I was hit by a car at age 19. My hands blocked the head on dammage and I survived. I was going to make wigs for a living and found I could no longer hold a pencil. Well life went on, I made due and forgot all about crochet and knitting as an option. Came the end of covid, about 19 years later and I realized I was plotzing to do it again. And I did. I have worked on every method of alleviating pain and am still experimenting. But each method made a big difference and was a learning process. Also if It's not working the first time, I go back to it later. The type of knitting needles I use make a huge difference. So even though I have lovely HiyaHiya's, the hurt way too much and I find myself using the square ones. Because they hurt less and are a totally irritating model re joins... But, make lemonade 🍋. Right? I have tried a few types, each one has it's uses. But the main thing is, I keep at it and congratulate myself for succeeding so long after it should be game over. Practically speaking, with the right needles, i have found the pain went down 90%-95%. That's really significant ! Happy hunting everyone. Good luck!
Bravo to you! Started knitting recently; I’ve only just finished a cowl, and I already have significant pain and numbness recur in my thumb and forearm. That I didn’t have before. Well, I know I’m clutching tightly and doing things wrongly, and I’m a little bit older in age, so I hope that changing my style helps. But I was starting to fear I wouldn’t be able to pursue this hobby I’m loving so much! So your story is super inspirational for me. I will keep trying Things until I can do it! Thank you.
@@raeleohana8797 I combined Continental style with Irish/cottage knitting and it fixes those issues. You basically make the hand feeding the yarn do the work. Hold the right in whatever way is most comfortable and let it rest wherever takes the weight off. Then use the left to do all the moving. It helps to work close to the needle tips. On the right just use one finger to keep the loops from being pulled of. Lightly. And release when stitches buildup and need to move along every so often. Least painful for me, and faster without transferring which hand gets hurt. I'm able to knit way more in the project and length of time. Do your research. Eventually something will click for what's best for you. 💕
Truly love that knitting offers a variety of tools for an infinite number of knitters! Very similar to the preference of both material and construction of crochet hooks. I enjoy specific brands of rosewood, bamboo, metal and plastic in both knitting needles and crochet hooks. Each tool works for yarns made from certain materials. I often learn from each one, sometimes nodding in agreement, other times I notice differences. I truly enjoy your tutorials and I am grateful for the knowledge you provide. Thank you, Norman!
I have round, metal needles from a thrift store, I have been meaning to replace. Taking care of our hands is important. Thanks for doing so much research for us!
No matter what they say, those Addi novel needles' texture, does less message than they do helping a Beginner knitter get a feel for working with something between their fingers and using their stix. I am arthritic and used to be a hairdresser, and while I am used to employing all of my fingers to do all things hair, I also employ them to do all things knitting, but I gotta say, I used to have trouble working my needles while the yarn was between me and my stix. My stitches kept falling off both of them! I certainly thank Addi for helping me learn a new skill... It was killing my hands to have able to work the needles. I would have to try and grip so tight or things would just slip. They eliminate that problem for me. Also, when I would try to knit and my hands were swollen, it was very hard...VERY hard to do. These square textured needles help so much! Thank you for introducing me to them on this very video!
I have the prym ergonomics in size 2,5 mm for sock knitting with magic loop. At first I bought them so I could board a plane with them but then I really fell in love with them. I've used so many brands and types of needles already but these are my first ergonomics and just so incredibly comfortable to knit with, they've become my go to needles for socks right now. I look forward to getting more of them, or maybe trying different types of ergonomic needles 🥰
Mr. Norman, I feel you may be my spirit animal ✨ … I am so very sensitive to teeny-tiny details in the ways things feel (it’s my senses in overdrive, which can be a great thing, & sometimes not) Your videos are so very helpful for me! So many details are so helpful 💝 example: some metals, especially when some types of metal touches the other needle’s metal, & esp. how some yarn fibers feel on metal, but also, this can also happen with wood for me, too ~ all this can set my teeth on edge & that’s an understatement. Plus it’s an extra expense that I can’t really afford to never want to use the supplies that I buy again. I love to knit & I need to knit super fast. This means details of needles & yarn are imperative. I feel it’s sort of like speed reading how going faster helps me focus better. I do have an issue of knitting too loosely, which seems contradictory considering so much anxiety (along with ADHD) but I digress. I’ve done many types of detailed handwork all my life~maybe this has to do with knitting so loosely🤷🏼♀️ I just really wanted to say thanks so much! All your research & attention to details & hard video work help so many of us make better [important] decisions (+ I get anxiety about trying to decide!) ~ yes’ir , more peace in a very sensitive life is great! Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you for such an interesting and enlightening video. I must admit that as only an occasional knitter it has never previously occurred to me that there is a reason for the different kinds of needles out there! I’d just kinda assumed that it was just because some people prefer one kind to another, now I know that there’s much more to it than that. As a person with arthritic hands I now feel much better equipped to select needles best suited for my hands and my style of knitting. Thank you Norman, you are such an inspiration to me.
Another great video. You give such through and honest feedback while remaining unbiased. Your recommendations take into account the variations in knitting styles and comfort preferences, making it easy for us to make the personal decision of what products are worth trying and which are probably a pass. Thank you for this awesome review!!
I have been watching the way you hold your yarn, and how you use your needle to pull the yarn through. I normally dont use my left hand for anything, but holding the needle, and have my right hand wrap the yarn around the needle. I have just spent a few minutes practicing the way you knit. It's a lot less twisting on the wrists, and im happy i gave it a go ❤
@@NimbleNeedlesI think I will because I’m just learning and my hands and wrists hurt so much! I’m a crocheter and I know something is up with my wrists right now. Need to see my osteopath again.
I just love your thoughtful, informative, contemplative, demonstrative videos. Thoroughly researched, well presented and organized. Well done and thank you.
I use bamboo needles because it keeps me from going too fast. I have an anxiety disorder and by going slower i can enjoy my knitting. Thanks Norman for the info.
I have the addi fixed circulars in sizes for socks, and I love using them for socks. You are right the taper is longer and much more comfortable for me than a shorter taper. One thing I find is that when doing lifted increases or decreases the slight indent shaping on the needles sometimes helps to either make space to insert the right hand needle or to hold a stitch back out of your way. This is maybe very small of an effect that isn’t always noticeable. I do get a looser gauge than with a standard round fixed circular of the same size. However in socks since I am making them with a slight negative ease, the increase is not so much that I need to change size or stitch count. However on larger needles, say 3.5 or 4 mm, I think the gauge difference is more noticeable, so just take care in searching.
I always appreciate when expert knitters and crocheters provide video reviews like this - thank you! I have ergonomic hooks but not needles. I switch from knit to crochet to avoid pain in my hands and wrists.
I have arthritis and I switched from crochet to knitting because it was easier on my hands. I also bought some Knit Picks Foursquare Majestic Options Interchangeables. They have the 4 flat sides, but the corners have been rounded to make them more comfortable. They made a huge difference. And Norman ALWAYS does a spectacular job on his videos.
Norman, This video has reached me at the perfect time! I just stumbled upon the ergonomic needles and wondered about them. You've answered ALL the questions that were popping up in my mind about these "new to me" needles. As per the usual, Norman, you have cleared away the questions with your thuro investigation and beautifully filmed video. Thank you so very much for your time and attention given to this subject. I found this video extremely helpful and I appreciate you and your opinions above all others. 💜✌️🧶
Thank you for a great video! I really enjoy watching your reviews because they're so exhaustive and in-depth ❤ That said, let me throw in my three cents too 😉 I own several Addi Novel fixed circulars but not because of how ergonomic they are but because I needed smaller-sized needles for knitting thin slippery yarns such as microfiber etc. - and I ended up loving them! I don't trust wood or plastic for under 3 mm needles and while Carbonz had also been an option, I decided on Addi Novel because of their unique shape. The bumps help to stop the yarn from slipping off and at the same time, the needles are perfectly smooth so the knitting is fast anyway.
I’ve really come to love your videos 🫶 You give me the up-to-date chit chat while I knit, crochet, sew or other craft and I enjoy your accent and cadence immensely 🤗 **edit Ooo… you have a Lamy Allstar! 🥵
The Prym I love for cabling!! I waited several years before buying them and after reviews I decided to try. Immediately i fell in love! No more pain and makes it easier for me to knit since I have CMT in my hands.
You really have me thinking. I have many needles and sizes that I got mostly from thrift shops, so they are all odds and ends. I knit mostly with size 2mm to 3.5mm except for an occasional project such as my profile pic. I do not like wood or plastic needles. I knit very tightly. I’d like to have a nice set. I often knit in the car, waiting rooms, etc. I’m considering double pointed because of the shorter lengths. I do not like interchangeables because of the step between needle/connection/wire. Your videos are helpful. Thank you.
I am treating myself to my most used size with worsted weight yarn (4.5 mm/7) in the addi fixed circular novel. I have arthritis quite badly and the best thing I can do is switch crafts and or stitch patterns and most importantly, give myself brief rest periods. Several years ago I made my hands so bad I had to give up knitting and crochet, but now that I rest and change my hand's movements pretty often I am contentedly knitting and crocheting again. As always, Thank you Norman for your detailed analysis.
Heh. Glad to hear that. My Videos are always published every second Sunday 16:30 cet. (Tho I might slow down a bit during summer break..currently debating that)
Thanks for the great information. I love my Addis. I have the standard Rocket lace and short Rocket lace by Addi. I will keep the Novel needles in mind if I develop any hand issues. I also have HiyaHiya sharps, but I keep returning to the Addis.
Hello, I am so thankful to you. I think that I am learning from the very best. MASTER KNITTER AND INSTRUCTOR.🥰 I Just bought PRYM. you were not kidding when you made me aware that making cables is hard😳 to make. That's for sure. I was fighting with the knitting needles, twisting bending, it was just awful. I thought that I would use two pairs of double pointed knitting needles that are the same size as my straight knitting needles and slip 3 on the double-pointed knitting needle and then hold in front then knit three on my straight needle and then get my other double-point needle I think these needles are the DEVIL'S WEAPONS😮😮. THEN I KNIT 3 on the double-point knitting needle and then slip those stitches on my straight knitting needles, It works out well. I think the Blue Marking on the knitting needle is to make the knitter aware of the size of the knitting needle. I am determined to become a good knitter. I have not knitted in 30 years I am a big 63. I am surely getting a lot of practice. I donate all that I crochet and knit to a thrift store and the profits benefit the American Cancer Society in the United States Of America. You are a blessing. God bless you in all that you do. 😍🥰❤️😘🙋🏽☕🇵🇷🇺🇲
Love your videos, Norman. Thorough and every possible detail covered in good detail. In addition to the readily available needles you covered, if one is willing to invest a bit more money, one can also go with Indian Lakes Artisans. Their needles are hexagonal, like wooden pencils in our school days. They are available as straights, DPNs, interchangeable, fixed circulars, and jump needles. They use a variety of hardwoods, and are customizable as to length of needles and cables. I got a few several years ago, and the are wonderful. Not cheap, but for me, it was worth the investment
What have you done! I just checked them out! I'm in love ❤ but I wonder if one of my kids would accidentally sharpen such a needle😂😢!. Also I'll shout out Knit Picks makes a square line too.
Thank you so much, Norman! As always you have provided such clear information. I would call myself an advanced beginner knitter, and I have arthritis in my thumb joints. I recently completed my first sweater and I used the Prym ergonomic needles. I used a smaller size so they were round, not triangular. I really like those little hook tips! It seems to me that they save some very slight muscle movements; it’s easier to pick up and keep the stitches on the tip of the needle. It’s very subtle, but I think it’s real. I did use them for magic loop on the sleeves, it worked but I don’t have anything to compare it to as it was my first time knitting in the round in a small circumference. I would agree that the stitches do not flow easily across the needles, and it slowed me down. Also, the sizing is a bit confusing as they apparently come sized both as mm and US sizes (there is no US 2 1/2). However I liked those hook tips so much that I will use them again, as I really think they helped my thumbs.
What serendipity! I’ve been road testing the kollage square needles [thrift store deep discount] and they are remarkable. No finger or wrist pain. Yes I do have arthritis, but even the metal was warm and it’s the softest cable I’ve ever come across. Addi Novel for socks are my next investment. Thank you for your advice and research! A big help in our decision making.
Great video! I love the Prym ergonomic needles I use my index finger to guide the tip of the right needle. And the ergonomic tips are easy on the finger tips. I knit both continental and flick method. The joins could be a bit better, I agree.
Thanks so much for this informative video. I have started learning to knit after doing crochet, and the basic needles I got are so painful to use with inflammatory arthritis. Will be trying a few of these different types!
Thank you for your in depth look at these needles, it's just what I was looking for! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a couple years ago and haven't felt like knitting again until now. I will be trying a pair of all of these plus I found a maker of hexagonal needles too.
I don´t have any handicap nor pain in hands but I love Prym ergonomic needles and their "olive" tips, it is so easy to knit with them and they feel as light as a feather in hands - but won´t buy them anymore - the plastic needles have cracked several times in my hands and the cords have torn off - I realized I needed the swivel cords to prevent this so I have purchased KnitPro Mindful and they work for me well. Greetings from the Czech Rep. to gorgeous Wien!
Just a minute into this and I want to say your pendant lights in the background intro are amazing! Now, back to the ergonomic needle review. Thanks, if I forget to comment afterwards.
Thanks so much. I'm new to knitting, and only know how to crochet, and Tunisian crochet. I do have arthritis and some tendon issues, but do well with ergonomic hooks. I figured I'd do my research RE needles before I buy anything. I can learn stitches and techniques with my mom's old knitting needles, but I want to have the most comfortable ones as I get into making projects. I really appreciate your video, while I gather some additional knowledge. 👍
I bought a Prim set of straight needles a year or so ago, but I really don’t like the tips, I need a very sharp tip for the way I knit. My ChiaGoo lace tips are my go-to.
@@NimbleNeedles Thanks so much. I know VERY little re needles, so I appreciate any input from anyone. I don't know what 'continental' means, but I will look it up. Sounds like 'continental + ergonomic' is a specific type. I'll see what I find out! 🙂 EDIT: Just discovered 'Continental' is a 'style' of knitting. 👍
@@kaptainskarlett9927 Thanks so much for your input! I am newer than new to this but I will say, after just experimenting with my mom's needles....I do appreciate sharper tips - even though I don't anticipate making lace projects. It's going to be trial and error...and I always find it quite easy to proclaim what I don't like vs exactly what I do!! 🤭
@@NimbleNeedles Just discovered 'Continental' is a 'style' of knitting & you have a video on it for beginners. I really like the idea of not learning the shortcuts that I'll have to unlearn!! My kind of teaching/ learning!! Thanks!
Norman you do the best videos on you tube on knitting! I think I have watched every one of them! I just wanted to add that I have lots of needles that I love but now at 75 years old I have arthritis in my hands. I tried the Addie square needles and they have made a difference for me. I find that I grip my needles a little less tightly and I assume it is the combination of the square shape and the texture on the needles. I just thought I would tell you this in case someone else that follows you and has arthritis might try them to see if they help them as they helped me. I a a big fan of yours and throughly love your videos and how talented you are! Thankyou!
I have not tried most of those. I love Prym needles.,the small ones. The bigger needles feel weird. I love your comparisons. You are honest and think of everything. I have an addi. Have to be careful of points. Ouch!
I'm so glad I found you! Very thoughtful observations on knitting are so appreciated. Fun Fact: In July 2023, My daughter marched through the streets of Vienna with her university's marching band.
Thank you for this comprehensive and true review. I love the idea of just buying a pair of each and trrying them, I'll do that if I get pain knitting, which is happily not the case now.
Nice Lamy pen! 😀 Also appreciate the information on ergonomic needles. I use an ergonomic keyboard exclusively due to having had tendinitis in my wrist years ago from using a straight (standard) keyboard, which forces the arms and wrists into an unnatural position. Now that I've taken up knitting (after decades as a crocheter), I'm curious to try ergonomic knitting needles ... though I'm already addicted to my set of Chiaogoo's. 😊 Being new to knitting, I'm trying *not* to pick up bad habits like pushing the left needle with the right index finger, and instead trying to learn the right way to knit without pain so I can continue to enjoy knitting for many years to come.
Thanks for your review. I just got a set of Knitter’s Pride Cubics in wood…mostly because they were a beautiful purple set 😊. I’ve just started a project using the 4.5mm needles. They felt weird at first, but I’m getting used to them and am liking them. I do agree that the taper could be longer and they are not the fastest needles, but I’ve had surgery on by dominate thumb, so I’m having issues controlling stitches from slipping off of my metal Chaiagoos…so these are helping with that. I love your reviews and will be looking at the metal Cubics when my thumb has healed. Thanks again!!
I thought I'd try out some ergonomic interchangeable needles and looking on Amazon found the Kollage set. I've not actually knitted anything with them yet. They just came in last night and I (being a monogamous knitter) have another project on my needles (ChiaoGoo Twist) right now. But, I did take the time to look at them and found a few things that are interesting. The variety of cables that came with the Gold Edition is pretty good. And they have both the coated metal cables and a VERY flexible set of additional cables. The plastic coated metal cables swivel. The other cables (not sure of the material, but it's almost as flexible as string) do not swivel. The connection is not intuitive, however. I had to go to RUclips to find a video to figure out how to put them together. The cables pop into place, but you have to have them lined up properly before that will happen, and it's a little challenging to see the marks that indicate that you have your needles and cables lined up properly. And, to remove them from the needles, you have to use a special tool. The special tool that came in my set has a battery operated light attached to it with a magnifying glass on one end. And, I found that the attachment tool will scrape some of the finish on the connector if you're not careful. The set did come with a nice set of stoppers for the end of the cables, but there is only 1 set. And, I didn't find any adaptors if you wanted to connect cables together for whatever reason. And, the RUclips video indicated that sometimes the cables come loose because the prongs that fit into the connectors need to be spread back out. This strikes me as a potential problem over time. The needle point is around the same length as my ChaioGoo's, but not quite as sharp. And I think the corners on the square needles are on the verge of sharp. And, just feeling with my fingers, without the benefit of having actual work on the needles, I can feel that the place where the connector on the needle and actual needle come together is not as smooth as I'd like it to be. The set is practically no frills, which is a bit disappointing for the price. They did include a square needle gauge, and a keychain that I'm not really sure what the purpose could be other than advertising. I'm not a professional, and I haven't actually used the needles yet. But, these are just my thoughts/opinions. Some of these thoughts may change with experience.
Im a huge fan of the prym ergonomics! They lend themselves really well to continental knitting because of the little ball tips, the plastic is beautifully light, and the coated steel cable is the best I've ever tried, especially when doing a traveling magic loop. The spun steel curls up into a loop really well. They also have that dark blue rubber part where they connect to the wire, which reduces snagging when working a smaller project. I wish they came in shorter needle lengths though, they are quite long for circulars.
Thanks for your program it was very helpful. Your reviews help me make great choices for buying needles and yarn. Thank you for this great review I appreciate all your help!
Hey, I hope all is good with you. I have both the wooden and metal Cubics needles and I do love them apart from one major issue the metal ones have. Over time their coating is scraped off making the needles impossible to use. The yarn will get caught on the scrapes and it feels terrible to knit with. One solution I came up with was to use one wooden and one metal needle together. The rubbing of the wooden and metal needles does not cause the coating to get damaged. I knit with the stitches from the metal needle (because its faster to push stitches on to) which I then knit on to the wooden needle. One final note about the wooden cubics is that the ends can snap off really easily on the bottom of the smaller mm needles, so take care not to tighten them too tightly when attaching the cable.
yeah, that's the problem of all coated needles. Do consider, the coating is just a couple of atoms thick. I still prefer coated needles over stainelss steel, etc. sure, they might not last that long..but while they last the ride is so much smoother!
Another great video, Norman. I think I must be the most insensitive knitter in the universe. . . not as a person but in my hands. I've used all the needles in all your needle review videos and lots of others. Except for slight changes in gauge among them and that wood are generally slower than metal, my hands feel nearly no difference among them. Nonetheless I am drawn to buying at least one pair of every new needle that comes on the market. I have not, however, reverted to knitting with straight sticks since converting to circulars twenty-five years ago--just too cumbersome and too dangerous as the sticks fly out and hit the person sitting next to me especially on airplanes.😱
Thanks for intensive review. Needles are personal preference. I tried Prym and Novel, but honestly prefer round needles from Knit (Carbon) and lace needles from Chiagoo. I use the Crazy Trio and DPNs for hats and socks, depending on Pattern. Most important is to rest and not spend hours……. when knitting and crocheting.❤
Yeah, I mean I hope it kinda showed through in the video that my personal preference is neither of them. Then again, I am not 100% the target audience either 😅😁
Interesting! You always do excellent reviews. I've wondered about what gauge changes would occur with these. Luckily I don't have hand issues (yet), so I'm happy with my chiagoo needles. I often wonder what my mother would think about all the innovations in knitting tools these days.
heh...well..i dunno...but I for one am always thrilled to see something new. Sometimes it's not great..okay..but without trying there can never be improvement!
@NimbleNeedles I think she'd be surprised but would try them all! I remember her trying circulars for the first time and raving about how wonderful they were lol
i recently ordered the prym needles as I have wrist pain . Previously i used the knitters pride square shaped needles with good results but wanted some alternatives. I am also a tight knitter and the square needles changed my gage but it was an easy fix just changing the needle size to get the correct gage. Knit picks also has wooden square needled with a longer point. I never saw the addie square needles before I will look out for the fixed needles and try them as I do have wrist pain issues. and I love my knitting.
How are you enjoying the prym needles? Wrist pain is my most persistent irritation when knitting. I need to practice different technique but I'm also interested in these ergonomic needles.
They have helped as I can knit longer with them. When nor knitting do use a brace to give myself support and rest the tendons. It is a matter of trial and error. The length of the needle tip and the size of your hands, how tightly you hold the needles etc. IAs I stated originally I have different shape needles that i use but overall I like the Prym needles both Knit and crochet hooks. @@uschilou
I have the Prym double pointed ergonomic needles and I hate them soooo much. I finally decided to cut my losses and replace them. Because they taper inwards at the middle of the needle and aren’t a uniform thickness, I end up with lots of ladders in my socks (or anything else circular). Plus like you, I’m a tight knitter and they often get stuck on the needle. And the tip of my 3mm needle broke.
I love my Addi needles. Then i got the Addi Novel needles and find myself very reluctant to go back to my original Addi needles. It seems like i'm able to knit much faster with the Novels. I've had the Prym ergonomics for a long time but have never used them because I love the Addi needles so much.
I will try the Addi novel. But I have read others saying the same, you hit them in a strange way. But I am learning lever knitting after 60 years of Norwegian knitting. Which gives me pain between my shoulders now. But thar kind of knitting is much faster. Now I am just happy to be able to knit again. I think the addi novel will be good for lever, as I have a problem with the stiches staying too close to the tip. I am thinking, maybe the stiches stay more down on the Addi. And I would think, a long tip is good for lever. Though I have just started doing lever. I will always buy fixed.
There are also hexagonal needles! They are only from a couple of small companies, as far as I know. I personally love them. Great in between a full round and a square.
I have always wanted to try the Prym needles but was put off a little by the end "drumstick" look; looked like a gimmick. I will buy one to see if they work for me. Thank you for doing this review! Much appreciated.
Great review, thanks! I do have some wrist and joint pain in my right hand and I do find the square needles help my grip and allow me to knit with less trouble. My main needles are another square U.S. brand: Knit Picks. I use their Foursquare wood needles and I find them to be much nicer than the Knitter's Pride version. The tips are pretty sharp, they have a longer taper, and the join to the metal socket is smoother. Also the wood is more polished or has more of a coating so they are pretty slick for wood needles. They work with all the Knitter's Pride cables and accessories too. I also have the Addi Novel interchangeables and a bunch of fixed Addi Rocket Squared in the smaller sizes (for socks) for when I want a metal needle for certain types of yarn. I like them, but I most often use the Knit Picks unless I'm knitting socks. I haven't tried the Prym ergonomic needles, though I have been curious about those tips. I love their crochet hooks.
Thanks for sharing, the Knit Picks Foursquare wood needles look perfect for me and my arthritis. Would have gone with the Knitter's Pride cubics but was apprehensive of the short needle tip.
I prefer a circular (knit English style). I’m trying knit a baby sweater. Pattern calls for a 3 or 4 US circular needle but the length is what I need to know. I started with a 9 inch and then changed to a 24 inch. I don’ t like doing magic loop. Is there a better way?
well, for a baby sweater, you might want to toy around with using one super short needle on the left or right side (whatever you feel works better for you). Chiaogoo, for example, as mini needles. That way, you can get away with a smaller diamter without it being a struggle. But other than that, i should probably record a video on knitting in the round with circulars WITHOUT magic loop.
I have tried a Kolage Square needle size 4.5 mm circular and found that after only a few stitches, it digs into my fingers where the sharp edge of the square rests. It also makes a very noticeable scraping sound.
First I have to say I love ❤your videos. You have taught me how to be a much better knitter. The only request I have is if you could help with the best way to finish necks on small sweaters. Should I use a round needle or a set of double ended needles.
Really learn a lot from you. How do you knit sweater sleeves that have stitches on the each side of the seam and sometimes on the neck seam - you see it in cashmere sweaters, etc. I would send a picture but don't know how to on this feed. Do you have a post for this? Thank you so much!
Norman, thank you for this video! It had so many useful facts. You helped me decide what type of ergonomic to buy and I love them! One question, have you ever heard of Micron needles? They 14:11 are being sold on EBay from Ukraine. I can’t find any information about them except what the seller tells me. Do you know anything about them? Have you ever used them? What do you think of them? I’d appreciate anything you could tell me. Thank you so much, Marjorie
Just fyi if you have sensitive skin prym can leave a skin rash! I emailed them and said they did have evidence of this but it wasn’t common. My skin really didn’t the coating of the needles!
Thank you so much for your in depth information on finger and needle contact. You reviews are the best! I’ve heard that Addi Rocket 2 squared is another one. Is this an upgrade on their Novel? Has this been reviewed yet?
Awesome video Norman. I would love it if you would do a video on accessories, your likes and dislikes. It’s amazing what is out there on the market and I know everyone has their favourites but not everyone actually knows the advantages and disadvantages that come with them. Just a thought 😊. By the way I just subscribed to your channel, thanks for all your helpful videos.
Good day, love your content and have subscribed to your channel. I do have a question. In this video you review two of Knitter's Pride cubics, do they resolve your concerns with the J'Adore cubics?
0:27 Norman, good morning! I own a set of Kollage interchangeables. They are very nice to knit with. They come with two sets of cables in 3 lengths, both plastic. One set rigid, one set memory free on swivel connectors. They do snag a little at the connection point and can be on the noisier side. However, I do like that the company employs a lot of disabled people to produce these sets. Tips are blunt, so not the best for lace, but very fast.
I live in the city where Kollage are made! They help disabled people in the region find meaningful work! I prefer a stainless steel round needle, but their fixed circ and DPNs are pretty nice if you can get them!
yeah, they seem llike a truly good company. But well...almost impossible to source here in Europe... except I am ready to pay 100 USD in shipping and tariffs! >.
Another brand recommended to me (but I haven’t tried, as they are expensive) are hexagonal needles made by Indian Lake Artisans. I don’t know if they are available outside of the US. They would be more “round” than the squares.
The friction that you are feeling on the interchangeable Addis might be leftover metal polish. Wiping them down with some rubbing alcohol and a cloth or paper towel will remove it. It's something that can happen with any metal needle.
Whenever I am dealing with yarn that splits, I add more twist and no more splits! Easy! I have played around with many ways to do this they're all kind of silly and kind of fun but they get the job done and then I can go back to my knitting... Or crochet... or Tunisian. It's kind of a welcome break, really. If anybody wants to know, hit me up....
![10 simple ways to prevent knitting pain [in hands, wrists & shoulders]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S-x3Ci4yHw4/mqdefault.jpg)
I was hit by a car at age 19. My hands blocked the head on dammage and I survived.
I was going to make wigs for a living and found I could no longer hold a pencil.
Well life went on, I made due and forgot all about crochet and knitting as an option. Came the end of covid, about 19 years later and I realized I was plotzing to do it again. And I did. I have worked on every method of alleviating pain and am still experimenting. But each method made a big difference and was a learning process. Also if It's not working the first time, I go back to it later. The type of knitting needles I use make a huge difference. So even though I have lovely HiyaHiya's, the hurt way too much and I find myself using the square ones. Because they hurt less and are a totally irritating model re joins... But, make lemonade 🍋. Right?
I have tried a few types, each one has it's uses. But the main thing is, I keep at it and congratulate myself for succeeding so long after it should be game over.
Practically speaking, with the right needles, i have found the pain went down 90%-95%.
That's really significant !
Happy hunting everyone. Good luck!
so happy to hear you were able to make things work for you! I am gonna pin this comment for others to read, okay? :)
@@NimbleNeedles sure. NP
Wow.....!!..!! You are truly inspiring~!! Thank you for sharing your story and your journey!
🌻🧶🥢
Bravo to you! Started knitting recently; I’ve only just finished a cowl, and I already have significant pain and numbness recur in my thumb and forearm. That I didn’t have before. Well, I know I’m clutching tightly and doing things wrongly, and I’m a little bit older in age, so I hope that changing my style helps. But I was starting to fear I wouldn’t be able to pursue this hobby I’m loving so much! So your story is super inspirational for me. I will keep trying Things until I can do it! Thank you.
@@raeleohana8797 I combined Continental style with Irish/cottage knitting and it fixes those issues. You basically make the hand feeding the yarn do the work.
Hold the right in whatever way is most comfortable and let it rest wherever takes the weight off.
Then use the left to do all the moving.
It helps to work close to the needle tips.
On the right just use one finger to keep the loops from being pulled of. Lightly.
And release when stitches buildup and need to move along every so often.
Least painful for me, and faster without transferring which hand gets hurt.
I'm able to knit way more in the project and length of time.
Do your research. Eventually something will click for what's best for you.
💕
Truly love that knitting offers a variety of tools for an infinite number of knitters! Very similar to the preference of both material and construction of crochet hooks. I enjoy specific brands of rosewood, bamboo, metal and plastic in both knitting needles and crochet hooks. Each tool works for yarns made from certain materials. I often learn from each one, sometimes nodding in agreement, other times I notice differences. I truly enjoy your tutorials and I am grateful for the knowledge you provide. Thank you, Norman!
You are very welcome. Also, it would be strange of you'd agree with everything I say. We all have our preference and that is a hood thing!
I have round, metal needles from a thrift store, I have been meaning to replace. Taking care of our hands is important. Thanks for doing so much research for us!
No matter what they say, those Addi novel needles' texture, does less message than they do helping a Beginner knitter get a feel for working with something between their fingers and using their stix.
I am arthritic and used to be a hairdresser, and while I am used to employing all of my fingers to do all things hair, I also employ them to do all things knitting, but I gotta say, I used to have trouble working my needles while the yarn was between me and my stix. My stitches kept falling off both of them!
I certainly thank Addi for helping me learn a new skill... It was killing my hands to have able to work the needles. I would have to try and grip so tight or things would just slip.
They eliminate that problem for me. Also, when I would try to knit and my hands were swollen, it was very hard...VERY hard to do.
These square textured needles help so much! Thank you for introducing me to them on this very video!
I have the prym ergonomics in size 2,5 mm for sock knitting with magic loop. At first I bought them so I could board a plane with them but then I really fell in love with them. I've used so many brands and types of needles already but these are my first ergonomics and just so incredibly comfortable to knit with, they've become my go to needles for socks right now. I look forward to getting more of them, or maybe trying different types of ergonomic needles 🥰
Mr. Norman, I feel you may be my spirit animal ✨
… I am so very sensitive to teeny-tiny details in the ways things feel (it’s my senses in overdrive, which can be a great thing, & sometimes not)
Your videos are so very helpful for me! So many details are so helpful 💝
example: some metals, especially when some types of metal touches the other needle’s metal, &
esp. how some yarn fibers feel on metal, but also, this can also happen with wood for me, too
~ all this can set my teeth on edge & that’s an understatement. Plus it’s an extra expense that I can’t really afford to never want to use the supplies that I buy again.
I love to knit & I need to knit super fast. This means details of needles & yarn are imperative. I feel it’s sort of like speed reading how going faster helps me focus better. I do have an issue of knitting too loosely, which seems contradictory considering so much anxiety (along with ADHD) but I digress. I’ve done many types of detailed handwork all my life~maybe this has to do with knitting so loosely🤷🏼♀️
I just really wanted to say thanks so much!
All your research & attention to details & hard video work help so many of us make better [important] decisions
(+ I get anxiety about trying to decide!)
~
yes’ir , more peace in a very sensitive life is great!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Very happy to hear that 🥰
Thank you for such an interesting and enlightening video. I must admit that as only an occasional knitter it has never previously occurred to me that there is a reason for the different kinds of needles out there! I’d just kinda assumed that it was just because some people prefer one kind to another, now I know that there’s much more to it than that. As a person with arthritic hands I now feel much better equipped to select needles best suited for my hands and my style of knitting. Thank you Norman, you are such an inspiration to me.
Another great video. You give such through and honest feedback while remaining unbiased. Your recommendations take into account the variations in knitting styles and comfort preferences, making it easy for us to make the personal decision of what products are worth trying and which are probably a pass. Thank you for this awesome review!!
glad my reviews work so well for oyu. Not always easy to hold your own bias in check :P
I have been watching the way you hold your yarn, and how you use your needle to pull the yarn through. I normally dont use my left hand for anything, but holding the needle, and have my right hand wrap the yarn around the needle. I have just spent a few minutes practicing the way you knit. It's a lot less twisting on the wrists, and im happy i gave it a go ❤
I have some more in depth tutorials on continental style knitting here on RUclips. Maybe check those out 😊
@@NimbleNeedlesI think I will because I’m just learning and my hands and wrists hurt so much! I’m a crocheter and I know something is up with my wrists right now. Need to see my osteopath again.
But it's harder on the back. You use the muscles between your shoulder blades.
I just love your thoughtful, informative, contemplative, demonstrative videos. Thoroughly researched, well presented and organized. Well done and thank you.
I use bamboo needles because it keeps me from going too fast. I have an anxiety disorder and by going slower i can enjoy my knitting. Thanks Norman for the info.
I have the addi fixed circulars in sizes for socks, and I love using them for socks. You are right the taper is longer and much more comfortable for me than a shorter taper. One thing I find is that when doing lifted increases or decreases the slight indent shaping on the needles sometimes helps to either make space to insert the right hand needle or to hold a stitch back out of your way. This is maybe very small of an effect that isn’t always noticeable. I do get a looser gauge than with a standard round fixed circular of the same size. However in socks since I am making them with a slight negative ease, the increase is not so much that I need to change size or stitch count. However on larger needles, say 3.5 or 4 mm, I think the gauge difference is more noticeable, so just take care in searching.
I always appreciate when expert knitters and crocheters provide video reviews like this - thank you! I have ergonomic hooks but not needles. I switch from knit to crochet to avoid pain in my hands and wrists.
I have arthritis and I switched from crochet to knitting because it was easier on my hands. I also bought some Knit Picks Foursquare Majestic Options Interchangeables. They have the 4 flat sides, but the corners have been rounded to make them more comfortable. They made a huge difference.
And Norman ALWAYS does a spectacular job on his videos.
@GucciBuns I did too! I love to crochet but it really does wreak havoc on my wrists and hands. I have to take frequent breaks and stretch often.
Norman,
This video has reached me at the perfect time! I just stumbled upon the ergonomic needles and wondered about them. You've answered ALL the questions that were popping up in my mind about these "new to me" needles.
As per the usual, Norman, you have cleared away the questions with your thuro investigation and beautifully filmed video.
Thank you so very much for your time and attention given to this subject. I found this video extremely helpful and I appreciate you and your opinions above all others.
💜✌️🧶
Thanks again Norman! You are the best! Thank you for all you do for your channel!
As always, my pleasure 🥰
Thank you for a great video! I really enjoy watching your reviews because they're so exhaustive and in-depth ❤ That said, let me throw in my three cents too 😉
I own several Addi Novel fixed circulars but not because of how ergonomic they are but because I needed smaller-sized needles for knitting thin slippery yarns such as microfiber etc. - and I ended up loving them! I don't trust wood or plastic for under 3 mm needles and while Carbonz had also been an option, I decided on Addi Novel because of their unique shape. The bumps help to stop the yarn from slipping off and at the same time, the needles are perfectly smooth so the knitting is fast anyway.
Excellent teaching
Thank you for sharing your opinion. It does help seeing them being used vs just looking at the package.
I thought, In this case it really does make sense. Tho it's not easy to convey what I feel on camera!
Alway, always, you give such sensible comments. I so appreciate your open minded common sense about knitting tools.
I’ve really come to love your videos 🫶
You give me the up-to-date chit chat while I knit, crochet, sew or other craft and I enjoy your accent and cadence immensely 🤗
**edit Ooo… you have a Lamy Allstar! 🥵
The Prym I love for cabling!! I waited several years before buying them and after reviews I decided to try. Immediately i fell in love! No more pain and makes it easier for me to knit since I have CMT in my hands.
You really have me thinking. I have many needles and sizes that I got mostly from thrift shops, so they are all odds and ends. I knit mostly with size 2mm to 3.5mm except for an occasional project such as my profile pic. I do not like wood or plastic needles. I knit very tightly. I’d like to have a nice set. I often knit in the car, waiting rooms, etc. I’m considering double pointed because of the shorter lengths. I do not like interchangeables because of the step between needle/connection/wire. Your videos are helpful. Thank you.
I am treating myself to my most used size with worsted weight yarn (4.5 mm/7) in the addi fixed circular novel. I have arthritis quite badly and the best thing I can do is switch crafts and or stitch patterns and most importantly, give myself brief rest periods. Several years ago I made my hands so bad I had to give up knitting and crochet, but now that I rest and change my hand's movements pretty often I am contentedly knitting and crocheting again. As always, Thank you Norman for your detailed analysis.
My favourite day is when I see a new video from you! Excellent info as usual, gives me lots to think about.
Heh. Glad to hear that. My Videos are always published every second Sunday 16:30 cet.
(Tho I might slow down a bit during summer break..currently debating that)
Hi i do crochet but i don't know how to knit. Thank u sooo much for this tutorial 😊😊❤. Amazing 🤩😍
❤ your videos. Thank you so much!!
You are very welcome, Janis!
Thanks for the great information. I love my Addis. I have the standard Rocket lace and short Rocket lace by Addi. I will keep the Novel needles in mind if I develop any hand issues. I also have HiyaHiya sharps, but I keep returning to the Addis.
I do love their fixed circulars a lot as well!!
Hello, I am so thankful to you. I think that I am learning from the very best. MASTER KNITTER AND INSTRUCTOR.🥰 I Just bought PRYM. you were not kidding when you made me aware that making cables is hard😳 to make. That's for sure. I was fighting with the knitting needles, twisting bending, it was just awful. I thought that I would use two pairs of double pointed knitting needles that are the same size as my straight knitting needles and slip 3 on the double-pointed knitting needle and then hold in front then knit three on my straight needle and then get my other double-point needle I think these needles are the DEVIL'S WEAPONS😮😮. THEN I KNIT 3 on the double-point knitting needle and then slip those stitches on my straight knitting needles, It works out well. I think the Blue Marking on the knitting needle is to make the knitter aware of the size of the knitting needle. I am determined to become a good knitter. I have not knitted in 30 years I am a big 63. I am surely getting a lot of practice. I donate all that I crochet and knit to a thrift store and the profits benefit the American Cancer Society in the United States Of America. You are a blessing. God bless you in all that you do. 😍🥰❤️😘🙋🏽☕🇵🇷🇺🇲
Love your videos, Norman. Thorough and every possible detail covered in good detail. In addition to the readily available needles you covered, if one is willing to invest a bit more money, one can also go with Indian Lakes Artisans. Their needles are hexagonal, like wooden pencils in our school days. They are available as straights, DPNs, interchangeable, fixed circulars, and jump needles. They use a variety of hardwoods, and are customizable as to length of needles and cables. I got a few several years ago, and the are wonderful. Not cheap, but for me, it was worth the investment
Yeah, I am aware of them but didn't include them here because they r very hard to come by
What have you done! I just checked them out!
I'm in love ❤ but I wonder if one of my kids would accidentally sharpen such a needle😂😢!.
Also I'll shout out Knit Picks makes a square line too.
@@ruthyk7083 Too funny. Hide the pencil sharpener! 😂
Thank you so much, Norman! As always you have provided such clear information. I would call myself an advanced beginner knitter, and I have arthritis in my thumb joints. I recently completed my first sweater and I used the Prym ergonomic needles.
I used a smaller size so they were round, not triangular. I really like those little hook tips! It seems to me that they save some very slight muscle movements; it’s easier to pick up and keep the stitches on the tip of the needle. It’s very subtle, but I think it’s real.
I did use them for magic loop on the sleeves, it worked but I don’t have anything to compare it to as it was my first time knitting in the round in a small circumference. I would agree that the stitches do not flow easily across the needles, and it slowed me down. Also, the sizing is a bit confusing as they apparently come sized both as mm and US sizes (there is no US 2 1/2).
However I liked those hook tips so much that I will use them again, as I really think they helped my thumbs.
Yeah, I do feel they save some movements and often that can be all that is important. 5 millimeters less if twisting your wrist etc!
What serendipity! I’ve been road testing the kollage square needles [thrift store deep discount] and they are remarkable. No finger or wrist pain. Yes I do have arthritis, but even the metal was warm and it’s the softest cable I’ve ever come across. Addi Novel for socks are my next investment. Thank you for your advice and research! A big help in our decision making.
Lucky you! Those needles are usually pricey!!!
Thank you for this comprehensive review. I’ve been liking the look of the Addi Novels and appreciated them being featured. Thank you, Norman. ❤
Great video! I love the Prym ergonomic needles I use my index finger to guide the tip of the right needle. And the ergonomic tips are easy on the finger tips. I knit both continental and flick method. The joins could be a bit better, I agree.
I really like the PRYM needles whenever I am using multiple yarns together.
Thanks so much for this informative video. I have started learning to knit after doing crochet, and the basic needles I got are so painful to use with inflammatory arthritis. Will be trying a few of these different types!
Take extra care then..and remember to take frequent breaks in the beginning!
Thank you for your in depth look at these needles, it's just what I was looking for! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a couple years ago and haven't felt like knitting again until now. I will be trying a pair of all of these plus I found a maker of hexagonal needles too.
I don´t have any handicap nor pain in hands but I love Prym ergonomic needles and their "olive" tips, it is so easy to knit with them and they feel as light as a feather in hands - but won´t buy them anymore - the plastic needles have cracked several times in my hands and the cords have torn off - I realized I needed the swivel cords to prevent this so I have purchased KnitPro Mindful and they work for me well.
Greetings from the Czech Rep. to gorgeous Wien!
Just a minute into this and I want to say your pendant lights in the background intro are amazing! Now, back to the ergonomic needle review. Thanks, if I forget to comment afterwards.
heh. My studio was blocked due to some construction work..so I had to move to my living room! :P
Back again. I'm going to try out a set of Knitters Pride square dpns. Thanks.
I like the Prym needles to use with yarn that splits easily. For me the bulb like tip helps me avoid splitting the yarn
Love your work & videos. Thank you.
Thank YOU for supporting my work 🥰
Great explanation and love your Lamy pen
Excellent, as always! You are a gem, a treasure!thank you so much for all this detailed info and time.
Thanks so much. I'm new to knitting, and only know how to crochet, and Tunisian crochet. I do have arthritis and some tendon issues, but do well with ergonomic hooks. I figured I'd do my research RE needles before I buy anything. I can learn stitches and techniques with my mom's old knitting needles, but I want to have the most comfortable ones as I get into making projects. I really appreciate your video, while I gather some additional knowledge. 👍
Also do consider that there are different styles. But if you are fine with ergonomic hooks..continental + ergonomic needles could be a good idea
I bought a Prim set of straight needles a year or so ago, but I really don’t like the tips, I need a very sharp tip for the way I knit. My ChiaGoo lace tips are my go-to.
@@NimbleNeedles Thanks so much. I know VERY little re needles, so I appreciate any input from anyone. I don't know what 'continental' means, but I will look it up. Sounds like 'continental + ergonomic' is a specific type. I'll see what I find out! 🙂 EDIT: Just discovered 'Continental' is a 'style' of knitting. 👍
@@kaptainskarlett9927 Thanks so much for your input! I am newer than new to this but I will say, after just experimenting with my mom's needles....I do appreciate sharper tips - even though I don't anticipate making lace projects. It's going to be trial and error...and I always find it quite easy to proclaim what I don't like vs exactly what I do!! 🤭
@@NimbleNeedles Just discovered 'Continental' is a 'style' of knitting & you have a video on it for beginners. I really like the idea of not learning the shortcuts that I'll have to unlearn!! My kind of teaching/ learning!! Thanks!
As usual, you give clear and reasonable information, Thank you.
Thank you for your reviews, tips, and tutorials. I appreciate you!
Norman you do the best videos on you tube on knitting! I think I have watched every one of them!
I just wanted to add that I have lots of needles that I love but now at 75 years old I have arthritis in my hands. I tried the Addie square needles and they have made a difference for me. I find that I grip my needles a little less tightly and I assume it is the combination of the square shape and the texture on the needles. I just thought I would tell you this in case someone else that follows you and has arthritis might try them to see if they help them as they helped me.
I a a big fan of yours and throughly love your videos and how talented you are! Thankyou!
happy to hear that! especially that you could find tools that enable you to continue this beautiful craft!
I have not tried most of those. I love Prym needles.,the small ones. The bigger needles feel weird. I love your comparisons. You are honest and think of everything. I have an addi. Have to be careful of points. Ouch!
Yeah, same here..the big ones are just weird...for me at least
Well said Norman, all power to you :)
Thanks!
Thank YOU for supporting my work ❤️
I'm so glad I found you! Very thoughtful observations on knitting are so appreciated. Fun Fact: In July 2023, My daughter marched through the streets of Vienna with her university's marching band.
marched? but that's in the future? :P
@@NimbleNeedles 2022...my mistake! This is also why I do a lot of "unknitting" & reknitting my projects!
Thank you for this comprehensive and true review. I love the idea of just buying a pair of each and trrying them, I'll do that if I get pain knitting, which is happily not the case now.
Nice Lamy pen! 😀 Also appreciate the information on ergonomic needles. I use an ergonomic keyboard exclusively due to having had tendinitis in my wrist years ago from using a straight (standard) keyboard, which forces the arms and wrists into an unnatural position. Now that I've taken up knitting (after decades as a crocheter), I'm curious to try ergonomic knitting needles ... though I'm already addicted to my set of Chiaogoo's. 😊 Being new to knitting, I'm trying *not* to pick up bad habits like pushing the left needle with the right index finger, and instead trying to learn the right way to knit without pain so I can continue to enjoy knitting for many years to come.
Thanks for your review. I just got a set of Knitter’s Pride Cubics in wood…mostly because they were a beautiful purple set 😊. I’ve just started a project using the 4.5mm needles. They felt weird at first, but I’m getting used to them and am liking them. I do agree that the taper could be longer and they are not the fastest needles, but I’ve had surgery on by dominate thumb, so I’m having issues controlling stitches from slipping off of my metal Chaiagoos…so these are helping with that. I love your reviews and will be looking at the metal Cubics when my thumb has healed. Thanks again!!
Tho, you really might want to give the prym a go as well..the tear drop tips are kinda perfect to prevent slipping off.
I thought I'd try out some ergonomic interchangeable needles and looking on Amazon found the Kollage set. I've not actually knitted anything with them yet. They just came in last night and I (being a monogamous knitter) have another project on my needles (ChiaoGoo Twist) right now. But, I did take the time to look at them and found a few things that are interesting. The variety of cables that came with the Gold Edition is pretty good. And they have both the coated metal cables and a VERY flexible set of additional cables. The plastic coated metal cables swivel. The other cables (not sure of the material, but it's almost as flexible as string) do not swivel.
The connection is not intuitive, however. I had to go to RUclips to find a video to figure out how to put them together. The cables pop into place, but you have to have them lined up properly before that will happen, and it's a little challenging to see the marks that indicate that you have your needles and cables lined up properly. And, to remove them from the needles, you have to use a special tool. The special tool that came in my set has a battery operated light attached to it with a magnifying glass on one end. And, I found that the attachment tool will scrape some of the finish on the connector if you're not careful. The set did come with a nice set of stoppers for the end of the cables, but there is only 1 set. And, I didn't find any adaptors if you wanted to connect cables together for whatever reason. And, the RUclips video indicated that sometimes the cables come loose because the prongs that fit into the connectors need to be spread back out. This strikes me as a potential problem over time.
The needle point is around the same length as my ChaioGoo's, but not quite as sharp. And I think the corners on the square needles are on the verge of sharp. And, just feeling with my fingers, without the benefit of having actual work on the needles, I can feel that the place where the connector on the needle and actual needle come together is not as smooth as I'd like it to be.
The set is practically no frills, which is a bit disappointing for the price. They did include a square needle gauge, and a keychain that I'm not really sure what the purpose could be other than advertising.
I'm not a professional, and I haven't actually used the needles yet. But, these are just my thoughts/opinions. Some of these thoughts may change with experience.
thank you for sharing your opinion here with us! I am sure other people will find it helpful.
Love this video! I bought one Addi skacel Ewenicorn fixed needle and really enjoyed it so I have purchased several more. My hands really like them
Always so informative! I learned a lot today. Danke schön, Norman. Hope you're doing well today!
in fact I am, thank you. such a beautiful sunny day
Im a huge fan of the prym ergonomics! They lend themselves really well to continental knitting because of the little ball tips, the plastic is beautifully light, and the coated steel cable is the best I've ever tried, especially when doing a traveling magic loop. The spun steel curls up into a loop really well. They also have that dark blue rubber part where they connect to the wire, which reduces snagging when working a smaller project. I wish they came in shorter needle lengths though, they are quite long for circulars.
Thanks for your program it was very helpful. Your reviews help me make great choices for buying needles and yarn. Thank you for this great review I appreciate all your help!
I’ve all of them and they really do help
Very happy to hear that these male a difference for you! It's so great that we have these choices imo
Thanks for the review. Very helpful.
you are very welcome, Louise!
Thorough and very interesting review. Thank you.
Yes they really do help!
Hey, I hope all is good with you. I have both the wooden and metal Cubics needles and I do love them apart from one major issue the metal ones have. Over time their coating is scraped off making the needles impossible to use. The yarn will get caught on the scrapes and it feels terrible to knit with. One solution I came up with was to use one wooden and one metal needle together. The rubbing of the wooden and metal needles does not cause the coating to get damaged. I knit with the stitches from the metal needle (because its faster to push stitches on to) which I then knit on to the wooden needle. One final note about the wooden cubics is that the ends can snap off really easily on the bottom of the smaller mm needles, so take care not to tighten them too tightly when attaching the cable.
yeah, that's the problem of all coated needles. Do consider, the coating is just a couple of atoms thick. I still prefer coated needles over stainelss steel, etc. sure, they might not last that long..but while they last the ride is so much smoother!
Thanks so much for this cool video. Really appreciate it. Your fan from Antalya Turkey ❤❤
Another great video, Norman. I think I must be the most insensitive knitter in the universe. . . not as a person but in my hands. I've used all the needles in all your needle review videos and lots of others. Except for slight changes in gauge among them and that wood are generally slower than metal, my hands feel nearly no difference among them. Nonetheless I am drawn to buying at least one pair of every new needle that comes on the market. I have not, however, reverted to knitting with straight sticks since converting to circulars twenty-five years ago--just too cumbersome and too dangerous as the sticks fly out and hit the person sitting next to me especially on airplanes.😱
Thanks for intensive review. Needles are personal preference. I tried Prym and Novel, but honestly prefer round needles from Knit (Carbon) and lace needles from Chiagoo. I use the Crazy Trio and DPNs for hats and socks, depending on Pattern. Most important is to rest and not spend hours……. when knitting and crocheting.❤
Yeah, I mean I hope it kinda showed through in the video that my personal preference is neither of them. Then again, I am not 100% the target audience either 😅😁
Interesting! You always do excellent reviews. I've wondered about what gauge changes would occur with these. Luckily I don't have hand issues (yet), so I'm happy with my chiagoo needles. I often wonder what my mother would think about all the innovations in knitting tools these days.
heh...well..i dunno...but I for one am always thrilled to see something new. Sometimes it's not great..okay..but without trying there can never be improvement!
@NimbleNeedles I think she'd be surprised but would try them all! I remember her trying circulars for the first time and raving about how wonderful they were lol
It was a really great video! I might have to give them a try! Thank you very much!
i recently ordered the prym needles as I have wrist pain . Previously i used the knitters pride square shaped needles with good results but wanted some alternatives. I am also a tight knitter and the square needles changed my gage but it was an easy fix just changing the needle size to get the correct gage. Knit picks also has wooden square needled with a longer point. I never saw the addie square needles before I will look out for the fixed needles and try them as I do have wrist pain issues. and I love my knitting.
How are you enjoying the prym needles? Wrist pain is my most persistent irritation when knitting. I need to practice different technique but I'm also interested in these ergonomic needles.
They have helped as I can knit longer with them. When nor knitting do use a brace to give myself support and rest the tendons. It is a matter of trial and error. The length of the needle tip and the size of your hands, how tightly you hold the needles etc. IAs I stated originally I have different shape needles that i use but overall I like the Prym needles both Knit and crochet hooks. @@uschilou
@@nailahvenable7989 Thank you! I appreciate your insight. This is a relatively new pain for me so I'm learning how to manage it better.
Thank you for this review
I really like the Prym circulars. They also help when I am using two yarns at once.
oh yes..that's I think one of their main strengths!
I have the Prym double pointed ergonomic needles and I hate them soooo much. I finally decided to cut my losses and replace them. Because they taper inwards at the middle of the needle and aren’t a uniform thickness, I end up with lots of ladders in my socks (or anything else circular). Plus like you, I’m a tight knitter and they often get stuck on the needle. And the tip of my 3mm needle broke.
Great job
I love addi novel
I love my Addi needles. Then i got the Addi Novel needles and find myself very reluctant to go back to my original Addi needles. It seems like i'm able to knit much faster with the Novels. I've had the Prym ergonomics for a long time but have never used them because I love the Addi needles so much.
Thank you, great reviews 😊
I will try the Addi novel. But I have read others saying the same, you hit them in a strange way. But I am learning lever knitting after 60 years of Norwegian knitting. Which gives me pain between my shoulders now. But thar kind of knitting is much faster. Now I am just happy to be able to knit again. I think the addi novel will be good for lever, as I have a problem with the stiches staying too close to the tip. I am thinking, maybe the stiches stay more down on the Addi. And I would think, a long tip is good for lever. Though I have just started doing lever. I will always buy fixed.
Thank you for great video ,as always 😊
Thank you👌🏽God Bless Happy New Year 2024🎉
There are also hexagonal needles! They are only from a couple of small companies, as far as I know. I personally love them. Great in between a full round and a square.
yeah, there are. If you go to etsy, you can find tons of small supplies for very interesting needles!
I have always wanted to try the Prym needles but was put off a little by the end "drumstick" look; looked like a gimmick. I will buy one to see if they work for me. Thank you for doing this review! Much appreciated.
Yeah, I can well understand that. But for me, that's not the problem at all - really surprising!
I prefer them to all my others.
That part is not the issue. It's the plastic and wires for me. Good for beginners or Norwegian knitting, but otherwise really frustrating!
Great review, thanks!
I do have some wrist and joint pain in my right hand and I do find the square needles help my grip and allow me to knit with less trouble.
My main needles are another square U.S. brand: Knit Picks. I use their Foursquare wood needles and I find them to be much nicer than the Knitter's Pride version. The tips are pretty sharp, they have a longer taper, and the join to the metal socket is smoother. Also the wood is more polished or has more of a coating so they are pretty slick for wood needles. They work with all the Knitter's Pride cables and accessories too.
I also have the Addi Novel interchangeables and a bunch of fixed Addi Rocket Squared in the smaller sizes (for socks) for when I want a metal needle for certain types of yarn. I like them, but I most often use the Knit Picks unless I'm knitting socks.
I haven't tried the Prym ergonomic needles, though I have been curious about those tips. I love their crochet hooks.
Thanks for sharing, the Knit Picks Foursquare wood needles look perfect for me and my arthritis. Would have gone with the Knitter's Pride cubics but was apprehensive of the short needle tip.
I prefer a circular (knit English style). I’m trying knit a baby sweater. Pattern calls for a 3 or 4 US circular needle but the length is what I need to know. I started with a 9 inch and then changed to a 24 inch. I don’ t like doing magic loop. Is there a better way?
well, for a baby sweater, you might want to toy around with using one super short needle on the left or right side (whatever you feel works better for you). Chiaogoo, for example, as mini needles. That way, you can get away with a smaller diamter without it being a struggle.
But other than that, i should probably record a video on knitting in the round with circulars WITHOUT magic loop.
I wanted to like the Prym so badly but those bendable tips drove me nuts. The cables are great.
They're great cables. I was struggling with magic loop until I tried it with my Prym needles and that's where the magic is!
I have tried a Kolage Square needle size 4.5 mm circular and found that after only a few stitches, it digs into my fingers where the sharp edge of the square rests. It also makes a very noticeable scraping sound.
I see. thank you for sharing your experiences.
First I have to say I love ❤your videos. You have taught me how to be a much better knitter. The only request I have is if you could help with the best way to finish necks on small sweaters. Should I use a round needle or a set of double ended needles.
Sorry..don't have a video for sweaters yet. 😓
Really learn a lot from you. How do you knit sweater sleeves that have stitches on the each side of the seam and sometimes on the neck seam - you see it in cashmere sweaters, etc. I would send a picture but don't know how to on this feed. Do you have a post for this? Thank you so much!
No, sorry, I don't, yet
Norman, thank you for this video! It had so many useful facts. You helped me decide what type of ergonomic to buy and I love them!
One question, have you ever heard of Micron needles? They 14:11 are being sold on EBay from Ukraine. I can’t find any information about them except what the seller tells me. Do you know anything about them? Have you ever used them? What do you think of them? I’d appreciate anything you could tell me.
Thank you so much,
Marjorie
no i haven't heard of them yet.
Just fyi if you have sensitive skin prym can leave a skin rash! I emailed them and said they did have evidence of this but it wasn’t common. My skin really didn’t the coating of the needles!
interesting. Thank you for letting us know!
Those Prym fixed needles might be the answer to my cats destroying my lace and Swiv cables!
Thank you so much for your in depth information on finger and needle contact. You reviews are the best! I’ve heard that Addi Rocket 2 squared is another one. Is this an upgrade on their Novel? Has this been reviewed yet?
No, i haven't reviewed the new addi square dpns here on this channel yet. Products come and go so fast it's hard to keep up, lol! :)
Awesome video Norman. I would love it if you would do a video on accessories, your likes and dislikes. It’s amazing what is out there on the market and I know everyone has their favourites but not everyone actually knows the advantages and disadvantages that come with them. Just a thought 😊. By the way I just subscribed to your channel, thanks for all your helpful videos.
you mean like this? ruclips.net/video/338ZuWMOnT4/видео.html
Good day, love your content and have subscribed to your channel. I do have a question. In this video you review two of Knitter's Pride cubics, do they resolve your concerns with the J'Adore cubics?
that's nothing I can answer. I haven't tried these yet (and probably will not...i just have too many needles at this point ^^)
0:27 Norman, good morning! I own a set of Kollage interchangeables. They are very nice to knit with. They come with two sets of cables in 3 lengths, both plastic. One set rigid, one set memory free on swivel connectors. They do snag a little at the connection point and can be on the noisier side. However, I do like that the company employs a lot of disabled people to produce these sets. Tips are blunt, so not the best for lace, but very fast.
I live in the city where Kollage are made! They help disabled people in the region find meaningful work! I prefer a stainless steel round needle, but their fixed circ and DPNs are pretty nice if you can get them!
yeah, they seem llike a truly good company. But well...almost impossible to source here in Europe... except I am ready to pay 100 USD in shipping and tariffs! >.
@@NimbleNeedles yeah, I looked it up and it looks like there's only 3 places in all of Europe to buy their needles!
PRYM are my favorite...unfortunately i cannot find a full range of them.
Hmm...I think they have a website where you can also order, no?
Another brand recommended to me (but I haven’t tried, as they are expensive) are hexagonal needles made by Indian Lake Artisans. I don’t know if they are available outside of the US. They would be more “round” than the squares.
I love my knit pro metal cubics,would love to know if there is a difference when knitting in a hot climate,as looking for best when knitting by pool.
Hmm..well, there's a difference as your hands will be sweaty/sticky...now whether that makes u prefer metal over wood is up for debate 😅
Hmm..well, there's a difference as your hands will be sweaty/sticky...now whether that makes u prefer metal over wood is up for debate 😅
The friction that you are feeling on the interchangeable Addis might be leftover metal polish. Wiping them down with some rubbing alcohol and a cloth or paper towel will remove it. It's something that can happen with any metal needle.
hm...could be. But even if that was the case, I still feel its noteworthy because a lot of people won't think of that either.
Whenever I am dealing with yarn that splits, I add more twist and no more splits! Easy!
I have played around with many ways to do this they're all kind of silly and kind of fun but they get the job done and then I can go back to my knitting... Or crochet... or Tunisian. It's kind of a welcome break, really. If anybody wants to know, hit me up....