Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles

obxknit wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 1:37 PM

I was a huge fan of Addi turbo knitting needles but always struggled with gauge.  I have been knitting for 23  years and never had issues with gauge.  I went to lys to buy the size 10 of the Addi turbo.  My wonderful knitting expert said that the Addi turbo are slightly larger than the us standard knitting needles.  She suggested I try the Denise.  I tried them and absolutely love them. No issues with gauge at all.

Has anyone had any experiences with the Denise knitting needles?  Want some advise before I buy the kit.

Thanks so much.  Happy Knitting!!

PamWipf wrote

on Nov 20, 2009 9:36 PM

Absolutely buy the kit!!! I bought mine a year ago, and now cringe if I have to use something else because my Denise ones are in use on another project! They are so wonderful! One suggestion is to buy the add on kit that is available too, so that you get some additional lengths. That way if you want to put a project on hold for a while, you just take off the needles, put on the ends and you will still have lots of lengths to work with on another project.

Have fun!!

Pam

essdodge wrote

on Nov 21, 2009 10:44 AM

I would do some comparison shopping. I have the Knit Picks Options interchangeable needle set that are comparable in price (Denise has lowered their priced considerably once they had some competition) and do not have a bump or catch where the needles attach. The joins are smooth as silk, have a longer shank and a small tool that you use to assure a tight fit at the join. I compared these with a friend's Denise set and much preferred the Knit Picks. You now have a choice of needles - nickel-plated, wood Harmony or Zephyr acrylic. Mine came in a binder that holds the cables and needles. I ordered extra needles of the sizes I use most and a few extra zip-lock binder sheets and haven't looked back.  I understand that Addi Turbo has entered the interchangeable arena, but haven't actually seen them yet.

RitaLouise wrote

on Dec 8, 2009 3:20 PM

I have had Denise for about four years or so. I do an average amount of knitting.  At first I really liked Denise. However now I find that as I use one size more often than others (8), it is beginning to 'wear' at the connection. I am currently doing a hat, and three times now the tip has let loose. It is a pattern knit with yarn overs which causes pain to go back on.  I will say that two times the needle 'broke' and they readily replaced it. But I am beginning to think that as this system is used a good deal, the connections do get sloppy and tend to let go.  I do the "Magic Loop" method using the circulars, so granted, I am 'pulling' one needle forward, and another back. Yet this should not be a problem if the connection is solid.  From what I can read, the Addi's are supposedly the most reliable. Yet, they are rather pricey.  But for peace of mind it might be well worth it.

paulasp wrote

on Dec 2, 2010 4:27 PM

I have a set of Denise, which is why I'm searching for a new set. They fall apart while knitting and you lose stitches. 

I've had them about 2 years, maybe the locking mechanism is shot?

RitaLouise wrote

on Dec 2, 2010 4:54 PM

I, too, bought Denise many years ago. The set was $35 then!   Two times the needles broke, and they readily replaced them. I have had some problems when doing the Magic Loop type knitting, and have learned to be careful when adjusting for the next row (pulling or tugging or twisting motion).  I got some gift money for Christmas last year and decided to buy the Addi set of interchangables.  Also a longer Addi cord for the Magic Loop.  I did purchase an extra long cord from Denise also when they came available.  I knit a lot, have for years, so give both sets a lot of use. I like Addis because of the steel needles, I have had these almost a year, and once I had a problem with #7 tips that just would not seat properly.  I returned them to the nearest place available, and they replaced them right away with no hassle whatever. 

I would say if you could afford Addies, this would be preferable, but if money is an issue Denise is really a savings in that you have all these sizes to work with no matter what.  Also the, Denise set has 'small connectors' (2) to lengthen the cord and 'stops' for ends not  currently in use.  Addi has 'connectors' but they are cumbersome, and no stops per se.  You can use a 'connector' to hold the two ends together. 

If you do a lot of Magic Loop as I do, the slimmer cords of Addi are more flexible than Denise. Just minor differences, again depending upon what you can afford.

In truth, I am glad I bought Denise, and also am very pleased with Addi.  I use them both depending on how many projects I have ongoing.  Hope this helps.

PS As I recall, Denise has a lifetime guarantee, you might check.