When it comes to knitting or crochet, it’s easy to get all caught up in the yarn and not spend much time thinking about our needles. other than my general preference for metal needles, I haven’t bought new knitting needles in ages- I felt like I had everything I needed.
When Jimmy Beans Wool first got in touch to tell me about SmartStix needles, I took my time thinking about it- did I really need another needle? Did I think that other knitters and crocheters might need something like this? I decided to give it a try- after all, if I didn’t really like it, I’d let them know why and not post about it. But then I fell for these needles, HARD.
The SmartStix needles have a built in rule on them in inches, for checking gauge. This is ideal for knitters who a) always check their gauge by inches, not centimeters, and b) people who don’t want to fuss with rulers or measuring tape to find out their stitches per inch. And if you happen to never swatch (seriously, though, you should watch), this at least puts you in the ballpark of getting gauge.
SmartStix are actually great needles all by themselves, even without the ruler marks on them. The cables are thin and very flexible, the joins are perfectly smooth, the needles feel great in my hands and I find I can knit like the wind with them. But then there is also a ruler on them for making it that much easier to check gauge as you go, so it’s even better! The best part about the circular needles?
They still have the inch markers on the cables! Because of course your swatch is bigger than just the needle (it should be if you want a really accurate gauge swatch!). Speaking of swatching, this yarn is Berroco Pixel in the Sorbet colourway, which I was trying out for the first time. It’s a DK weight single ply, 100% wool and a mix of speckles and stripes which I think would be brilliant for shawls with multi directional knitting (also awesome for baby sweaters, I bet). I was experimenting with two rows of linen stitch where the colour transitions were taking place, although in the photos I realize it looks like garter stitch. It had been so long since I had knit linen stitch I had to google how to do it again.
Whatever size circular needle you are looking for, there is a Smartstix needle all set to go– lengths for circulars are standard lengths of 16, 24, 32, and 40 inches in length. There are also crochet hooks of all sizes, and double pointed needles that are perfect for socks and other small circumference items. I still recommend that you cast off and wet block your swatch, but with the built in ruler guides, you have a much better idea of how your gauge is working out while you are still swatching, saving you time. If you are using a yarn that you are very familiar with and already know it doesn’t grow at all post-blocking, then you are good to go with just using needles like this.
Would you like to win some of these needles and see for yourself? Heck yeah! To Enter:
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The winning entry will get to choose two sets of needles (circular and/or DPNs) of their size choice, as well as a crochet hook. Winning entry will be announced on Monday, October 8th. Good luck!
**This is a sponsored giveaway from Jimmy Beans Wool. All opinions are entirely my own, and I only recommend items that I truly enjoy.
Too bad the giveaway is reserved to US and Canada. These look quite neat. I love this yarn, this is so original. I would totally knit a sweater with this. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
These needles look amazing! I’m sure I’ll get some no matter the drawing outcome!
That’s actually a really cool idea! Thanks for the chance to win some!
I would love to win these needles! Thanks for the giveaway.
These needles are such a cleaver idea! I can’t believe nobody thought about that earlier, that’s genius! Thanks for the giveaway.
Fantastic idea! What brilliant and simple needles – everyone should have a set of these!
These needles look really cool! I’d love to try them
What a wonderful idea !.
Being able to measure so quickly would just be wonderful.
Im in New Zealand, so not eligible to enter the giveaway, but Id love to try these needles.
These are so interesting, I love that I wouldn’t have to dig out measuring tape
These needles sound great! They would certainly make measuring gauge easier.
I’ve been seeing their ads for these needles and wondering about them – so glad to hear how much you like them!
What an interesting concept! I can imagine how handy these are, especially traveling.
What a great idea! I need to see if my LYS will be carrying them
I haven’t heard of this brand before but these needles look like they would be fun to use. Marking the needles like a ruler was a smart thing to do!
Love the measuring marks on the needles. brilliant idea!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the give away and your testing them out for us!
Love the marks on the cords. Thanks for the give away and your testing them out for us.
What I like about the hooks is that they are flexible. I do not have them already. I think the middle size would be my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway!
The needles sound awesome! Thanks for your review.
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