Prym Knitting Needles Review
We have been so lucky to get the opportunity to work with some terrific sponsors for BiCrafty Boot Camp; Knitting Lessons for Crocheters. This month, as we’ve been working on our first knit cowl pattern, we here on The Marly Bird team have been trying out the Prym circular needles. These ergonomic Prym knitting needles have teardrop-shaped tips that make them perfect for the crocheter who is learning how to knit.
Types of Prym Knitting Needles
Like with most other knitting tool supplies, Prym offers single point, double point, and circular knitting needles. They do not currently offer interchangeable circular knitting needles.
Prym’s straight, or single point, knitting needles are 14″ needles. These come in 9 sizes from a size 2 (3 mm) to a size 15 (10 mm). In addition to the signature teardrop tip, the straight needles also have a unique end on the other side of the needle (to prevent stitches from falling off the back side.) The shape is such that the two needles can be pressed to lock together when not in use which is terrific for keeping the pairs organized in storage.
Prym’s double pointed needles, or DPNs, are 8″ sets of 5 needles. These range in size from 1 (2.5 mm) to 11 (8 mm).
Prym sells two sizes of cable knitting needles: Size 6 (4 mm) 8″ cable knitting needles and Size 10.75 (7 mm) 10″ cable stitch needles. We haven’t gotten to cable stitches or knitting needles for cables, yet, in BiCrafty Boot Camp. However, stay tuned, because those lessons are coming soon.
We worked with Prym’s circular knitting needles. Prym has both 24″ and 32″ circular knitting needles. The 24″ Prym knitting needles range in size from 2 (3 mm) to 10.75 (7 mm). In contrast, the 32″ circular Prym knitting needles range in size from 2 (3 mm) to 17 (12 mm). We worked with the size 8 (5 mm) 24″ circular needles for our first knit cowl in BiCrafty Boot Camp.
What Makes Prym Knitting Needles Unique
Prym knitting needles are designed as ergonomic knitting needles. They have a unique shape compared to other needles. The body of the knitting needle is triangular whereas the shaft is round. This makes the body easy to grip and the shaft, which has slight flexibility that follows the curve of the hand, adds to the ergonomic comfort of the design.
Prym knitting needles also have those unique teardrop-shaped tips. That’s actually a patented design. It’s really helpful for picking up the stitches as well as keeping the stitches from dropping off the needle.
Kathryn’s Thoughts on Prym Knitting Needles
As you know, Marly Bird team members Kathryn and Cryssi are learning to knit right alongside the bootcampers. They’re trying out as many different products from the sponsors as they can. Therefore, they can give you their honest feedback about the products.
Both Kathryn and Cryssi are enjoying working with the Prym knitting needles. Kathryn struggled to get adjusted to circulars again after realizing that she really likes working with straight needles. In fact, although she’s using the Prym 24″ circulars for the cowl (which she’s behind on at the moment), she’s also simultaneously working on a simple garter stitch knit scarf on some of the Prym straights. She’s loving those.
In particular, she likes the unique teardrop-shaped tip that is Prym’s signature. The tip easily grabs the yarn, acting almost like a little crochet hook. While she can now knit without that aid, she finds it makes for a really great transition as a crocheter new to the craft of knitting. Compared with the sharper needles, it doesn’t split the yarn as much.
She also likes the Prym’s plastic material. It’s a little bit slicker than the bamboo needles she had worked with before, so she can knit a little bit faster. However, it’s not as slick as the metal needles she tried previously that were just too fast for her. In one of the live videos, Marly agreed: bamboo is just way too slow for her experienced knitting hands but she didn’t feel like the Prym knitting needles were too slow even though she usually uses metal.
Cryssi’s Thoughts on the Prym’s
Cryssi also liked the Prym knitting needles. If you’ve been reading your BiCrafty Boot Camp weekly newsletters then you know that the first thing she said was:
“I really didn’t know how I would feel about the Prym needles after developing a love for my bamboo circulars. However, HOLY GUACAMOLE, I LOVE THESE NEEDLES! I was intimidated by that little bump at the tip but Marly was right, the way that bump grips the yarn both when I’m picking it and also when I’m stretching too far, keeps the open stitches from popping off the end of my needle! I mentioned before about my arthritis in my hands, and I have to say that I did notice less hand cramping this week than in previous weeks! I think a mixture of the lightness of the needles and their amazing ergonomic shape has worked wonders for me! I’m definitely a fan!”
Elaborating on that in another newsletter, Cryssi shared that she thinks the lightness of the needles really helps to eliminate the wrist pain that can come about from knitting. Moreover, she said that the ergonomic shape of the knitting needle’s shaft is what really helps prevent the hand cramping of arthritis. Additionally, Cryssi mentioned that she wasn’t sure before trying them whether that ergonomic shaft design would make any real difference on needles that are so thin but was surprised to discover that they really do help.
Cryssi has the arthritis and Kathryn has had hand injury issues. Both have been able to use these ergonomic knitting needles with relative ease, especially for beginners.
Other Items Available from Prym
Prym also sells ergonomic crochet hooks. These range in size from C (3 mm) to O (12 mm). Furthermore, they sell two sizes off pom pom makers and three sizes of knitting mills. If you’re looking for some fun new craft toys to try out then you might enjoy those.
If We Could Have One Wish
If we could change anything about the Prym knitting needles, we would just want more of them! Specifically, we hope that in the future Prym can offer greater variation in their sizes. For example, we would love 16″ circulars to begin the hat that we’re going to start making next week in BiCrafty Boot Camp. Overall, though, we’re happy with this product. If you’re trying to figure out the right knitting needles for you, then these are definitely a contender worth trying. Everyone’s preferences are different and you have to try various options to see what you like but these should make the short list.
You Might Also Like:
- ChiaoGoo Knitting Needles Review
- Ultimate Guide to Knitting Needles
- I’m New To Knitting. What Are The Best Knitting Needles for Beginners?
- How to Store Knitting Needles
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Prym knitting needles?
Prym is a German company with a long history in sewing notions and craft tools. They make a wide range of craft accessories including knitting needles, crochet hooks, sewing notions, and more. Prym needles are widely available in craft stores in Europe and increasingly in the US market. They offer several different lines including their standard aluminum needles and the ergonomic Softgrip line. Prym is a respected industry brand known for functional, quality tools at accessible price points.
Are Prym knitting needles good quality?
Marly’s review on the blog gives her honest assessment of specific Prym products she tested… check the full post for her verdict on the specific needles reviewed. Generally, Prym occupies the mid-range in the needle quality spectrum… not as premium as ChiaoGoo, Addi, or Signature, but a step up from basic aluminum options. Their Softgrip ergonomic line has been appreciated by crafters who need comfort features. For occasional knitters or those building a first needle collection, Prym represents reasonable quality at a fair price point.
What types of Prym knitting needles are available?
Prym offers straight needles in aluminum and wood materials. Circular needles in both fixed and potentially interchangeable options. Double-pointed needle sets. Their color-coded system makes identifying sizes easy at a glance… each needle size has its own color, which is genuinely helpful when you’re digging through a needle case. The ergonomic Softgrip line adds cushioned handles for comfort during long sessions. Check the Prym website or your local craft store for their current lineup… product availability varies by region.
How do Prym needles compare to other brands at similar price points?
In the mid-range category, Prym competes with brands like Knitter’s Pride, Clover, and Tulip (depending on your region). Each has its devotees. Prym’s color-coding system is distinctive and practical. Their needle surfaces are smooth enough for most yarns. The joins on their circular needles are typically good, which matters for keeping yarn from catching. For the price, they’re a solid choice. Many experienced knitters have used Prym tools happily for years. Marly’s specific comparison in the review post gives you the most useful information for your specific decision.
Where can I buy Prym knitting needles?
Prym products are available online through major retailers including Amazon. Many independent yarn shops carry Prym tools. In Europe, they’re widely available in fabric and craft stores. In the US, availability varies more by region… online shopping is often the most reliable way to access the full Prym range. Joann stores carry some Prym products in the US. Always compare prices across retailers and watch for sales… craft tools, like yarn, go on sale regularly if you’re patient.
Categories: BiCrafty Bootcamp Learn to Knit, Knitting, Product Reviews
I love my Prym Ergonomic circular knitting needles One aspect of the circulars you did not mention that I love is the cords. Similar to Chiaogoo red cords IMO. I am glad you mentioned the need for 16 inch circulars. I totally agree. I will be the first to buy them. I hope they listen to you.