QUADS by ChiaoGoo — Why square needles might be for YOU!

When we learned that ChiaoGoo was coming out with square, metal interchangeable needles, our interest was piqued! Square needle tips? Really?! ChiaoGoo is our go-to metal needle because of their memory-free, coated metal cables (no bouncy, annoying plastic!), paired with a smooth join, and metal tips that have a "just right" level of pointiness.

We knew we'd need to order some of these new QUADS by ChiaoGoo and see if we — and YOU — liked them. 

How are QUADS the same?
The ChiaoGoo commitment to quality is unparalleled. QUADS have been engineered to be consistent with standard needle sizing, so a US 4 (3.5mm) is still really a US 4 (3.5 mm).

How are QUADS different?
The needle tip is the same as the ChiaoGoo lace tips, but the barrel of the needle is square shaped.

Are QUADS compatible with other ChiaoGoo products?
ChiaoGoo recommends using the silver SWIV 360 cables with QUADS, in the Small (US 2-11) or Large (US 9-11) sizes. If you'd like to use your standard red ChiaoGoo cables, they recommend a swivel adapter.

Why would you want a square needle anyway?
Folks who struggle with hand or shoulder pain sometimes find that a square-shaped needle is easier to hold. And if the needle is easier to hold, your hands are absorbing less tension.

Let Sarah tell you more.
One of our Local Goats, Sarah, recently posted a product review about her experience with QUADS. She's tried lots of square needles by other brands and... has a new favorite! (Photos are Sarah's, used with permission.)

When I sat down to swatch with ChiaoGoo’s new 4" QUADS, which are square needle tips, it didn’t take even an inch of knitting to realize I had a new favorite needle! Now all I have to do is tap my toes impatiently until they come out with sets so I can have All. Of. Them.

The needle tips feel like silk satin.

The color contrasts well with both light and dark yarns, and even with a heathered tan there is just enough shine to let you see each stitch carefully (but not too shiny). Best of all, the square sides are easy to hold, far easier for me than the standard round needles. Couple that with the Swiv360 cable and I’m in love: tips that I love PLUS a cord that I love. And because these are interchangeables, if you prefer the regular ChiaoGoo cable, you could use that instead.

I've had arthritis for about 25 years--since my early 40s, and find that square needles are ideal for me and greatly reduce hand fatigue. Now that the 5" are in stock I will buy them as I prefer a longer tip, but I think many will love the 4"!

Ready to try QUADS by ChiaoGoo?
Since QUADS were released in early February, we've had to restock them 5 times! That's saying something about your enthusiasm for this new product. Let us know in the comments what you think of ChiaoGoo's QUADS!