The Complete Guide to ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Needles
From the moment I first cast on a project using ChiaoGoo needles, I could tell they were special. I wasn't sure if I really needed them, as I already had wooden interchangeable needles at the time in 2020, but once I tried them, I knew I wouldn't go back. Although I started with fixed needles, I can tell you without an ounce of hesitation that ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles changed my life as a knitter.
What Makes ChiaoGoo Needles Different?
The best knitting needle is the one that works so well you never have to think about it. In the past, when I used low-quality needles, I always ran into issues. A little bump at the join that would snag the yarn, for instance, or cords that would coil and kink after a couple of Magic Loop projects. Even when I started using wooden interchangeable needles, they could easily come unscrewed and my yarn could get stuck between the needle and the cord. When you have to pause a complicated project to adjust the needles for some reason, it's really frustrating. That's why ChiaoGoo needles are my go-to system now.
If you're using a fixed ChiaoGoo needle, you'll find a smooth join and a flexible cord. Plus, the needles themselves are sharp, but not sharp enough to poke a hole in your finger. The interchangeable sets are no different, they considered all of the issues with interchangeables in the past and came up with ways to solve them.
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Explore ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Sets (opens in new tab)
Understanding ChiaoGoo Needle Systems
There are a lot of different ChiaoGoo sets, and within those sets, there are a bunch of component parts. In each separate set, you'll find cables and needle tips (as expected), as well as T-pins and heart-shaped rubber pads (mini sets only). Each set also comes with stoppers which screw onto the end of the cords to keep stitches from falling off (while you use the needle tips on other cords for another project), stitch markers, and cable connectors (to make larger cables).
To put the needles together, you'll screw the needle tip to the cord, then insert the T-pin into the small hole at the base of the tip (where it connects to the cord) and twist it clockwise to tighten. If you have a mini set, the heart-shaped rubber pad should be held around the needle while you do this, preventing it from slipping back at all. This will give you a join so tight, you'd think the needles were fixed!
One quick note before we get into the different sets: ChiaoGoo needles involve several measurements, so we'll use specific terms throughout this guide:
• Needle size refers to the diameter of the needle, such as US 6 / 4.0 mm.
• Tip length refers to the length of each interchangeable tip, such as 4" or 5".
• Cord length refers to the cord by itself, while total needle length means the finished circular needle measured from tip to tip.
• ChiaoGoo also uses Mini, Small, and Large to describe the connection size used by different tips and cords.
Depending on the needle size, or diameter, you'll use a different connection size of cord. These connection sizes are marked M (Mini), S (Small), and L (Large). If you purchase a set with needle sizes US 2-8, you'll receive Small cords, while needle sizes US 9 and above use Large cords. The specific 'mini' sets use the M cords. If you purchase a set of needles containing needle sizes US 2-15, you'll get both S and L cords to go with these needles.
The cord lengths included with a ChiaoGoo set will depend on the length of the tips. If you purchase a set with 4" tips, you'll get 8", 14", and 22" cords, giving you total needle lengths of 16", 22", and 30". If you prefer a set with 5" tips, you'll get 14", 22", and 30" cords, giving you total needle lengths of 24", 32", and 40". If you need a different cord length, though, never fear! There are two options: link two cords together using a connector (these come with most sets) or purchase a single cord in a different length.
Twist vs Spin: Which Should You Choose?
There are two different styles of ChiaoGoo needles: twist and spin. ChiaoGoo Twist needles are the regular red-cord traditional needles, made of steel. They act just like normal cords that don't move at all. Spin needles are made of bamboo (for those of you who prefer wooden needles), and the cords can...spin! They are attached like the Twist needles, but the little metal piece that connects to the grey flexible cord can rotate freely. This is more comfortable for some people and it eliminates the need to twist the cable.
If you're still confused, or you like the idea of wooden needles that don't rotate (or metal needles that do), then here's the good news: all ChiaoGoo needles and cords are interchangeable! We suggest that you start out with the tip material that you prefer (i.e. twist for metal and spin for wood), and then try out different cords when you're interested. This is what we would recommend, as the tip sets can be pretty expensive, but you won't need too many extra cables if you prefer the stable vs. spinning style.
4-Inch vs 5-Inch Tips: Which Should You Get First?
If you're interested in purchasing a single set to start, we suggest starting with 4" or 5" tips. 4" tips are often what folks will choose first, since you can use them to make a 16" circular needle (the size you'll need to make hats), whereas 5" tips are too long to make a circular needle that short. But with 4" tips, you can still knit a full sweater, provided you have a long enough cord.
On the other hand, if you are more of a sweater knitter who prefers Magic-Loop style for small-circumference knitting, 5" tips might be your sweet spot. Knitters can do anything with a 5" tip that they would normally do with a 4" tip, as long as they're very comfortable with Magic Loop! The set you acquire first, which may be the only set you ever need, should be the set that works with your preferred styles of knitting, and it's most important to consider small-circumference work.
See above (section 'Understanding ChiaoGoo Needle Systems') for information on the total needle lengths you can make with 4" and 5" sets of tips, and below ('Choosing the Right Set for Your Knitting Style') to learn more about how to choose.
ChiaoGoo Shorties Explained
Speaking of small circumferences, we have even shorter tips for you! There are three ChiaoGoo 'shortie' sets for socks, mittens, or anything else you normally knit in Magic-Loop style or using double-pointed needles.
The red case contains 'Mini' tips: needle sizes 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 (in millimeters that's 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0 and 3.25).
Shop the Mini Shortie Set (opens in new tab)
The blue case contains 'Small' tips: needle sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (in millimeters that's 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0).
Shop the Small Shortie Set (opens in new tab)
Red and blue sets both come with 2" and 3" tips plus 5", 6", and 8" cords. With the 2" tips, you can make total needle lengths of 9", 10", and 12"; with the 3" tips, you can make total needle lengths of 11", 12", and 14". You can even combine different tips on the same cord! Putting the longer tip in your working hand gives you a little more to hold onto while still keeping the total needle length short.
The yellow case contains 'Large' tips: needle sizes 9, 10, 10.5, and 11 (in millimeters that's 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 8.0). Important information about the yellow set, though: it only comes with 3" tips! Its three cords are 6" (you get two) and 8" (you get one). These cords are the grey spin cords!
Shop the Large Shortie Set (opens in new tab)
These sets come with lots of goodies in the bag: a small case with all needle sizes labeled to keep the tips safe and in order, cords, stoppers, T-pins, and rubber heart pads (Mini sets only), plus a needle gauge and stitch markers. Just like their larger counterparts, each needle size is printed right on each needle tip!
Shorties may or may not be a good option for you depending on how you hold needles. Some folks love them, and others cannot use them at all. Some people find that the 2" tips are excellent for the way they hold needles, and others can only hold the 3" comfortably. If someone you know raves about them, ask to try theirs, or buy an individual set in your favorite needle size, it's really helpful to see how you fall on the love-it-or-hate-it scale!
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Choosing the Right Set for Your Knitting Style
A ChiaoGoo interchangeable set is a big investment, so it helps to figure out where to begin. While many knitters will end up eventually acquiring all tip lengths that they might need for projects, most will start with just one. So: where to start?
I would recommend that the first thing you consider is what needle sizes you most often use. Many knitters fall into either the Mini (US needle sizes 000-1.5), Small (US 2-8), or Large (US 9-15) range. If you knit on a lot of different needle sizes, you can get a combined small and large set of either 4" or 5" tips. Mini sets are only sold separately. Each set of needles comes in a really nice case to keep everything organized.
Then, you'll need to decide between 4" and 5" tips. (See above "4-Inch vs 5-Inch Tips" for helpful hints based on how you like to knit). If you aren't sure what's right for you, I would recommend purchasing a set of fixed ChiaoGoo needles in 4" and 5" tip lengths to see if you prefer one over the other. If you have very small hands, for instance, you might always prefer to knit on 4" tips, and vice versa.
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Prefer a shorter tip? We carry all of these in the 4" sets too!
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Shop the 5" Large Set (opens in new tab)
Shop the 5" Complete Set (opens in new tab)
When it comes to mini tips, you will almost definitely want to try out a set before you purchase them. They are often a later addition to a ChiaoGoo collection, acquired when there is more of a need for small-circumference knitting.
My own ChiaoGoo collection, for instance, comprises Mini (red) and Small (blue) Shortie sets, as well as Small sets with both 4" and 5" tip lengths. I do not knit on needles above a size 8, and I use fixed needles for socks (although I always use ChiaoGoo).
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Shop the 4" Mini Set (opens in new tab)
Shop the 5" Mini Set (opens in new tab)
Feeling spoiled for choice? This handy chart lays out every set in one spot, so you can scan the sizes, cords, and tip lengths and land on your match.
| Set | Material | Tip length | Tip size | Cord length | Cord size | Twist or spin cords |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Twist (Shortie) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 2" and 3" in all sizes | US 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 | 5", 6", and 8" | Mini | Twist |
| Small Twist (Shortie) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 2" and 3" in all sizes | US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 5", 6", and 8" | Small | Twist |
| Large Twist (Shortie) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 3" | US 9, 10, 10.5, and 11 | 6" (2) and 8" | Large | Spin |
| 4" Twist (complete set) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 4" | US 2-15 | 8" (2), 14", 22" | Small, Large | Twist |
| 4" Twist (Mini) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 4" | US 000-1.5 | 8" (2), 14", 22" | Mini | Twist |
| 4" Twist (Small) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 4" | US 2-8 | 8" (2), 14", 22" | Small | Twist |
| 5" Twist (complete set) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 5" | US 2-15 | 14", 22", 30" (one of each S and L) | Small, Large | Twist |
| 5" Twist (Mini) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 5" | US 000-1.5 | 14", 22", 30" | Mini | Twist |
| 5" Twist (Small) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 5" | US 2-8 | 14", 22", 30" | Small | Twist |
| 5" Twist (Large) (opens in new tab) | Steel | 5" | US 9-15 | 14", 22", 30" | Large | Twist |
Accessories, Cables & Helpful Add-ons
As mentioned earlier, items that are included with ChiaoGoo needle sets are T-pins, heart-shaped rubber pads (both for tightening, but rubber pads only come with Mini sets), cord connectors for joining cords to create additional cord lengths, stitch markers, cable stoppers, and a needle gauge (although needle size is laser printed on all tips as well).
Although the Mini, Small, and Large needles have specific cords, you might prefer to use a larger, sturdier cord OR a smaller, more flexible one. ChiaoGoo makes metal adapters that allow tips and cords with different connection sizes to work together. (Keep in mind that you have to order these separately).
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If you are at all worried that only one of each length of cable will not be enough (I worry about this frequently), you can purchase individual cables of any size to go along with your set. If you want to purchase only 4" tips, for instance, I would recommend that you also add a 30" cord, so that you can have a cable for longer Magic-Loop style knitting.
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Prefer square knitting needles? The Woolly Thistle also carries ChiaoGoo quads which will work with any cables and are sold separately. Try some today if you're curious!
Shop ChiaoGoo Quads (opens in new tab)
You can also get double-pointed needles from ChiaoGoo. These come individually and in sets of sizes 0 (2.0 mm), 1 (2.25 mm), 1.5 (2.5 mm), 2 (2.75 mm), 2.5 (3.0 mm) & 3 (3.25 mm) and are 6" long.
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Shop ChiaoGoo DPNs (opens in new tab)
The rubber heart-shaped pads that come with Mini sets can also be used to help tighten larger needles, but you will need to purchase them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles?
ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles are knitting needles that come in a set of different sized needle tips (measured in US needle sizes and millimeters) with different lengths of cord, to create any circular knitting needle you might need. These are appropriate for anything knitted flat or in the round, and needle tips come in a variety of lengths (2", 3", 4", and 5"). You can use cable connectors to make any length of cable you so choose.
Are ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles worth the price?
ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles are definitely worth the price, because you will never need to replace the needle tips or cords. If something happens to damage one of your cords or you lose a needle tip, though, you can replace it for a small cost. Instead of always purchasing a new fixed needle when you need one, you will have every needle you could ever need by collecting the sets with the tip lengths and needle sizes that you use.
What's the difference between ChiaoGoo Twist and Spin needles?
ChiaoGoo Twist needles are made of stainless steel and come with a red flexible cord. The needle is fixed very well to the cord when attached correctly with the T-pin and does not move unless you use your T-pin to take it off. ChiaoGoo Spin needles are made of bamboo and come with a grey flexible cord. The needle can spin on its axis around the cord but will not come loose from the cord as long as you tighten it correctly with the T-pin.
What sizes do ChiaoGoo interchangeable sets come in?
For shortie tips, the sizes are as follows:
- Mini - 2" and 3" tips (red cords): US 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 (2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25mm)
- Small - 2" and 3" tips (blue cords): US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0mm)
- Large - 3" tips only (yellow cords): US 9, 10, 10.5, and 11 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0mm)
For 4" and 5" tips (sold separately), the sizes are as follows:
- Mini: US 000, 00, 0, 1, 1.5
- Small: US 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Large: US 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
Please note that you can purchase a combination Small and Large set with the same tip length, either 4" or 5", but not a combination set that includes Mini tips; these are always sold separately.
Can I buy ChiaoGoo needle tips and cables separately?
Yes! You can buy all component parts separately. If you lose a set of needles or a cable, you can easily replace it. You can also purchase extra needle tips or cables of sizes and lengths you use most frequently. Make sure that when you purchase cables, you check that it is the correct connection size, Mini, Small, or Large, for your needle tips.
What is the difference between Mini, Small, and Large ChiaoGoo cables?
The Mini, Small, and Large ChiaoGoo cables all have different diameters. The Mini cords, which are very thin, come with the Mini sets (US 000-1.5 in 4" and 5", and US 0-3 in 2" and 3"). The Small cords come with the Small sets (US 2-8 in 4" and 5" and US 4-8 in 2" and 3"). The Large cords come with the Large sets (US 9-15 in 4" and 5" and US 9-11 in 3"). The cords will ONLY work with their respective needle sizes (marked on each needle tip), but you can get small metal converter pieces as an extra accessory if you only want to carry one size of cords or prefer one diameter over another. For instance, if you have Mini, Small, and Large tips, you can purchase L to S converters as well as M to S converters and use only Small cords. Some people prefer the Mini cords because they are extremely flexible, so you can purchase all Mini cords and use S to M converters if you enjoy them more.
Are ChiaoGoo needles good for beginners?
Yes, ChiaoGoo needles are very good for beginners. They are well made and do not snag. Joins are very tight and they do not come loose until manually unscrewed, as long as they are correctly attached with a T-pin and heart-shaped rubber pad. Purchasing an interchangeable set of ChiaoGoo needles as a beginner will mean that you never have to buy fixed needles and can simply replace component parts if you lose them.
Which ChiaoGoo set is best for sweater knitting?
If you prefer to knit on longer needles and use the Magic-Loop method for small-circumference knitting, a 5" set of tips would be recommended. If you usually knit sweaters on needles from US 2-8, you can get just the Small set. If you usually knit sweaters on needles from US 9-15, you can get just the Large set. If you knit sweaters on sizes that span US 2-15, you can get a full set of Small and Large. (Mini tips are mainly used for socks and other items that require very small needles, but you might need this size for sweater knitting if you are knitting at a very fine gauge.)
If you prefer to knit on shorter needle tips and use a 16" needle for small-circumference knitting, a 4" set of tips would work just as well for sweater knitting, and you can use 4" tips in the Magic-Loop style as well. We would recommend picking up an extra 30" long cable if you plan to knit sweaters with a 4" set as this will make a long enough needle.
Do ChiaoGoo cables work with all ChiaoGoo needle tips?
No, you will need to make sure that the cable's marking (M, S, L) matches the needle's marking (M, S, L). If you have a cable and a needle that do not match, you will need to use a metal converter. For instance, if you have a Mini cable and a Small needle, you will need a S to M converter.
What's included in a ChiaoGoo interchangeable set?
Included in your ChiaoGoo interchangeable set will be:
- Stainless-steel or bamboo needle tips (depending on the set you have purchased, see each set for details)
- Twist or Spin cords (depending on the set you have purchased, see each set for details)
- Needle case with markings for each needle size and a zip pocket to keep things secure. The needle case zips as well so that nothing will fall out.
- T-pin for properly tightening needles
- Stitch markers
- Needle gauge/ruler (this is one item that does both)
- Stitch stoppers (screw into cords to hold stitches if you need needles for another project/part of project)
- If you purchase a mini set, it will also come with a red heart rubber pad to help tighten the needles further.
How long do ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles last?
ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles will last forever if you take proper care of them. Make sure that you always put them away properly, screw the tips into the cables carefully, and do not store them at very cold or hot temperatures. You might find that a cable used for Magic-Loop knitting develops a small kink; you can replace the cord for a low cost. In order to avoid developing these kinks, use a long cord (30") for Magic-Loop knitting. Because the cables have steel inside the nylon, do not put them in boiling water to 'flatten' the kinks. They are still usable this way, but you may want to replace them.
Where are ChiaoGoo knitting needles made?
The manufacturing facility for ChiaoGoo needles is located in Hangzhou, China. The bamboo needles are handcrafted from Chinese Moso bamboo, and metal needles are crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel.
I've never tried ChiaoGoo needles, are they right for me?
If you are nervous about making such a big investment in your knitting, we would recommend purchasing a fixed ChiaoGoo needle or two for your next project. If you love them as much as we think you will, a set is definitely right for you! Need to Make a Quick Decision? Refer to our chart in the blog for a quick rundown.
I'm a Beginner! What Do I Need?
Once again, if you're nervous, grab a fixed needle to see if it's right for you. But if you are a beginner, you can do pretty much everything you'll need with a 4" set of tips. Grab a small, large, or combo, depending on needle sizes you use most frequently, and throw in a 30" cord (one each of Small and Large if you get the complete set) as well, since that way you can do Magic-Loop! But make sure your hands like the 4" tip length, some folks really prefer to hold a 5" needle tip.
Shop 30" Cords (opens in new tab)
I'm a Sock Knitter! Is This Product Right for Me?
Yes! If you prefer knitting on 9" sock needles, grab a Mini Shortie set. If you are a Magic-Looper, the 5" Mini set is probably right for you. (4" if you prefer a shorter needle, though, and throw in a 30" mini cord!)
I'm Mostly a Sweater Knitter
If you're comfortable with Magic-Loop for small-circumference knitting, the 5" set is probably your go-to, although you might want to add a 4" set, so that you can knit necklines and the tops of sleeves on 16" needles!
You Keep Mentioning Cable Lengths and I Have No Idea What You Mean
Here's a primer! Fixed needles from ChiaoGoo (and most other companies) come in a variety of sizes but they are pretty standardized.
9" needles are used for very small circumference knitting (like a sock) if you prefer to work in the round. The tips are generally 2" long, meaning that the cable itself is 5". You can make 9" needles with the Mini and Small shortie sets.
16" needles are used for hats, cowls, and the wider part of sleeves, and parts of sweaters (like the neckline, or the whole sweater if it's for a baby). The tips are 4" long, so the cable is 8".
24" needles are used for sweaters and some other larger circumference projects, like big wraparound cowls. The tips are 5" long, and the cable is 14". You might start a top-down sweater on a 16" needle for the neckline, then switch to a 24" during the yoke.
32" needles are also used for sweaters, or sometimes for Magic-Loop knitting. The tips are 5" long, and the cable is 22". If you're knitting a top-down sweater, you might start the yoke on a 24" needle and eventually move to a 32" to accommodate the stitches. After separating sleeves, you could go back down to a 24" if that's more comfortable!
40" needles are used for sweaters (if the circumference of the sweater is more than 40"), larger projects like shawls or blankets (you can knit back and forth on all ChiaoGoo circular needles), and Magic-Loop knitting.
Once again: if you're having trouble deciding, you can try a few fixed needles to see if you have a preference! ChiaoGoo fixed needles will last just as long as interchangeables, and you can get them at The Woolly Thistle as well.
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