Today I would like to introduce you to the Chiaogoo needles and the needle system in particular. Chiaogoo's interchangeable needle system is one of the most popular knitting needles in our range. It has some special features that are important to understand when buying or wanting (especially individual items).

Why the Chiaogoo needle system is much better than a thousand individual circular knitting needles and other alternatives

Anyone who has been reading here for a long time will know that I work almost exclusively with interchangeable needle systems. So far, I have mainly knitted with my three Click Sets from Addi and am still very happy with them. However, there is an important reason why I decided to purchase the Chiaogoo system: the system has far more flexibility due to the insanely wide range of needle sizes. It is also incredibly well made, which I have read everywhere before, which is why there are hardly any noticeable transitions between needle and cable and the parts do not come loose during knitting.

• Smallest needle sizes available (below 3.5mm down to 1.5mm)
• Hardly noticeable transitions between needle and rope
• No untwisting of the threads as with comparable systems from other manufacturers

Smallest needle sizes from 1.5mm up to the large 10mm

The system offers an incredible amount of leeway, as the needle tips are also available in thicknesses smaller than 3.5mm (as in the Addi system). This was actually the decisive argument for me when I initially purchased the very smallest Chiaogoo set.

This smallest system is only available in the stainless steel version, the needle tips are available in 10cm or 13cm length. I purchased the latter and at the moment with these very small needle sizes have not yet felt the need for the very short ones. So I would recommend the longer set.

These very thin needles are particularly suitable for picking up stitches from edges. If you use very fine needles for this, an almost invisible, fine seam is created.

The smallest system ("Mini") contains the thicknesses 1.5mm to 2.5mm. Then come the "Small" sets with thicknesses of 2.75mm to 5mm and "Large" with 5.5mm to 10mm. The "Complete" set is then made up of "Small" and "Large". Almost all of the sets are available in 10cm and 13cm. Normally you need the 13cm length, but the short needles are very useful for knitting small rounds (for example hats or headbands). I have therefore extended my 13cm complete set with a 10cm complete set and put all the needles in a bag, as you can see in the picture at the top.

No more transition between needle and rope - thread sizes and needle sizes

Another big plus point of the Chiaogoo needles will please all those who have difficulties with the transitions still present in the Addi Click System or who like to have the yarn hanging in the spaces that are sometimes present in the Knit Pro systems. As I tend to knit rather loosely myself, I have never had any problems with the transitions in the Click System. However, I have read about it from time to time. The smallest gap between needle and cord can be really annoying. In the Chiaogoo system, which is far more extensive, there are hardly any transitions because the threads are adjusted according to the needle size. This makes the system a tiny bit more complex.

Note that the Chiaogoo needle system has three different thread sizes, which make it possible to use different ropes (Mini, Small, Large):

Mini ropes for needle size 1.5 to 2.5 mm (only for metal needles)
Small ropes for needle size 2.75 to 5 mm (metal & bamboo)
Large ropes for needle size 5.5 to 10 mm (metal & bamboo)

All ropes are available in the "Spin Nylon" variant, where the thread turns along (hence Spin) or in the "Twist Red" variant, which are metal ropes coated with nylon, which also prevents these ropes from twisting unnecessarily during knitting. The former are supplied in the bamboo set, the latter in the stainless steel set, but all ropes and needles can be combined with each other.

Of course, there are also adapters with the help of which you can turn Small needles on Mini ropes or Large needles on Small ropes.

Choice of bamboo or stainless steel

The Chiaogoo needles come in two materials, bamboo and stainless steel with beautiful precise lace tips. I wrote once a very long time ago that I don't need very many more needle materials. However, I really love my olive wood tips from Addi, so a third option wouldn't hurt in my eyes. But bamboo and metal are quite sufficient and actually cover all true needs.

All tips, ropes and accessories parts also available separately

All Chiaogoo products of the entire system are also available individually. So you could put together your favorite strengths, add ropes or simply replace lost parts. Also the needle bags are now available in "empty" in the store, if you need them after buying many individual parts.

Important note when buying the sets!

The thicknesses 3mm, 7mm and 7.5mm are not included in the sets. If you need them, it is best to order them directly and add them to the bag.

Have fun browsing and reading. You can find all Chiaogoo needles & products in the store. If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail: support(at)maschenfein(dot)de!

Do you also knit with a needle system? Which one do you use and what is especially important to you?