Denise Interchangeables vs. KnitPicks Options Knitting Needles
posted in Knit-witted, Reviews |If you’ve found this review, it’s because you’re considering an interchangeable set. And, if you’re anything like me, you want specifics. You want to know the pros and cons of each set, before jumping into the sea of knitting needle sets.
I have been knitting since mid November 2006, which is not that long, but it’s long enough to know what feels right in my hands. About 2 weeks after I learned to knit, I called my LYS, that same place that I had taken my initial knitting class, to inquire about some needles. At the time, I was specifically looking for bamboo, as that’s what I used for the class. I had purchased an inexpensive pair of aluminum needles; I didn’t care for them at all, as I dropped so many stitches. I spent more time recovering from disaster than actually knitting.
So, when I called the LYS, the woman who assisted me said, “Come into the store. I have something you’re going to absolutely love!” I confess, I figured that she was just trying to sell, the already-obvious-knitting-junky, something that might be functional, but I probably wouldn’t get much use of. Boy, was I WRONG!
She introduced me to the Denise Interchangeable set.
My initial thought was that the set looked cheap. Call me crazy, but I don’t care much for plastic. As it turns out, the set is actually constructed from resin. She showed me how to attach the tips to the cable, let me knit a few rows; I was instantly in l-o-v-e. I love the set so much that I recommended it to other students when I took subsequent classes (Yeah, I’m still waiting for my kick-back LOL).
The Denise kit contains
- 10 needle tips ranging from US #5 - #15 (mm 3.75 - mm 10)
- Several cables in various lengths: 9″, 13″, 16″, 20″, 30″, 34″
- 2 connectors, so you can further adjust the length of your cables,
- 2 end caps, so you can use the cables as stitch holders or as straight needles,
- and a well organized case.
- There are also much longer cables and extra large needle tips available separately.
The Knit Picks set comes with:
- Tips sizes #4 - 11
- 4 cables: 2 of 24″ and 2 at 32″
- 1 Knitting Needle Case with 6 Knitting Needle Pockets (2 single, 2 double, 2 triple), 8 End Caps and 2 Cable Keys
I decided that I wanted to try KnitPicks to use when I was working on my first pair of socks. I purchased 2 sets in sizes 0,1 and 2. It was not until about week after I’d purchased Denise that I discovered KnitPicks. The prices are fantastic. A single set of circulars starts as a mere $3.99, can’t beat that.
I confess that I was nervous, because my experience with metal needles left me dizzy. The last thing I wanted to do was drop some stitches using a size #0 needle. There was no way I was going to subject myself to picking up those teeny-weeny stitches. What I didn’t expect was a smooth, bump free ride.Not only did I complete the sock without a single problem, but there was something more. After completing the socks, I returned to my Denise Interchangeable kit. It was not the same. My knitting seemed slower. I felt this dragging, slagging feeling tugging on every stitch. The cable felt a little clunky and awkward and seemed to hold me back. I felt, dare I say it, like I had cheated on my beloved Denise kit.
Rather than give in to impulse and buy the KnitPicks set, I bought one tip and cable to put to the test. I instantly noticed that the Knit Pick’s tip was about a half an inch longer and it’s SHARP! But enough small talk, how does it compare?
Well, I decided the best way to compare was to use both, Denise and KnitPicks in the same project. I used the 2-circ method. I instantly noticed that the Denise needle was slower. The stitches seemed to jump right off of the Knit Pick’s needle on their own. My knitting was super fast with Knit Picks. The Knit Picks cable is thin, slick and the connection is seamless. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a loyal consumer. I cringe as I even type this, but I think that Knit Picks ROCKS! The Denise kit is like having a Honda with every bell and whistle. This kit should truly be called “Options” as there are so many different options with regards to the cables and the new larger tips and longer cables. What more could a picky knitter, or knit-picker ask for, right? Well, if Denise is a Honda, then Knit Picks is like driving a Mercedes Benz minus the features and amenities. The packaging is flimsy. If you want to make a hat, you have to use 2 circulars or use the “magic loop” method.
Knit Picks is currently working on satisfying the constant request for a 16″ cable, but says that they are experiencing problems due to the length of the tips. I was told that if they are unable to create a cable, then they will offer classic circulars for purchase, which kind of negates the whole purpose in having an interchangeable set.
By the way, I feel that I should mention that the smallest circular needle you can achieve with Denise is 17″, not 16″, but the one inch difference is not that huge of a deal.
I think that I will be purchasing a Knit Pick’s Options kit in the next couple of weeks, but I’m going to make a case to contain my “luxury” car.
UPDATED: One thing that I noticed, and it may simply be user-error, I have to constantly tighten the screw of the cable into the needle tip. I don’t have this problem with Denise needles. I even use the key to ensure that I tighten the connection, but for some reason I have to keep checking. Now, this could be due to the exceptionally long cable that I am testing with, but I thought that it was worth mentioning.