Show and Tell: Knitting with Neko curved double pointed needles

Knitting with Neko curved double pointed needles - Crafts from the Cwtch blog

If you saw yesterday's post you'll know I just visited Scheepjes HQ. While there, I came across these brand new DPNs (above) which looked so interesting I had to give them a try. I typically use the magic loop method with a long circular needle, but judging by the response to my picture on Instagram, there are a lot of people who are also curious to try these. In the interests of research, I grabbed a ball of Sunkissed, and cast on. As this is not a real project, I knit just a few more centimetres after the last photo was taken, to be able to give you some first impressions.

Knitting with Neko v-shaped double pointed sock needles - Crafts from the Cwtch
Knitting with Neko v-shaped double pointed sock needles - Crafts from the Cwtch
Knitting with Neko v-shaped double pointed sock needles - Crafts from the Cwtch
Knitting with Neko v-shaped double pointed sock needles - Crafts from the Cwtch
  • Knitting with a shorter length needle was instantly comfortable for me as I'm used to circular needles. If you are only used to using long straight needles they may feel a little strange to start with, but as there is nothing to stick in your palm, or to get caught in your knitting, I can't imagine this would take long.
  • Aside from the comfort issue, the other major benefit is that with just two needles holding the stitches, less time is spent switching between needles which makes for faster and more efficient knitting.
  • As the needles are uniquely curved, the opportunity for stitches to accidentally slip off is greatly reduced too - perfect for a 'travel' project like socks. Being plastic also helps as they are quite 'grippy'. 
  • With any circular knitting, keeping the yarn taut over the first few stitches after changing needle is necessary to get a neat and even finish. As there are only two needles you only need to do this twice per round to prevent laddering.
  • Being quite heavy-handed I have a history of snapped needles and usually stick to metal, so I was a little worried that about snapping this 3mm / US 11 plastic set. For this reason, I think I would find the larger sizes (for hats and such) less worrisome, but this is just a personal preference.
  • Overall, I did find these easy to handle and would use them again, especially in the larger sizes for sleeves on top-down sweaters where I find regular DPNs have a tendency to get caught in the body. I'm hoping they may become available in other materials in the future.  
UPDATED: (Affiliate links included) You can now order these needles from Deramores CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM (with worldwide delivery - simply change your country on the top left of the screen) and from Etsy in the USA. You can find more information about the needles, including a short video, on the manufacturer's website. If you have a set already, I'd love to hear what you think of them - please leave a comment. 

20 comments

  1. These look very interesting. I struggle with dpns and all the fiddling about. I've never quite got along with all the dangling of the magic loop. I may have to order a set of these to give them a trial run.

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    1. Let me know how you get on! (Also I know what you mean about some cables 'dangling' but it's worth remembering that different cables on the different brands work very differently. I wouldn't give up on magic loop if you have only tried one type of cable, as it's a great way to knit larger projects - such as the body of a sweater, a large cowl, etc - as well as the smaller items. My favourite circular needles are ChiaoGoos as the cables are amazing - certainly no dangling! :D

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  2. These look fab and might help me to get over my fear of DPNs - thanks for the review! xx

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    1. Glad you found it useful Elsie! Love to hear how you get on with them. xx

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  3. I cannot get to grips with dpns (only been knitting for a year) and am wondering if these would do the trick!

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    1. I think they are worth a try! I think it's good to be able to use lots of different tools as some work better for different projects (or moods!) - happy knitting! x

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  4. So many people have visited this post since I wrote it - anyone have any more feedback? What projects are you using these for and how are they working for you?

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  5. I'm still hoping they will bring some out in bigger sizes!

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    1. Debbie, I just got some in bigger sizes! I'll write another post when I've had time to try them out - probably after Christmas! :D

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  6. Love those cable needles that she demonstrated. will watch for those to come available here.

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  7. So is there a set you can buy? I thought I saw a set on the Neko site but I didn't on the link you provided.

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    1. Hi Tessa - yes, the link is in the text, but here you go: http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=5626&awinaffid=173133&clickref=&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deramores.com%2Fneko-double-pointed-bendy-needles

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    2. I found someone on etsy. Bought a set to try - I've never even used regular dpn, Unfortunately, I've only found a couple videos, but they don't explain how to start it (casting on, etc) or if you're switching from circulars to dpns. I'm excited to try though because now this means I can do hats. I know there is always the magic loop method - I need to learn that too.

      Thanks for posting the link!

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  8. So glad I saw this on Pinterest....going to get some NOW!

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  9. Where do you buy these double points? I think they are great , looks easier.

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    1. Deramores sell them - http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=5626&awinaffid=173133&clickref=&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deramores.com%2Fneko-double-pointed-bendy-needles

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  10. So many projects, so little time... But I think I'll give these a try. Thanks for the tip :)

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  11. I never cease to learn something new although I've been knitting for 70 years! Thank you for writing about this interesting set of needles.

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  12. That's interesting. I used to wonder why they didn't just bend the needles and finally someone DID!

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