Knitpicks 10-Inch Wood Straight Needles (Radiant), A Tool Review

 

Needles 3 in sizes, with Dishie in Blue.

    These needles, made of laminated layers of birch, come in sizes ranging from 4 to 17 in this length, and are available in 2 other colorways known as Sunstruck (plain, uncolored birch) and Mosaic (pairs within the set varying in colorway). They can be bought as single pairs of needles or as a set of pairs ranging in size from 4 to 11 on the Knitpicks website. Additionally, they can be found in 14-inch lengths.


Texture

    Smooth to the touch but slightly more grippy than any metal needles I've had so far, I'd have to say these are a winner in this category. The assorted yarns I've tried on my set glide over the needles nicely, but don't slip too much. If you find some fibers or metal needles too slick for you, these might help keep your stitches neat and the yarn in control. Ultimately this can't take the place of actual practice and paying attention to why your stitching may be off, but nonetheless I've found it helpful.


Sturdiness

A closeup of size 7/4.5mm needles.

    So far, none of my needles in this set have broken or threatened to break. At the thinner sizes (US6/4mm and below) I feel a little concerned that I may snap them if I'm too aggressive, but considering there's not been even a chip so far I have confidence that they'll hold up for many years to come. Even if I drop them here and there.


Aesthetic

    From a looks point of view, I'm definitely a fan. The colors they chose for these needles go together quite well, and with having a few different hues in them can match a number of other things you may be working on or wearing. Alternatively, as a result of the different bands, they can contrast your current WIP well enough to avoid confusion on what's going where. In either case, I find Radiant especially stands out with its warm tones and the subtle bends of purple. It goes surprisingly well with warmer and/or darkish blues in my experience - and of course fantastically with rich purples. 


 

    All in all, these are some needles I would definitely recommend. The range of sizes is pretty handy and with all of the factors to consider, they're worth the long-term investment if you're planning on knitting for some time - plus, they could make a great gift for any crafters in your life looking to get into or further along in knitting.

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