Clover Takumi Combo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles

For an avid knitter, it's totally worth the investment. Years ago, when I was a brand new baby knitter, a friend was raving about his new circular needle set, and how it virtually replaced every other needle in his craft stash. I looked at sets, but balked at the cost. I wonder how much money I would have saved over the years if I had bought one of these sets then, rather than just buying the needles I needed for any given project. Seriously. I haven't touched my roll of needles since buying this. You can knit flat or in the round, from the biggest projects to the tiniest. It even replaces double pointed needles if you use the "magic loop" technique! (I learned it from YouTube.)Any circular needle set of decent quality will fill a similar role in a knitter's life, and whether this one is best for you is a matter of preference. If you're going to invest in an expensive set, it should definitely be your favorite needle style. Some people prefer metal, some prefer wood, and a few even prefer plastic, and there are sets out there that will meet your needs. Personally, bamboo is my absolute favorite material for knitting needles, because they slide easily when I want them to, and hang onto the yarn when I don't. It's one of the only circular sets like this I've found that's bamboo, and the only one with so many options.Quality wise, it's great. The needles are smooth, comfortable, and screwing them into the cables is a snap. The cables are a little stiff at first, but loosen up pretty quickly. I've yet to experience the cable coming loose from the needle, and I've done about five projects since getting this set. Everything and then some fits very well into the case, which seems quite sturdy. The pocket has room for extras you might need as well. I've added things like cable needles, a measuring tape, and even a small pair of scissors, and it all fits comfortably with room to spare. I love having basically everything I need for virtually any project all in a compact zippered package, just add yarn and a pattern!

I've been using this set for a couple of years now and I just realized they've replaced all my other needles. And I LOVE them. So I figured I'd write a review.So first of all, the benefits of an interchangeable circular set: It seems like an expensive set BUT1. with 5 different cable lengths you'd have to buy 5 full sets of circular needles to get the same versatility.2. any job you can do with straight needles you can do with circular needles3. any job you can do with double pointed needles you can do with circular needles (using the magic loop method. See one of many videos on you tube. It's very easy)4. you can switch out either the needles or the cord on the fly very easily5. if you're making a hat or something else that calls for a switch from circular needles to double points for the decreases, you can use the magic loop method and not have to switch them out.6. it's much easier to get your project into a knitting bag without points sticking out all overNow granted I haven't tested out all of the interchangeable sets out there and I'm not an expert knitter but I'll address some of the features.1. organization: the case is very nice, it holds all the needles perfectly in their spot and has a little plastic envelope with several pockets for all the cords so they're very easy to find. The case is also light and thin so easy to carry or store.2. the case is stiff so you don't have to worry about your needles getting broken if you shove it somewhere.3. the needles are very smooth, much nicer than the other bamboo needles I have4. the cords are very easy to screw on, as the metal bit spins independently of the cord, so you don't have to twist the cord or needle to change them out (very useful if you're switching parts in the middle of a project)5. the transition from cord to needles is very smooth in my opinion.6. the only flaw I've noticed is they do unscrew a bit once in a while, but there's plenty of threading so you're likely to catch it way before it actually comes apart. I've never had the cord actually detach during a project or even come close.

I own the Knitter's Pride Dreamz circular set and they're perfect IF you're using a light colored yarn. If you're knitting black or brown or other dark colors, the needles are just too dark and I can't see the stitches. That's why I wanted a light colored bamboo circular needle set and these are just perfect! The point is just right. The needle finish is nice and smooth, but not slick so you don't drop stitches. The light color makes it so I can use any color yarn I want and the bamboo is nice and lightweight. I also like the needle length. And I must say, these cables are the best I've used to date. I've got the Knitter's Pride and Hiya Hiya sharps and these cables are, by far, the best of the three. No kinks. They're very flexible and easy to work with. Magic loop will be a breeze. I've spent the last week knitting a scarf and the connections haven't ever loosened on me. I can't speak to durability or longevity yet. If anything happens, I'll update this review.I like the case too...a place for everything and everything in its place! Great storage.I only wish there were sock needles available, but I can survive with the ones I have, I guess. :) I much prefer knitting on light colored bamboo though.If you're contemplating this set, just get them. They are worth every cent!