Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsAfter a year and a half...
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2018
Quick Review
Pros:
1. Convenient for checking gauge/comparing swatches with different needle sizes
2. Easy to use: the cables' metal connectors don't snag on yarn, the rubber grippers help hold onto the needles when securing onto/disconnecting from cables
3. The case keeps everything organized and tidy
Cons
1. Cables are a bit stiff
Longer Review
At the time of my purchase, I was just starting to knit and decided to get this set to save myself the confusion of, “What size needles do I need? Straight or circular? What’s magic loop???” I’ve been using these needles nonstop since I bought them more than a year and a half ago, but along the way, I’ve also bought other brands’ needles to which I can compare this Boye set.
Because this set has many sizes, I’ve been saved the trouble of having to buy so many individual needles to check/get gauge. I haven’t had any problems of the needles coming loose from the cables mid-project; use the key through the cable for leverage and the gripper around the needle to tighten and secure the join. The needles themselves are easy to use: they are comfortable to hold, yarn moves along the needles easily, and the needle points are neither blunt nor super sharp. They are sharp enough to knit lace but blunt enough that it doesn’t hurt if I need to push the needle tip when slipping off a stitch.
The biggest drawback to this set is the cable stiffness. Compared to other brands’ circular needles I’ve used, Boye needle cables are the stiffest. That said, I’ve had no trouble working in the round. I’ve even used the longest cable to knit magic loop socks (but I have since experienced that it is much easier to knit magic loop with the flexible cables of ChiaoGoo needles). Over time, I've found that the cables' stiffness has lessened a tad (especially the long cable which I beat into submission with magic loop). The two shorter cables can be a bit too short to comfortably knit in the round, but they’re nice to use together as a pair of straight needles (just screw the plastic stitch holders onto the non-needle side of the cables).
All the pieces are still in great condition, and, by the way, I haven’t lost anything because the case keeps everything neatly organized. The case isn’t anything spectacular, but I really appreciate that each needle size is labeled. The only bit of wear and tear is on the most frequently used needles; the color coating is somewhat scratching off. However, this issue is minor and doesn’t affect the needle quality at all. As for buying replacement cables, I once ordered a different sized cable but it came defective and did not connect properly to the needles. Since then, if I’ve needed to supplement my needle collection, I’ve dabbled into other brands. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and am currently teaching my sister how to knit using this Boye set!
