and I would like to buy myself yet another needle set. Are you familiar with the 7500 C chiaogoo? Would that be the top of the line or is there another set? I’m looking for the most needles with the greatest range in sizes and the most accessories. I would appreciate your advice and input. I will subscribe to your channel 🧶🙋🏻♀️❣️
Hey chrissy, I do have to admit that their internal naming has me confused a bit. Isn't the 7500c exactly the set you see in this video for the most part? Which is the most complete they offer. Now, I can't tell u if u need the 6 inch sharp tips or not, tho. Maybe shorter tips are better for u. Or u never knot with small needle sizes, etc.
![Hiya hiya knitting needle review - Are these the sharpest needles? [2023]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BIMSAZa2N9I/mqdefault.jpg)
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
Make sure to comment in case you got any questions or feedback and I'm sure we'll find a solution together!
As someone has already mentioned - this is the best video on Chiaogoo needles! Thank you for all the effort you’ve put into making it :)
I'll try to keep up the high quality. Thank you for your lovely feedback :)
I agree. Thank you for your thorough review. Now I know what the true pros and cons are. 🌸❣️
I am watching all your reviews. I believe you give both very good pro's and con's to each system out there. Thank you for the most high-quality reviews I've seen on TH-cam! You do an amazing job here - and have transformed me to include Knitting as a hobby. I appreciate your efforts very much!
Something I LOVE about Chiagoo is that you can buy everything a la cart, so you can buy replacements if you lose anything or longer cables or whatever
yeah that's super nice. Though all other major brands do over the same service
You have the Best video on the ChiaoGoo !! Thanks for being informational, precise in description, and especially for not junking up the video with unrelated topics. This is just what I was looking for. Small note; I have the regular ChiaoGoo circular needles, and some of them came with malformed cords, probably were exposed to heat and left coiled in their packages for too long. So I did the 'dip' in really hot water and they are perfect now!! Unlike all the other cheap cords out there, they have not returned to the original malformed state! I can knit So Fast with these, and I'm a total novice
Hey Jana, thank you for your lovely feedback! And welcome to my channel :)
Hi Norman, you have done an excellent job on this video. This is the most comprehensive review on Chiaogoo products. I got into knitting less than 2 years ago and spent less than $15 on a bamboo single-point set - just to see if I would like knitting. When I decided knitting was something I planned on sticking with for the long-haul, I decided to invest in a quality set of needles. Being a new knitter and someone who did not want to deal with unnecessary frustration, I decided to invest in the best set of needles I could afford.
I really liked that you discussed all other CG products in one video including how modular the interchangeable sets are. I know many people start out with less expensive sets or buy 1 or 2 fixed needles at a time only to have the costs run up over time due to inferior product or just not taking advantage of a set.
With the modular system, people can invest in a full set based on their needs, and then purchase individual needles or tips until they decide to buy those sets.
My CG collection has grown since my initial purchase and it's certainly time for me to stop buying and get to knitting. However, I can see how this video can be so beneficial to someone trying to decide on the CG brand.
I also have the Lykke set which is under Knitter's Pride company. As much as I think the needles are beautiful, I did not like the cord at all and rarely used it. With Knitter's Pride release of Mindful Collection, they took the great aspects of CG and released it under their brand. This means KP now has the same cord as CG (slightly thinner), but will work on all their products. The memory-free cords also come in swivel (similar to CG spin) or fixed (CG red lace) option. They are also thinner that CG so people who complained about CG cords being too thick for magic loop may not have this issue anymore.
Anyway, great review and looking forward to more of your videos.
thank you so much for your very comprehensive feedback!
I haven't heard of the Mindful sets yet. Probably cuz they are only available in the US and not here in Europe. So thank you for pointing that out to me..i want one, lol. Now I just need to find a retailed ;-)
I love the shorties, because the tips also work with the cables that come with the small red lace twist set. 3 inch and 2 inch tips on a 14 inch cable are great for knitting sleeves.
Definitely the most complete video ever, explaining every combination in this set ! I was looking everywhere to see if the bamboo needles were compatible with the red cable, and this is the only video where I finally found the answer. So I will probably choose the bamboo needle set and complete it with some stainless steel needles for the finer sizes and some red cables. Thank you very much for your video, I just discovered your channel and from now I will follow it. 👍
Hey Marie-Cécile, thank you so much for your lovely feedback, welcome onboard, and so happy to hear I could help you with my very...uh..thorough approach ;-)
I agree, hardly anyone mentions whether the red cable works with the bamboo and I really wanted to know. Good video.
@@TheKiddSocks happy I could be of help ☺️
The cords ❤️, the cords ❤️, the cords❤️!
I also was looking everywhere - to find out if the blue cords would fit my set (they will). Yours was the only place I found that gave me the answer
I chose the 5” small red lace set because I seldom knit with needles larger than 5 mm. But when I do, I prefer bamboo tips because they are lighter, warmer, and quieter - the larger metal needles really scrape and are cold. I may end up ordering the full bamboo set, so I can augment my stainless set and have many cable options. Thanks for this truly helpful review ❤️
it was my pleasure, Wendy!
My mum just passed me her set to try. As a beginner knitter, i found this review super useful! Ive been crocheting for awhile and wanted to try knitting. I also watched your other videos.. thank you for being so awesome! Subscribed! 🤩
Welcome to my channel ❤️
Norman, you are so nice and so knowledgeable ❤️ I love watching your channel because you seem like such a genuinely kind person. I can’t wait to go back to Germany 🇩🇪
this is such a great review! I just found your channel and I really appreciate how high quality and informative your videos are. also LOL when the needles fell out of the case 😆
thank you so much! :) and yeah that moment was so awkward it just had to make it into the final edit ;-)
Wonderfully in depth video. The set is typically around $130 in the US and will drop lower on Amazon regularly, personally I wouldn’t pay over $140 and suggest waiting for the price drops rather than just buying it.
I have the complete set and love it, have my eye on the Tunisian crochet set which is cross compatible. Anyone ever mix the two styles (knitting and Tunisian) together?
That is indeed an excellent tip. It can be quite expensive at times but there are bargains right around the corner - especially on black friday etc
I love your channel! Your tips and insight are so helpful, and more, your demeanor is so warm and encouraging. Perfect for a beginner/intermediate knitter like me!
thank you so much, sarah
Thank you for doing these needle reviews. I never would have thought that the needles contain nickle. I was actually close to purchasing these, but I would have had an issue with them because of the metal.
well, traces of nickel...probably. I never noticed anything but I know of at least two people who reacted to them.
I have a nickle allergy-can't wear a metal watch band or earrings-but have no problem with ChiaGoos. I love love love the cables!
Thanks🌺I have a complete set of chiaoGoo. I think they are the best, the needle tips are sharp. They are expensive but satisfying to use
Very happy to hear u found needles that work so well for you 😊❤
Very happy to hear u found needles that work so well for you 😊❤
I appreciate the in depth review of on each vendor of interchangeable knitting needles
Glad it was helpful!
THank you for posting this ! I recently ordered a set of the red lace & I'm super excited. I love your videos, Nibleneedles! I have improved my knitting skills thanks to your advice , and I appreciate it. :)
very happy to hear that Nicolle. Hope you'll enjoy the needles
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you so much!
Hi Norman, I love knitting socks with lace and cables so I decided to buy Chiaogoo shorties red pouch. So far, I had the hard time to work on it. I although I don’t have big hand but I need leverage to work on those lace and cables. I tried many time honestly thinking I need to get used to it but still not working. So I go back on magic loop method. But I admit, if I only make stokinet sock pattern then yes Chiaogoo shorties is way to go. I use the combination of 2 inch and 3 inch like addi 9 inch circular needles.
Thx for your feedback! And yeah, my impressions exactly. If it's just stockinette stitch or some 2x2 rib, then they are certainly lovely. And let's be honest, a lot of knitters knit these kinds of socks and there's nothing wrong with that. But for complicated stuff, I just couldn't make it work - at least not in a manner that it is faster/neater compared to dpns.
Use the T Pin to tighten your tips on the cord. They will never loosen if used properly
sadly, I did not find this too be true. For knitpro it works for me, and they almost never come undone. But with ChiaoGoo i get the problem quite a lot.
@@NimbleNeedles Use the heart grips to help tighten up your tips. It works so well for me that my dad had to get me a plier just so I could unscrew them.
I loved my CGs at first, but recently they've been coming loose a lot (and I've put a lot of effort into tightening them with the pin). It's been very frustrating; I haven't had the parts separate completely, so no stitches were dropped, but my stitches do get caught in the groove a l l t h e t i m e.
Wonderful! I was just thinking about purchasing a set of these needles. I have very small hands, so I like the 4 inch size. As you say, it’s so nice to have options. This video really helped me a lot!
Glad to hear that. And yeah, in your case the 4 inch size is probably a very good choice!
I have 3 different sets of ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles. Because I enjoy these, I bought the DPN set. The DPNs I never use cuz they are too slick- no matter what I do, the needles fall off the stitches.
i am still developing my knitting skills and started with the straight needles, then i found some circular needles at a thrift store, some was plastic, one was metal. i was not a fan of the plastic but the metal one (boye brand) and it had a long cord (28" i think) and although i enjoyed knitting with it, the cord would not stay straight kept kinking on me...this almost turned me away from circular needles i also tried the bamboo from clover but not liking the way they knit, and then with the power of youtube i heard of these ChiaGoo needles and i purchased one fixed and fell in love with them. i kept buying different sizes and realized it would save me to just get a whole set.. so i purchased the 4" complete set(mostly because i want to do hats and with the two 4" and an 8" cord i'll have the 16" i need for a hat) and i am loving it. yes, it is an investment. now i want to get them all. i suppose a little at a time. they say golf is an expensive lol. knitting is expensive if you don't have a relative to pass down supplies.. but i'm enjoying the craft so much. thank you Norman for your expert opinion of these needles. p.s. i think i will have to find some kind of sculpture to make with the straight needles now that i've abandoned them for circular. lol also ChiaGoo has DPNs too.
You are very welcome. Also, when in doubt, you can always give them to charity or another knitter who wants to get started😊
@@NimbleNeedles yes, thank you for the suggestion.
I love my Chiaogoo sets of needles. I recently learned that there are some fake Chiaogoo needles being sold. So if there are glaring issues that person may not actually have Chiaogoo needles. That was news to me.
I have tried several different types of knitting needles. Chiaogoo needles are one of my favorites. I really love the blue cables.
There are some more expensive knitting needles that I have not tried yet.
yeah, there are quite some needle fakes around. Probably because they are all produced in china or india and smart workers use the knowledge and do a me-too product at home in their own shops.
Thank You Very Much !!!
... for your most Comprehensive and Objective Review of The Chiagoo Interchangeable Knitting Needles.
It was easy to understand and take a decision as a beginner,
I greatly appreciate your valuable suggestion to use The Bamboo needles.
Enjoyed your video !!!👍
Thank you for your kind feedback Gayathri. It's always a pleasure to help other knitters :)
What is your absolute favorite interchangeable set? I am a new subscriber and I am enjoying your content immensely! Thankyou!
tough call. Probably the Knitters Pride Nova Platina. They have a lot of flaws but they work well with my kind of knitting.
Great review - as expected and as usual.
I don't yet own anything Chiaogoo, nor have I worked with their products before. I'm really curious now about how they'll measure up to my expectations.
Very thorough review Norman. I love my ChiaoGoo sets and fixed needles as well as my other brands. They all offer me something unique! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!🤗🤗
Glad it was helpful! And you are absolutely right there. Each brand offers something unique!
🤗😊
Fantastic video! Thank you so much for such a detailed review 😊 also you seem like such a lovely person, glad I came across your TH-cam ♥️
Oh thank you & welcome to my channel!
Nice job and quite thorough explaining and demonstrating interchangeables. Have not seen at length how to put it together and pros and cons.
happy to hear you liked my little review! as these needles are so popular I thought someone should really show them before ppl commit so much money.
You can use adapters to connect mini cables to shortie connectors and another adapter to connect to the large needles. So you can have large needles on a mini cable according to the Chiaogoo channel here on TH-cam.
well yeah, you are right. Bbut i'm not sure how much sense it makes either way. I can only talk for myself, but I find adaptors don't exactly enhance the knitting experience.
Hi Norman, What a great review! I think that your review was the most thorough review on TH-cam. I would like to mention that although the longest cable in the set says 30 inches, it is really 40 inches when combined with your 5 inch tips. I have purchased longer cables in case I decide to make larger projects, but haven’t had the need to use them yet in the 3+ years I have owned this set. Another thing worth mentioning is that if you are a hat maker, you can’t make a 16 circular with this set. You can if you purchase the 4 inch set though. Since I have large hands, I purchased the 5 inch set before realizing this. Now I own both sets, so if you are a hat maker and prefer not to magic loop, you should take this into consideration. You gave me a good laugh when your needles fell out of the unzipped case. It reminded me of my hiya hiya case when all of my needles spilled everywhere. Perhaps the zipper case isn’t so bad after all - when you remember to zip it that is😀. Thanks again for the great review!
hey there. Thank you for your valuable feedback and for adding your input to my review. Even though it's already 20min long there are probably a million other things to mention, lol. So, all additional help is more than welcome.
I guess making 16 inch circulars from 5 inch tips would probably be a problem with any brand needles, so that is worth considering before making a purchase of needles. If you don’t think you would use that length, it may not be a big deal. Just something to consider...
@@CrunchCandyLady that is true. Interestingly enough I personally never knit with circulars the way they are supposed to work, so I guess I don't mind, lol.
CG offers several cord sizes not included in the large set, including an 8" cord. I don't know hoe easy to use it would be with 5" needles, though
Very informative, and Norman is very engaging!
Thankuuuuu sooo much.. just ordered my set❤you are ammmazzzing😊
@NimbleNeedles
There is another cable Chiaogoo offers now SWIV 360 they are flexible and make MagicLoop more tolerable. The only thing that I personally experienced with this cable is the "plug" that holds the cable in the shaft below the hole where you tighten with the TPin....un screwed itself and blocked the hole. There's a fix for this.... an eye glass repair screwdriver. Insert it into the shaft an screw it back into place. This information was supplied by Chiagoo.
Otherwise I truly appreciate your help and support. I share your page with a lot of my knitting buddies, who also fine your videos very informative and relevant.
Thank you so much for taking time out to help me become a better knitter.
I couldn't agree more about the packaging of this set not spelling "premium". I love CGs in fixed circular format (one of my go to brands). (As an aside, I bought the Twist Minis set a couple of years ago but the join on one of the needles broke almost immediately - I don't think the metal joins can be strong enough at such a tiny gauge, and I was using them for magic loop. I got a replacement needle but now I'm afraid to use it. I'd love to know your thoughts on that set...) At any rate, I might have bought the larger set if not for the very cheap-seeming (IMO) case. I also don't like how you need to use diff cables with diff sizes. Intriguingly - and this isn't generally how I roll - I have created my own interchangeable set, over the years, using diff Knitter's Pride needles - sometimes you want wood, sometimes square metal etc. I've used Addis (really don't work for me, I hate the cables), Hiya Hiya, Clover, CG, Knitter's Pride, Lykke, Prym, Louet - all in fixed format. The only ones that have convinced me to purchase interchangeables are the KPs and the CGs (even if that wasn't a good purchase for me personally). And what convinced me to take the plunge with KP is that I didn't need to buy a set - I could do things modularly over time, adding a certain needle as I needed it. I managed to score an Addi case and have also bought another (Joji and Co, super sexy!) Hilariously, my cases are more cash valuable than my needles - but my needles work more than adequately and I love that I can mix and match with so many diff needle materials.
Thx for that lovely and detailed feedback. I have to admit i sorta mix and match as well. It's like..for every knitting project I know I have that one needle that's gonna be perfect. And I'm always amazed by those fans who just stick to one brand. Wouldn't work for me.
You do know that the CGs can be bought separately too right? You don’t have to buy the completed set.
For the minis I'm fine with the separate attachement. To my knowledge no other brand even has 000 interchangeable.
yeah, i am not aware of that either.
Love your reaction to the needle drop 🤣😂🤣😂
Keeping it real ❤️
Excellent and thorough review. Thank you. And your English is perfect (impressive, given that [assumption here] it's not your first language)
I loved my CGs at first, but recently they've been coming loose a lot (yes, I use the pin). It's been very frustrating; My stitches get caught in the groove a-l-l t-h-e t-i-m-e.
It would be excellent if CG included the rubber heart with the full sets - the sets are so expensive already, it seems like it would be such a small thing to include. I would much prefer that to the stitch markers. The stitch markers are cute, but don't open (which, for me, is a game changer) I didn't even know about the rubber hearts until recently, when I started searching for a 'loose fit' solution. Hopefully, they will make a difference.
Cheers!
yeah, that's my main issue with CG as well. I mean..why not add these grippers..and they too come loose with me as well :(
Thank you so much for this detailed and objective review.
I’ve just started knitting again after many years. How things have changed in the equipment now available.
I really like the Chiaogoo and so want them but common sense prevailed and I purchased a set of Knitpro Ginger short tips as I was doing hats. They’re really nice but I feel I would like longer tips too so back to considering the Chiaogoo set. Do I need them - no definitely not - I’m an ‘all the gear no idea’ knitter 🤷♀️ so really cannot justify the price……. but I probably will 😉
Do you use interchangeables for most of your projects or use straight single ended needles if not round knitting?
I really like your videos and appreciate the time you take to make them for us.
hm...I never use straight single needles. Always interchangeables or dpns...and sometimes fixed circulars for super small or super big sizes.
Great review. I’m trying to figure out which set to purchase myself and this has helped.
So happy to hear that ☺️☺️
Thank you for this thorough review, Norman,,
heh! you're very welcome! :)
Thanks for the great review. ❤
I love the two different size cables. Because there are two sizes there are fantastic joins. I really like addi short lace needles BUT because there is only one size of cable they don't have the smooth joins that the chiagoo has. I don't like magic loop knitting so the cables are perfect for me. If I were going to magic loop I would want a stiffer cable more like knitters pride. Chiagoo has a nice sharp tip but is not as sharp as hiya hiya., Since I like wood needles and I love 4-inch needles Chiagoo wood is the best for me most of the time. When I bought my large bamboo chiagoo needles I got the red cables with them. I do use my chiaogoo metal set for certain yarns. I also love hiya hiya because they have lovely sharp tips but since I am a push I do play havoc with the tip of my index finger lol.
oh yeah, if you are a pusher, then HiyaHiya is...deadly! lol. I like em a lot for my lacework tho.
@@NimbleNeedles I have made a couple of delicate lace things and put bandaids on my finger to save it lol. Hiya-hiyas are the best for delicate lacework.
Bought with your affiliate link. Hope it worked! :) Thanks for the videos.
Hi, high quality review, but I've to contradict when you say one needs differenttsizes of cables: I have some adapters and I normally only use the mini cables for all sizes. Only if I very seldom want to use a bigger sized cable I use the Small one, for a heavier pullover, knit all in one and fabriced by thick and compact wool. I knit since 6 years with CG and only once I did so. After some time I bought some Mini cables more, and some adapters I directly put at the Large needles so I didn't need to screw the adapters each time I needed them - so I thought. But I ended up seldom needing sizes over 6.00 mm. That's realy seldom. But now they alleare prepared with adapters… I can use all with the mini cables. I love them so much. I use the blue and the red tiny cases, too, I bought two of each and so I can create my trio - needles by myself on all needle -esizes I want. I've bought everything from HiyaHiya, too, but as a european knitter they've been too pointy for me. Nowadays I learned flicking and now it's the same for me. I hate the spin cables cause yarn often if thin stops at the cable-to needle-joint. After I dremeled a bit I could use the wonderful Minicables, always and ever. Using adapters the joints are so fine that surprisingly for me one can't notice the joints while knitting. I like the little bit of grip they have, it's a bit more than HiyaHiya gives me and I like it. Everyone must choose it him/herself. I bought the biggest set, the shorties in blue and red twice, too, but now I don't have to buy anything else - if I want to knit I can! I'm hard disabled at hands and fingers singe about 6 years and I can't knit as well as with CG and HH. I tried hard with: Signature, Addi (I learned to hate the cables), KP (better than the cables of Addi, but not as well as HH and CG in my min), Prym(I love the fantastic smoothness, sometimes a bit better than KP surprisingly) and I tried countless others, no names, too. I have got some branding free bamboo DPNs I love as much as them of CG, they're so similar and so cheap! 1 Euro a size. These I sometimes use and everytime I smile.
yeah they are the adaptarts of course..but I personally don't actually like them. Well, to be quite hoenst with you I never could these needles work for me. too slow, i don't really like either of the cables, the tips are awkward.... BUT so many love them and that's just great because there's nothing better than finding the perfect tool for your hobby.
Thx for sharing your experience. I am sure others reading the comments will find it super helfpul.
@@NimbleNeedles : So different we are… I love HiyaHiya, too, the sharp ones, and since I knit flicking - wise I don't hurt my index any more. I hat THEIR cables. To the CG cables: I learned not to hold the needles with any power /force in my hands. So they swing softly every time I loosen them to grab for new yarn etc and they go only a tiny swirl right or loft so the cables are on my legs with the fabric and I NEVER EVER have to do anything that my fabric is in right direction. It lays in front of me, waiting to get more of it :) and: I'm hard disabled in hands, arms and both of my shoulders. Only with these cables I CAN knit. The other, shining - through - cables which spin hurt my nervs so much! They go forth and back a bit and this „a bit“ is enough to firm my yarn partly between joint and cable, INSIDE of the joint. I returned it 4 times. It wasn't the one cable, that could happen. But others knit so excelent with them. Not mine, but happy for them. Only thing I don't like is the tip-parts are a bit short in my eyes. I like to do 4 stitches from one etc and then there is a bit little place to work. In these patterns I put one CG needle left and one HH needle right or both needles HH, depending on my need in the pattern. When my disability in hands etc began - after a hard surgery where I awoke three times during surgery, it was horror without ending for me till they noticed I REALLY was awoken, not only talking in narcosis - I had to learn to knit completely knew. Nothing I had bought, and it was tons of stuff, worked and I was so bad,bad sorry and more. Then I kind of met Chiaogoo. It was in a shop. I asked then tried - it worked! For the tip-thing in difficult patterns I can need HiyaHiya, I can knit it with CG,too, but not as comfortable as with HH, After a longer dremel - action(shorten all HH - srews two winds less and dremel the step away where the original cable begins and makes their cables very stabile) I use the Minicables of CG with HH AND with CG. Now this new mixed set holds all and more for me that I ever will need, specially sizes over 5,50/6.00 mm. The Minicables are so flexible, it's my personally hit. I've knit a 1,75 m x 2,30 m x 2,30 m triangle yarn of 3.5 with it and it was ok, only use the key to firm it, don”t forget. I knit since 6 years with both, HH IR a bit faster, but more slicky so I choose if I want to be more fast or more relaxed to choose a CG or HH needle.
The best: I was a collector, I got 7 sets of KP, 2 of signature(sold), 2 different of Addi (sold) and 2 of Prym. All sets I lifted pp so I had Interch. from 2.00 mm to 10 mm minimum, KP I have up to 15,00 mm - needles!
Now I stopped collecting cause for me nothing works better. It's hard for me to read your comment about CG but it is what it is. Basta. :)
One tiny thing, please, at the end: can you, please, give me a second time your heart at the post above? It dissapeared when I fixed a mistake (uuality instead of quality). I love your heart… Thanks, for reading this long post, too. Didn't want that. But now it's complete… LG Tabea C.L.
@@ConnyNordlicht there you go..two hearts for all the effort you put into your comments
@@NimbleNeedles If I do I give all I have to give. Be blessed!
Thank you for this excellent review, Norman. I am currently using 2.75mm ChiaGoo needles with the magic loop method - 55cm cable. I am knitting some gloves. I find the cable makes it difficult to move from one needle to the other - it is quite restricting and makes the join rather loose, therefore the rib has loose stitches and doesn’t look very good. Would you suggest using a longer cable? I wonder if the blue cable would make a difference? Thank you.
well...i mean I personally wouldn't use ChiaoGoo for magic loop to begin with. So, I can't really help you there. But a longer cable could possible help a bit.
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you for your reply, much appreciated. As a matter of interest, what needles do you use for magic loop? Thank you.
@@SewSwiss truth be told, i rarely knit magic loop. just like once a year. mostly i will use hiya hiya or knitters pride nova platina in these cases.
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you, that is very helpful. I will do some research on those brands of needles. I have just found that I have some fixed CHIAGOO 2.75mm 32”circular needles. The cable seems a little more supple and slightly thinner. I will see if they are any better to use.
Thank you so much!😁💜🧶 I am planning on getting that set but I really like the bamboo. But I want those red cables! Lol😁 so I’m thinking I’ll get the Stell set and buy the bamboo and use the cord interchangeably once I get used to knitting I could switch to the steel also, like you said.
Awesome review!😁
Well, depends on how much money you want to commit Setta. You could also get a small bamboo set and just 2 or 3 spare red cables. And then see if you like it. :)
@@NimbleNeedles
Thank you so much!😁 that’s a much better idea! I don’t know what I was thinking lol!
I really enjoyed your teaching style. Thank you so much for making videos.😁💜🧶
@@SettasPlace the feeling is mutual. Loved watching some of your past videos. And I marvel at all the organization that went behind your current release schedule! I can only begin to guess how much work it took!
I have quite a few Chiaogoo fixed circulars which I prefer over any other brand I have used; which is why I’m considering purchasing a set of interchangeables. Is there much of a difference between the fixed and interchangeable? Coated tips? Taper? I think the fixed circulars I have are coated.
Actually Diane, I couldn't tell you because I don't think i ever saw the fixed needles in the stores here in Germany. And since i have the sets, I never bought a fixed circular.
Hi Norman, thank you for your great tutorials and very informative videos. I have a question about Chiagoo cables. I find the easiest way to do magic loop is with a travelling loop and would like to know if you would recommend these? Would the rigidity of the cable cause problems with this style of doing magic loop? My feeling is that it might. This is my only unanswered question mark I have before I feel comfortable to invest in a small set. Also I’m interested in knowing what needles you use on a regular basis. Thank you 😊
hey Ruth,
I would say that the red twist CG are not preferable for traveling magic loop. In this case, I would think the HiyaHiya or maybe the Addi cables will bring you a lot more joy (they are much thinner and flexible).
CG also has other cables and there are adaptors, but i think that is not their strong point. Most ppl get them precisily because their cables are a bit stiffer and don't curl, etc.
Thank you. Very educational. You explained it perfectly ❤️
Hey Jean. Thank you, always a pleasure to hear I could help someone out 😊😊
Have you tried the latern moon cables? Apparently they can fit on knitters pride interchangeables and act like the red chiaogoo cables!! Thank you for the helpful review!
i am about to. my shipment is said to arrive today :)
Thank you for a great review. Is there any difference between the 4inch set to the 5inch set other than an extra inch in the length?
hey Jazz, Not that I can tell at least. However, that inch can be a lot when you are knitting small circumference projects..or you have big hands.
Phenomenal review! Thank you.
My pleasure!
I really enjoy your videos except for the ones where you have some music of some description playing in the background, which for many seniors (as me) can make a difference to the clarity of the speech and the overall enjoyment. This is the 2nd video i have watched tonight with the music in it. The first one i thought was an alarm in my phone going off and spent ages looking for the sound source because it is extremely low but is noticeable. As per your video i do not want to be negative about the videos as they are helpful and enjoyed by many but for me the music made it harder than necessary.
I understand. In some older videos I added the background music to hide some of the noise of my camera. In my newer videos that I don't have it anymore. Almost all of my videos have closed captions, though. So maybe switch that on?
Norman! I finished my scarf - my very first project!! I knit a sampler scarf so I can learn new stitches along the way. :) So it's time for a new project and I bought Chiagoo fixed circulars today (size 9). I've been using and enjoying Lykke until now, but I thought I'd try something different. But OMG - I can't stand the Chiagoo's. The sound, the feel. It's driving me mad (like scratching nails on a chalkboard) and it's only been a few hours lol. I'd like to try a Knitter's Pride fixed circular; metal of some sort. Which ones would you recommend? For this particular project, I'm making a headband; then on to a hat. :)
Well, I think I said it in this video or in the other interchangeable video - i really don't like the noise itself.
As for knitter's prider - the nova platina are my favorite for fast knitting (the round ones, not the cubic ones)
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you! And, yes, I know you've said you don't like the sound. That's why I knew I'd trust your recommendation. ;) Thanks for being there, Norman!
Do you have any plans to obtain and review those fancy new Chiaogoo Forte interchangeables that are coming out in 2023? I've been putting off getting the existing Chiaogoo's for years so I'm wondering if I should just hold out a little longer and spring for the Forte's.
Well, I couldn't really get them here in Europe. I wrote the CG team but no response so far.
I do have to say that the price point is a bit ridicilous. I mean, sure the case and everything looks nice. No doubt. But 300+ USD for needles...well..i think that's a far stretch for a lot of my subscribers here.
I'm a beginner. ChiaoGoo or Knitpro? I can't decide.
A beginner? Then I'd look into the knitpro zing. Muuch cheaper.
Is there anyway you could use these as regular knitting needles? Do they have stoppers you could put on the end?
Well, you coooooould buy stoppers separately...
Have you looked at the interchangeable wood sets from Knit Picks? Really curious how they would compare.
well, knitpicks doesn't produce their own needles. THey are just a reseller of KnitPro/Knitters Pride.
@@NimbleNeedles ah excellent I didn't know that ty
Great information. Thanks
you're very welcome linda :)
Thank you for great review
No problem 👍
What a nice website you have. Are you on Ravelry?
Thank you! Happy to hear you like my website. Personally, I don't use Ravelry - too toxic and intolerant people there from my personal experience. But as a lot of my readers enjoy the platform, most of my patterns are linked on it: www.ravelry.com/designers/norman-schwarze
@@NimbleNeedles Yes, have to agree that some are truly toxic on Ravelry but that is not the only place toxic people are, they are in loads of places, where I live, they live on the highway 2 feet off my bumper too.
But for all the people who are toxic waste, others are very nice people.
I shared recently about working my patterns in .pdf on my iPad so that I don’t get them dog-eared. If I come back and want a clean slate, can turn them all off. I can draw arrows, etc. put web links if I may forget a certain cast on, etc. as with socks I knit, my size is not standard so if I used a different needle size, reminding my self and how the stitch count worked and what yarn, is a time saver. One can draw lines which you can move up your chart, and make them different colors even.
And besides, printing now costs too much... you may as well go buy a new printer and get free ink. Expensive! What we can do paperless, is an advantage. Yarn costs go up, so other costs, need to go down.
Do you think that anyone liked my suggestions? NO! Actually it wasn’t my idea, I bought a great tutorial on Craftsy by Melissa Leapman on Continuous Cables and she was working from and teaching by marking up her .pdf on her iPad.
If we didn’t know how to use these digital tools, would we be having a conversation? No.
Knitting brings me more than creativity and something to wear or give, it helps my souls remain peaceful. No matter how others may want to rain on my parade, I can carry an umbrella.
BTW, re: sock knitting, I have the Mini Twist set in the red pouch as they are good for more than socks, lace, children’s socks, toys, and more. But I also bought the 2” set of 3 cables and ordered some extra tips and made my own Flexi-Flips. I can’t use the metal ones from Addi, can’t wear nickel or use it in a knitting needle, and no one has any need of absorbing metals which close contact can lead to. No worries with surgical stainless steel, my one ankle is bionic having been screwed together as it was a very nasty break. Anyway, I don’t have to use DPNs with those 2” cables as which I am always losing one or two DPNs, and have not managed to lose any part of my kits. These are also good for extending one of the short cables just enough such as for knitting the sock gusset. Or can be used not just for 10” circulars, but as two needles which can for the two needle circular method which Cat Bordhi did. Hands do get tired so having other arrangements allow for working longer.
I was very tormented as a child. Decided I would not let it ruin me and make me like them. Good advice to live by.
Wonderful video. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. You are not the only one who is a sweet soul.
@@courag1 Thank you for your very elaborate feedback and for sharing your story. It's much appreciated and I'm sure others who read this will find it just as helpful :)
Is it worth having the red lace and the bamboo set? I'm learning to knit thanks to you and I'm ultimately thinking to buy both sets but I'm wondering which should be the first. I'm thinking the bamboo for the extra drag on the yarn so it doesn't slip around but I don't know.
well..that's nothing i can answer for you. but maybe just buy a single bamboo needle so you see if you actually like it. that's 15 usd vs 150 ;-)
@@NimbleNeedles I can't lol it's just not my style. My husband wishes it was. When I get into something I go for the motherlode and buy the mega sets and accessories lol. I'm a crocheter and tunisian crocheter but I'm learning knitting and always heard that bamboo is better to start out on bc of the surface drag. What say you about that theory?
@@thryssinstitches9655 I can'T say anything to that. I personally wouldn't even consider buying CG needles again. But it's not about me, right? ;-)
@@NimbleNeedles no no that is super helpful! There's so many reviews and differeing opinions. I'm an infant in this and have been so lost for a year now I haven't budged on getting anything lol. I know your favorite could be different then my favorite ultimately in the end but I'd appreciate your guidance or opinion on what set you would recommend? I've watched all your videos on the comparisons but I can't remember the set you said you use most often and I've rewound again and again and can't find it.
@@thryssinstitches9655 Well, if ever watched another tutorial or pattern, it should be fairly easy to deduct what's my preference. And who knows, maybe there is even a post about my knitting toolkit on my blog 🤷♂️🤫
Thank you!
Thank you for this reveiw. I am waiting on a 4 inch set I found on Facebook Marketplace for $140.00 US dollars. It is a birthday present to myself. I have wanted this set for years. I will not regret the purchase.
Happy belated (?) Birthday then! 😊🥳🎉
The only better cable is Prym. Unfortunately thet don't make an interchangeable set. I love Chiaogoo and I use them for magic loop.🤗👍🧶❣
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to hear that you like the Prym cables so much.
I recently bought the swivel cables in a small size. They don’t work on the Minnie needles. I saw the adapter might work can you help me figure out how to make the swivel cables work with my size 1 needles.
hm..i am currently not at home. so I can't confirm this. i personally never knit with swivel cables (tho i own them).
Unfortunately it's the only choice you have to get interchangeble needles finer than size 3. So if you want to e.g. knit the bigger doilies by Herbert Niebling you'd have to bite the bullet and pay the exorbitant prices for the mini set. For socks or small doilies I still prefer my Karbonz sock needles. And for size 3+ I use the Karbonz interchangables as well, as the metal tips allow for fast knitting but the carbon gives a little bit of grip so the stitches wont slip from the needle quite as easily.
that is true! That being said, i personally prefer fixed circulars for those ultra small sizes
Is there any combination of chiaogoo needles that would work like flexiflips?
Well..sorta. the blue twist cables come really short..like..dunno what the smallest is of my head, but probably like 3 inches.
Yes, you can get 2” flex blue cords and pair them with shorties (3” & 2” needles) to get the flexiflip effect
Thank you.
I just bought the chiaogoo twist cables... they keep catching the yarn. I'm so frustrated 😠 😡. Do you have any suggestions on how to remedy this?
hm..sorry...not really. But you could write their support.
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you. I will do that. I'm relieved I only bought the 3mm's.... and not the whole set. I find them expensive. I may try the cables that do not twist. Sigh!
Norman, vi ste fantastičan. Hvala za sve što dajete. Mnogo su mi pomogli vaši video snimci.
Pozdrav uz Croatie 🌞🌻🍀😇💕
sretna što to čujem. Moj partner je iz Hrvatske: P
@@NimbleNeedles oh....pa to je nevjerovatno......saljem vama vekiiiikiiiiii zagrljaj...
I dođite u Rovinj gdje ja živim......🥰😘😘😘😘
@@ljubicajurman5252 Bio sam prošle godine u Rovinju 2 tjedna! :P :P
@@NimbleNeedles Ah Norman, žao mi je da se ranije nismo sreli….možda bi Vas uspjela vidjeti ovdje u Rovinju. Ako dolazite ponovo, bilo bi divno upoznati Vas !
Želim Vama lijepo sve što dolazi….🌻🧚🏼♀️🙏
How to knitting houndtooth stick?please
not sure what a houndtooth stick is sorry.
Great review! I
thank you, Susan!
I love that there are no special keys needed. It’s easy to lose keys, but most knitters have a bunch of T pins lying around.
The tpins do come in different sizes though
Thanks for the review. I have been wondering if the bamboo needles used the same cables. Also, thanks for introducing me to the blue cable. I'm going to order one and give it a try.
Thank you. I love your review and love you ❤
This was great and helpful, thank you
Price and where to buy
Hey Punam,
kindly check out the description. I linked all reviewed sets there. I got mine all on amazon, though your local yarn shop might have them as well.
Appreciate the pros / cons approach to your review. Some are so one sided it just defeats the point of a review.
Happy to hear that!
Thank you for this review Norman. I’ll be 62 tomorrow, March 30 and I would like to buy myself yet another needle set.
Are you familiar with the 7500 C chiaogoo? Would that be the top of the line or is there another set?
I’m looking for the most needles with the greatest range in sizes and the most accessories.
I would appreciate your advice and input. I will subscribe to your channel 🧶🙋🏻♀️❣️
Hey chrissy, I do have to admit that their internal naming has me confused a bit. Isn't the 7500c exactly the set you see in this video for the most part? Which is the most complete they offer. Now, I can't tell u if u need the 6 inch sharp tips or not, tho. Maybe shorter tips are better for u. Or u never knot with small needle sizes, etc.