Knitch Magazine

Accessory Name

Brand: Denise
Made In: USA
Size: US 5-15 needle
Availability: Currently available

The Look

Asking a fellow knitter about her set of Denise Interchangeables opened the door to an exhaustive conversation about cherished tools that have been used for decades. Other testimonials like this are posted on the Denise website, so there must be something special about the Denise system. Denise Interchangeable Knitting (and Crochet) Needles are the LEGOS® of knitting needles. These interlocking needles, cables and connectors can be joined in a seemingly infinite number of ways to form the knitting tool just right for almost any job.

The Feel

“Made in the USA” has stood for quality products made with precision and high quality materials. Denise Interchangeables are made to exacting specifications by American craftsmen. Everything about this product is first rate and will please the most demanding customers. The lightweight storage case closes to a perfect square and stays shut. You won’t need to hunt around for hair bands or giant rubber bands to keep the case closed. Inside, each needle and cable fits snugly into its slot. US and metric needle sizes are stamped into the case so you will always be able to identify the needle tips. It’s impossible to mix up the tips and still fit them in the case, but if you do, each needle is also stamped with the US size. While the needles and accessories fit tightly in the case, the slots are molded with space to get your fingers under the small cables, connectors and end caps. No matter how stiff your fingers are from marathon knitting sessions, you can get a good grip on these pieces without resorting to prying them out with that ever handy household tool – a knitting needle. Most important, the needles and connectors seamlessly lock onto the cables with an easy twist that stays tight. The connections remain firmly locked in place even as knitting is pushed around the circular cable. Yarn won’t catch or snag on any of the joints. The cables are soft, pliable and flexible. Unlike stiff permanently coiled circular needles that spring back into a circle no matter how much you fight against them, these pliable Interchangeables bend to your will.

Applications

Denise Interchangeables can be used in a mind-spinning number of ways. Each kit contains 10 needle sizes from US 5 to US 15, and the needles can be used as straight knitting needles or circular needles. Join the Interchangeable needle heads to the flexible cords and each of the ten pairs makes straight needle in lengths 9”, 13", 16”, 20”, 30”, or 34”. Circular needles in lengths of 17", 19", 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 33”, 40”, 50”, 58” can be created by joining different lengths of cables in the basic kit. That works out to at least 170 different sets of knitting needles. Price conscious consumers won’t find a better bargain.

Ultimately, the handy portability of Denise Interchangeables may be its most desirable feature. All 10 needles in their amazing configurations fit neatly into the compact 7” wide, 8 ½” long, 1 ½” deep storage case. It’s sized to fit into almost any knitting bag. Can you imagine the snarl of tangled coils and needles if you carried 10 sets of circular and straight needles in your knitting bag? Air travelers can relax while traveling with their knitting. Because the resin needle heads are shorter than a pen, they pass easily through airline security. While you should always check the current policy before traveling with your knitting, Denise knitters have reported no problems passing through airport security checkpoints.

Color Range

Besides the stately blue and gray, there’s now a pink Denise set. Five dollars of the purchase price of a pink Denise kit goes, 100%, to research through the S.D. Ireland Fund. The S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund pays all its own administrative costs; all donations are spent on direct breast cancer research. An estimated one in every eight women will develop breast cancer. Linda Krag, owner of Denise, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. The cancer recurred in 2004 and Linda required a course of chemotherapy and radiation. Knitting was her consolation throughout this ordeal. She says, “I knitted my way through infusions, nausea and fatigue, finding solace in the soft fibers and gentle rhythm of the needles.” Each pink Denise set includes a personal message from Linda about the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund, and you can read more about it on the Denise website.

Usage

The needles are molded of smooth, strong plastic. At 4 inches long, the needles are a comfortable length that allows for a good grip even when used in the smallest circular cable. The medium tips are suitable for most knitting, not too sharp and not too blunt.

What I’d Like to Use it For

Some of the most popular knitting today requires extra-long circular knitting needles, and Denise Interchangeables are made to order for these tasks. Mobius rings, shawls, and scarves are lots of fun to knit, but require a long cabled circular needle that wraps twice around; Denise needles can be constructed to any length needed for comfortable use that accommodates any knitting. Think of all the projects that might require multiple needles to fit around the circumference; Denise can step in to save the day. When it’s time to add a border around the edge of a cardigan or blanket, Denise Interchangeables can be assembled to a length that fits unthinkable numbers of stitches.

Knitting Outside the Box

Thinking “outside the box”, clever knitters have found other uses for Denise Interchangeables. Attach end caps to spare cables for a handy stitch holder. It saves time, and prevents dropping stitches. When you’re ready to pick up the knitting again, attach the needle tip in place of the end cap and knit on. Some knitters like to knit using two different needle sizes. This insider trick speeds up knitting, evens out stockinette, and eases hand strain for tight knitters. For these and more tips, review the detailed forum of knitting tips and tricks unique to the Denise kit on the Denise website.

Care

Denise Interchangeables don’t require any special care. However, to prevent loss of small parts, everything should be re-stowed in the plastic case when not in use. This may be a challenge for the easily distracted, but the obsessively tidy will get even more enjoyment out of carefully returning the needles, cables, and connectors to their “homes.”

Durability

The Denise kits are high quality, precision made tools. All knitting parts are guaranteed for life. Happily, replacement and spare parts are readily available, including biggie needle tips now available in sizes 17 and 19 or extra cables, connectors and end caps.

Overall Recommendation

Denise Interchangeables are well worth the investment; once you try them you, too, will be a devoted fan. Durable, well made, and infinitely useful, these tools rate #10.