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Knitting and Sewing

Best Pom Pom Maker – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 9, 2021 By Ashley Cameron 1 Comment

Best Pom Pom Maker

No one can deny the eye-catching and ornamental fluffy balls attached on hats to give them an elegant appearance: Pom poms are great decorative balls and anyone would wish to know how to make them. The best thing is to get the best pom pom maker on the market then you are good to go. While pom poms can be made using many instruments from chair legs to household forks, they are best made by well-crafted and custom-made pom pom makers that I reviewed here.

Best Pom Pom Makers on the Market

    1. EFly Pompom Maker 4 Pcs Kit
      • Set of 4 Pom Pom Makers: 3.5cm, 5.5cm, 7cm, and 9cm
      • Made of high-quality materials
    2. Boye Tassel and PomPom Craft Kit
      • Set of 8 pom arches, 2 pom circles, and 1 tassel maker
      • Max Poms size can be up to 6” diameter and  6.25” for tassels
    3. CLOVER Extra Large Pom Pom Maker
      • One Pom Pom Maker, size: 11.5cm
    4. VGOODALL Pompom Makers 4 Pcs
      • PomPom Craft Kit 16Pcs
      • Includes: 4 Pom Pom Makers (1.4; 1.8; 2.5 and 3.4 inches); 12 skeins of yarn
    5. RED HEART Pom Pom Maker
      • Universal tool for creating PomPoms and Tassels up to 12”
    6. CLOVER Extra Small Pom Pom Maker
      • Set of 2 items: 2 and 2.5cm
    7. Mudder Fluff Ball Weaver
      • Set of 4  PomPom makers 3.5 cm, 4.5 cm, 6.5 cm, 8.5 cm

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Filed Under: Knitting and Sewing

Best Bobbin Winder – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 8, 2021 By Ashley Cameron 1 Comment

Best Bobbin Winder Reviews

If you are an enthusiast in using sewing and embroidery machines, you can relate to the time-consuming task of winding threat manually or stopping your project in the middle simply because yarn or thread had depleted. That could impede your progress. How do we solve that? Well, nothing comes closer to the best bobbin winder…

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Filed Under: Knitting and Sewing

Best Knitting Needles – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 7, 2021 By Ashley Cameron Leave a Comment

Best Knitting Needles Reviews

Knitting is a craft that seems fairly simple, as all you really need are needles and yarn. Even the most simple things can get complicated, and knitting is no exception. Walk into the craft section of the store, or even shop online, and you will see the options available for knitting are enormous. You will find a variety of needles and many types of yarn. The first step to take in knitting, so you do not become overwhelmed, is deciding what you want to knit and how to purchase the needles for your project. This guide will help you learn what you need to know about all the types of needles on the market and finally review the eight best knitting needles.

TOP-8 Knitting Needles in April, 2023

Now that you know what to consider when purchasing needles, it is time to go over eight of the best knitting needles currently on the market.

#1 CLOVER Takumi – Best Interchangeable Knitting Needles

CLOVER Takumi Combo SetThe best interchangeable knitting needle is the Clover Takumi Combo. This kit comes with twelve needle sizes and five cord sizes to make sure any project you can think of is possible. There are over 60 combinations of possibilities and everything stores nicely in a black carrying case. The needles are made of bamboo and the cords are constructed of flexible, plastic material.

Sizes

Tip Sizes Included – (US) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
Cord Sizes Included – (inches) 16, 24, 29, 36, and 48

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The benefits of owning this kit are the endless combination of needle and cord lengths. In addition, you can find cord connectors to combine the cables if 48-inches is not long enough for your project. The case is constructed of sturdy leather-like material and uses a zipper to keep everything inside safe.
Cons
  • One of the biggest downside to this kit is the fact the smallest needle size available is three, which is not small enough for socks. The kit does not include any accessories you might need with interchangeable, and the connectors tend to fail.

Overall

CLOVER Takumi Combo Set ReviewOverall, this is a solid kit to have in your house if you are looking at doing a multitude of projects. You will find most everything you need in one spot and able to take it anywhere. You can then supplement the kit to have all of the supplies in one spot.

#2 Looen 37pcs Aluminum Set – Best Circular Knitting Needle

Looen Aluminum Circular Knitting NeedlesIf you are looking to purchase a circular needle, then the Looen aluminum circular set is the best one on the market. This is more than just a circular needle, but also an all-encompassing starter set. It contains 13 interchangeable needles four different cord lengths.

Sizes and materials

It is metric sizes, so you will need to convert it to the standard measurement. As the name suggests, the needles are metal so you will have a smooth stitch. Finally, in addition to the needles and cords, you will find several accessories including positioning buttons, stitch markers, posting tools, scissors, and a fixing wrench. The best part about this kit is the brightly colored needles and an eye-catching pink carrying case that holds everything securely.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • It contains all the accessories you need to start any project and it is sold at an affordable price. The carrying case is small enough to fit in a small purse or a bag, as well as the glove box of a vehicle for knitting on the go.
Cons
  • Made with cheaper material means the needles are prone to warping easier, and the cables need extra tightening when attaching to the needles. In addition, this kit is not compatible with other brands so you will only be able to use it with other Looen products.

Overall

Looen Circular Knitting Needles ReviewWhile this product is a good buy for someone who is just starting or children who are interested in knitting, it may not be a great buy for an avid knitter. This kit is more designed as a back-up or a travel grab bag, so you can get more life out of the product. The fact that it is affordable, makes it worth the purchase, even if you have to replace parts.

#3 Knitters Pride Dreamz Set – Best Knitting Needles for Beginners

Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe Interchangeable Needle SetStarting any craft can be scary and stressful, as well as extremely frustrating. To help reduce that stress, the best set for beginners is the Knitters Pride Dreamz Deluxe. This interchangeable set is simple and compact. You will find nine different needle sizes, four cord sizes, end caps, cord keys, and size markers that will help you get started with any project. Everything fits in a clear, plastic carrying case.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • A simple kit for beginners at an affordable rate. Different colors are used for each size and the cords are easily interchangeable. This kit is easy to expand as well since the brand is found in several craft and hobby shops. Made with a laminated wood to give knitters more of a grip.
Cons
  • A very basic set with minimal sizes available. Cables prone to twisting and takes a lot of work to tighten to the needles. The quality of the product seems to be lower than other Knitters Pride products.

Overall

Knitters Pride Dreamz Needles Set ReviewIf you are just starting in knitting, this is a good kit to consider. However, for people who are looking to increase their knitting knowledge, this kit may leave you more frustrated with the cords and needles not matching up. If you do choose to purchase this kit, make sure you communicate any problems with the company and they will make sure to help you through any situation that arises.

#4 addi FlexiFlips – Best Double-Pointed Knitting Needle

addi FlexiFlips Double Pointed Knitting NeedlesThe best double-pointed knitting needle currently on the market is believed to be the addi FlexiFlips, which are sold in packs of three. You can find them in multiple sizes by searching, but for most projects the size 8 is sufficient.

Affordable set

These needles are double-tipped and also have a short flexible cord connecting them together. The set is very basic and includes a small tube that you can store them in. It is a good decision to mark the needles with the size you purchase because they are not printed on the needles, nor do they offer different colors for the different sizes.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • These needles are simple and do not take up space. They are smooth and easy to stitch with. Because of its small size, it is a much faster stitching method.
Cons
  • It only contains three needles and many projects require four. They are very slick so stitches fall off easily and the blunt tip will often snag your loops if you try to stitch too fast. Finally, these are very thin needles so larger hands will find these troublesome to hold onto.

Overall

addi FlexiFlips Double Pointed Knitting Needles ReviewUsing double-pointed needles is a method that takes some practice, and this set is designed for those who are more experienced knitters. If you are only just beginning, this needle set will not be a good purchase. However, those who love knitting and are used to the flow will fall in love with this simple set. The only drawback for experienced knitters is the need to document what size the needles are after opening them.

#5 CHIAOGOO Twist Tip – Best Lace Knitting Needles

CHIAOGOO Twist Tip Interchangeable SetTatting is an exquisite art and requires very fine needles to create a lacy piece. The best needles on the market for lacework is the CHIAOGOO 7400-C Twist Tip.

What you get

This set includes four-inch lace tips and three cable sizes to create different circulars. The tips are made of stainless steel and are surgical-grade so they will not rust or wear out easily. The cables, however, are bright red and are flexible for changing projects. The other items you will find in this set include cable connectors, end stoppers, stitch markers, needle gauge, and tightening keys. Everything in the kit stores nicely in a black, zippered carrying case that is made of fabric for easy cleaning.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Easy to use tips that are interchangeable with the purchase of other CHIAOGOO Twist Tip products. Everything in the kit is clearly labeled and crafted with material that does not degrade. The needles have a special hole to keep feeding the thread as you knit so stitches stay even. The cables do not kink or knot up as you are working.
Cons
  • You must use the T-pin tightening keys to tighten the tip to the cable or it will not tighten enough. This may be troublesome for those with arthritis. It is an investment, as the kit is not low in price.

Overall

CHIAOGOO Twist Tip Interchangeable Lace Needles ReviewThis kit is worth the money if you want to do any detailed knitting. It is not one of the cheapest kits, but the quality of the items inside and the number of accessories included explain the higher price. The only downside to this kit is the fact it only includes the tips for lace-work and you will need to buy other tips to compliment your collection. However, it is completely compatible with their other products so you can purchase the other tips separately and still have all of the accessories. Many feel that once you own this set, you will never need another tatting set again.

#6 Jumbo Wooden – Best Knitting Needles for Blankets

Jumbo Wooden Circular Knitting Needles for blanketsKnitting blankets generally require larger loops and heavier yarn so you will need sturdy, chunky needles. The best knitting needles for blanket crafters are the KnitPal Jumbo Wooden Circular Knitting Needles.

Kit includes

This kit is sold in a set of three needle sizes, 19, 35, and 50. Constructed of laminated wood, they will not catch on your yarn and can hold up to the heavier yarns you will be using. This kit also comes with a cute carrying case with additional pockets for you to add other accessories you will need while working on your project. Finally, KnitPal includes an electronic beginner’s guide to help people of all experience levels with resources, hints, and tips for creating projects.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The needles are laminated so you can knit faster and are crafted by a company that has a passion for making budget-friendly items for people of all experience levels. When you purchase from KnitPals, they give money to an organization designed to teach other girls knitting. The thick needles are ideal for arthritic wrists and hands.
Cons
  • The cord connecting the needles is extremely short and winds up fairly easily. The thickness of the needles also takes adjusting to a good hold technique.

Overall

Jumbo Knitting Needles for Blankets ReviewFor beginners, these needles are a great purchase because they are easier to learn with than standard circular needles. The chunkiness of the needles does pose a problem for many because they do not fit well in the hands. After finding a hold that works for you, this will no longer be a problem. The price of the needles is designed to be affordable but still provide a high-quality product. Finally, the company you are purchasing from is extremely responsive and want everyone to be satisfied.

#7 Exquiss – Best Bamboo Knitting Needles

Exquiss Knitting Needles SetBamboo is an affordable and gorgeous material for knitting needles, and the best purchase currently available is the Exquiss set. This set comes with 18 needles of various sizes that are all clearly marked for you. They are a single point and include a case to carry all of the accessories.

All you need is here

When you purchase the full kit, you will also get a few knitting accessories and weaving tools. The needles are roughly nine inches long, so you have plenty of space on the needle to slide your stitches without worrying about slippage. There are also 18 circular needles included in the purchase.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Lightweight needles with measurements engraved into the wood. The kit is designed to be a one-stop-shop, so you will not need to worry about purchasing anything else to start any project. Storage container includes scissors, needlepoint protectors, measuring tape, plastic sewing needles, stitch markers, plastic pins, circle markers, and circle makers.
Cons
  • This kit does not include any type of carrying case for the needles, only the accessories. The tips of the needles are also blunter than other brands so finer yarn may snag as you work.

Overall

Exquiss Knitting Needles Set ReviewThis kit is a great purchase for people preparing to start knitting and do not have any supplies. You will find everything you need in one purchase. However, the Exquiss kit is not good for people who are working with fine yarn or detailed patterns without the added frustration. There have been many complaints about the quality of the cords for the circular needles, but everything else is exceptional quality. Therefore, if you are looking at wanting to begin knitting, purchase this kit, and then purchase other circular needles when you need them.

#8 Knit Picks Options Set – Best Wooden Knitting Needles

Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable Knitting NeedlesIf you love working with wood, but not bamboo, then the Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable set is the best on the market.

Set review

This kit includes nine sizes of needles and two sizes of cables, along with cable keys and end caps that fit nicely in a storage case the size of a notebook. The needles are composed of laminated birch and then tie-dyed to offer a unique tool that will be hard to lose. The cables connect easily but will need to be tightened with the cable keys included in the kit.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The birch is a very sturdy material and connections do not snag. There are two of each size of cable so you can work on multiple projects at once. The carrying case is large enough to store everything in the kit, plus a few additional accessories if you choose.
Cons
  • The kit is not compatible with other needles and there are only two sizes of cables. The price is higher than other kits and only contains the needles, a few cords, and a few accessories.

Overall

This kit is a nice purchase if you are an experienced knitter and already have knitting accessories that you are just adding to. They are extremely colorful and fun to use, but the best part is how durable they are. I would suggest these needles for people who are looking to add to items they already have in their crafting arsenal.

Buyer’s guide

Best Knitting Needles Buyers Guide

What features should you consider when buying crochet hooks?
  • Material
    • Wood
    • Metal
    • Plastic
  • Needle Style
    • Straight
    • Circular
    • Double-pointed
    • Interchange
  • Sizes

Material

Knitting needles are commonly found in plastic and metal, but there are also very good needles made of wood or plant products. The material you select is highly based on the feel and the texture you prefer.

Wood

Wood needles are composed of birch, bamboo, rosewood, or ebony and are very sturdy needles. They are often stickier if not laminated, so stitches rarely fall off the end when working on detailed pieces. However, this will mean you have to manipulate the yarn more as you move along the row. Wood is an ideal material for beginner knitters.

Metal

Metal needles are composed of brass, stainless steel, or aluminum material. They have a sharp point at the end, making lacing easier, but the yarn will slip off the surface a lot easier than other types of material. Experienced knitters often prefer metal for a fast project or anything that is extremely detailed.

Plastic

This material is often found in the cheapest needles on the market and can be found in a variety of colors.

Needle Style

The next thing to consider when purchasing a knitting needle is the style of a needle to purchase. There are four types of needle styles to choose from, straight, circular, double-pointed, or interchangeable. The style of a needle to purchase is dependent on the project you are working on, as they have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Straight

Straight needles are preferred for projects with straight, vertical rows. This includes blankets and scarves. If you are doing a garment that you piece together, straight can be used for each piece.

Circular

Circular needles are two needles that are joined by a cord, generally made of plastic. These are the needles that are ideal for someone working on a big project since the cord keeps the project with you. If you struggle with wrist soreness, you may also look at circular needles because the weight of the project can sit on your lap instead of pulling you to the floor. Many knitters will use circular needles when crafting hats or bags because it will create the tube naturally.

Double-pointed

These needles are exactly what it sounds like, a short needle with points at both ends of the needle. They are often sold in packs and used solely for knitting socks.

Interchange

The final type of needle style is interchangeable. They allow you to add different tips to circular needles. They are sold in kits and allow you to vary on the needle size without having to detach your project.

Sizes

Finally, when selecting knitting needles, you will need to think about what size of needle you want to use. As mentioned with the interchangeable, you can change the needle size in the project. Shorter needles are light-weight and ideal for small, detailed projects. Longer needles are heavier, but perfect for projects where you prefer bigger stitches. Sizes range from zero to 15.

Frequently Asked Questions


What features should you consider when buying crochet hooks?
  • How Should You Store Knitting Needles?
  • How are Knitting Needles Measured?
  • What Knitting Needles are Best for Beginners?
  • What Knitting Needles are Best for Blankets?
  • How Many Knitting Needles Do I Need?

How Should You Store Knitting Needles?

how are knitting needles measuredOrganizing your knitting tools is vital, and there are many storing needles. Some kits are sold with a roll-up needle storage mat for straight or double-pointed needles, but you can also just use rubber bands to keep them connected. Interchangeable needles should be kept with the kit they came with because many are not compatible with other brands. Finally, circular needles can be stored in plastic page protectors and put into three-ring binders. This will allow you to label the protector and organize the pages by size for easy finding. For many, using a tackle box or craft box is the best way to organize and store all of the accessories you will need for any knitting project.

How are Knitting Needles Measured?

Knitting needles are measured in US sizes and metric sizes which are not the same number. For example, if you buy a US 7, it is not 7 mm. With the US measurement, the smaller numbers are smaller needles. However, the metric runs in the opposite direction so larger numbers are your smaller needles. To make things easier for knitters, a measuring guide is included in many kits.

What Knitting Needles are Best for Beginners?

If you are just starting, you will want to find a medium needle that is either metal or laminated wood. These needles will have the length for most projects, but still short enough to maneuver easily as you learn the stitches. Purchasing needles that are aluminum or wood will help with keeping stitches where they need to be, but not warp under the pressure of your hands.

What Knitting Needles are Best for Blankets?

There are two answers to which are the best needles for blankets. The first answer is circular is best because the cable connecting the two needles will hold the weight of the blanket. You also have the benefit of having all your rows stay together on the cable. However, the second answer is chunky needles that can handle thick, heavy yarn. If you can find good chunky circular needles, you are good to go for any situation.

How Many Knitting Needles Do I Need?

The question of how many knitting needles do you actually need is really about opinion. While you obviously need a pair of needles for one project, it is suggested that you start with two or three sizes to discover which size is best for you while you learn. Once you get past the beginning stages, you will need different sizes of needles for different projects. This is why it is highly suggested that you invest in a high-quality kit that includes eight or nine different sizes. Finally, if you are working on numerous projects, you will need a set of needles for each project. If you are wanting to keep your craft room or bag simple, then you can invest in interchangeable needles that allow you to vary the size of the needle you have without purchasing more. The same situation will occur with circular needles and the need for different size cords.

Conclusion

Knitting is a great hobby that is designed to help relieve stress and give you something to do when you have spare time. However, as you can see, there are several aspects to getting started with the craft. The conclusion you can pull from this buying guide is the first step to purchasing needles is to know two things, what project are you wanting to work on and what type of material are you looking for in a needle. From there, you will be able to decide what kits or needles are good for your experience level or what project you are working on. What may work for one person, may not work for someone else. With any knitting needle, make sure you communicate with the company if you do not receive what you are wanting, and consider going to an actual store where you can feel the different needles before making a purchase.

Filed Under: Knitting and Sewing

Best Sewing Kit – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 13, 2021 By Ashley Cameron Leave a Comment

Best Sewing Kit Reviews

Seams of our shirts, buttons, and zippers get messed up accidentally and thus leave us stranded not knowing what to do as an emergency exit. Going to the tailor will cost you money for that small seam or for mending your child’s shirt. So, what to do? The best sewing kit, of course, brings so much joy of DIY (Do-It-Yourself). What this kit does is that it organizes all that you need for your sewing project. It doesn’t matter if you have the sewing machine; a portable and compact stitching kit is still a must-have due to its flexibility and versatility. [Read more…] about Best Sewing Kit – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

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Best Crochet Hooks – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 9, 2021 By Ashley Cameron Leave a Comment

best crochet hooks reviews and buyers guide

You’ll agree with me that crocheting is quite an interesting hands-on task that you can do anywhere you go, and can even help unite people while completing it. However, it is best done with quality crochet hooks that are easy to handle, comfortable to hold, user-friendly to arthritic hands, and versatile to be used in a plethora of projects with different yarns. How does one get such crochets? Well, I have some in store for you. With the best crochet hooks, you can complete any crocheting task with ease. Such a tool will be equipped with all the features you need.

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Best Yarn Ball Winder – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Updated: May 9, 2021 By Ashley Cameron Leave a Comment

Best Yarn Ball Winder

If you are an avid knitter, you may relate to the intense use of yarn when making your clothing items. Oftentimes, you will buy hank or skein of yarn from the store and it is not ready for your knitting process because you may sometimes find knots and imperfections. With the best yarn ball winder, you can inspect yarn for unwanted knots, weak points, color changes, and other imperfections. Most importantly, you can wind yarn into a manageable and portable ball or cake with a center-pull convenient for your knitting tasks.

Now, given multiples of these winders on the market, how will you know you have purchased the best product? As an avid knitter and an experienced user of yarn ball winders, I handpicked the best winders based on durability and their capacity in winding yarn.

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Filed Under: Knitting and Sewing

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