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I’ve noticed a lot of posts online from people debating which set of interchangeable circular needles to buy. Here’s a comparison of the two sets I own:
KP Options Interchangeable Nickel Plated Circular Knitting Needle Set $69.99
Hiya Hiya Steel Interchangeable Set $79
Additional material types available:
KP: Harmony (wood) and Zephyr (acrylic)
HH: Bamboo in 5” needle length, website lists SHARP Steel coming soon
Needle tip sizes:
KP: set comes with 9 tips (US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11)
HH: set available in small (7 sets of tips from size 2-8 US) or large set (6 sets of tips from size 9-15 US); both small and large come in either 4” or 5” needle tip length
Needle tip characteristics:
KP: Pointed; no size markings
HH: Blunter tip: size marked on needle tips
Case they come in:
KP: Zippered clear vinyl needle case with pockets along inside for needle tips and smaller cable case
HH: Brocade case with pockets for needle tips and two zippered pockets (1 for cables, 1 for notions)
Cable sizes:
KP: Comes with 2 each 24” and 32”; can purchase 40”, 47”, 60” individually
HH: Comes with 16/18” (16” when used with 4” tips, 18” when used with 5” tips), 24/26”, 32/34”, 40/42” cable sizes; can purchase 60” individually. Cables are not interchangeable between small and large sets ( i.e. 16” cable for small set will not work with large set needles).
Additional items in set:
KP: 8 end caps, 2 cable keys for securely connecting needle and cable
HH: Needle grips for securely screwing tip onto cable
Additional needle sizes available individually:
KP: 10.75 (7mm), 13 (9mm) 15 (10mm) 17 (12mm)
HH: 2.5 (3mm)
Additional accessories available:
KP: Needle size id tags you can slide onto the cable to mark the size if you remove the needles for another project; cable connectors (set of 3, plus cable key)
HH: None shown on website
My comments:
KP: I like having the cable connectors so I can lengthen the cable to try something on without having to remove it from the working cable. The hole for the cable key makes it easy to string in a lifeline as you knit.
HH: I like the blunter needle tips (my personal preference), size labeling on the tips, and shorter cable lengths / smaller needle sizes available.
What’s great about interchangeable knitting needles is that you can make so many combinations of cord length and tip size and saves you from purchasing multiple needles. They’re great for knitters!