Description
Knit with steel points on shafts that are warm and light in the hand. Fourteen sizes, US-2 (2.75 mm) through US-15 (10 mm), on 5-inch (13 cm) tips with laser-etched stainless steel ends, carbon fiber shafts in the small sizes and African Blackwood in the large, with nine cables and a full tool kit in a zippered case. This set includes:
Needle Tips
- 8 pairs of 5-inch (13 cm) carbon fiber tips with stainless steel points: US-2 (2.75 mm), 2.5 (3 mm), 3 (3.25 mm), 4 (3.5 mm), 5 (3.75 mm), 6 (4 mm), 7 (4.5 mm), and 8 (5 mm), all on the Small [S] join
- 6 pairs of 5-inch (13 cm) African Blackwood tips with stainless steel points: US-9 (5.5 mm), 10 (6 mm), 10.5 (6.5 mm), 11 (8 mm), 13 (9 mm), and 15 (10 mm), all on the Large [L] join
Cables
- 6 silver SWIV360 cables, memory-free multi-strand steel with a nylon coating and a swivel at each join, three per join size: 14-inch (35 cm), 22-inch (55 cm), and 30-inch (75 cm) in [S], and the same three lengths in [L]
- 3 red TWIST [S] cables, the same cable without the swivel: 14-inch (35 cm), 22-inch (55 cm), and 30-inch (75 cm)
Accessories
- A metal tin, 2.5 x 1.6 inches (6.5 x 4 cm), the same ChiaoGoo Tools Kit we sell on its own, holding 4 cable connectors and 4 end stoppers, two of each in Small [S] and two in Large [L], plus 2 adapters that put an [L] tip on an [S] cable, 2 tightening keys, 2 darning needles, 2 safety pins, 20 metal stitch markers, and a heart-shaped rubber gripper
- Steel scissors, a retractable tape measure, and a two-sided swatch ruler with a 14-hole needle gauge, each in its own pocket or strap
- A pen that fits under an elastic band in the center of the case
Case
- Case in a man-made leather-look material, zippered around three sides to open like a book, with a removable double-sided needle board that holds all 14 pairs in elastic loops, an elastic strap that holds the tin and tools, and four pockets for patterns and notions
What This Set Makes
Any pair of tips on the 14-inch cable makes a 24-inch (61 cm) circular; on the 22-inch cable, a 32-inch (81 cm) circular; on the 30-inch cable, a 40-inch (101 cm) circular. Each length comes in both join sizes, so all 14 sizes can be built at all three lengths: 42 circular needles from one case. The SWIV360 cables turn with the work instead of twisting; the three red TWIST [S] cables are there for the times a swivel join slows fibrous yarn at fine gauges. Longer [S] and [L] SWIV360 cables, sold separately in 37 and 50 inches, take these tips to 47- and 60-inch circulars. (All measurements are approximate.)
For 5-inch tips, US-2 through US-8 tips use the Small [S] join and US-9 through US-15 use the Large [L] join, so every ChiaoGoo tip, cable, and connector marked [S] or [L] works with this set, TWIST and SPIN included.
Other ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Sets
This is ChiaoGoo's one FORTÉ set; there is no Small or Large version. The rest of the family fills in around it:
- The same sizes in stainless steel: the TWIST 5-Inch Complete Set (US-2 through US-15), pointed surgical stainless steel lace tips with red cables, and the TWIST 4-Inch Complete Set for 16-inch circulars.
- The same sizes in bamboo: the SPIN 5-Inch Complete Set (US-2 through US-15), Moso bamboo tips with SWIV360 cables.
- Socks and fine sizes: the TWIST Shorties sets for socks knit directly in the round, and the Mini sets for US-000 through US-1.5.
Not sure which set fits how you knit? Our guide, Which ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Set Should You Buy?, compares them, and the tip length guide covers 4-inch versus 5-inch.
Product Details
- Brand: ChiaoGoo
- Item #: 4500-C
- Line: FORTÉ 2.0
- Material: Carbon fiber shafts (US-2 to US-8) and African Blackwood shafts (US-9 to US-15), all with stainless steel points and joins; nylon-coated multi-strand steel cables, six SWIV360 with swivel joins and three red TWIST
- Tip Length: 5 inches (13 cm)
- Tier: Complete Set
- Sizes Included: US-2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, and 15 (2.75 mm to 10 mm), 14 pairs
- Cables: 14-inch, 22-inch, and 30-inch SWIV360 in both [S] and [L], plus the same three lengths in red TWIST [S], for 24-, 32-, and 40-inch circulars
- Join Size: Small [S] and Large [L]
- Accessories: Metal tin holding 4 cable connectors, 4 end stoppers, 2 [L]-tip-to-[S]-cable adapters, 2 tightening keys, 2 darning needles, 2 safety pins, 20 stitch markers, and a rubber gripper; scissors, tape measure, and a swatch ruler with 14-hole needle gauge in their own pockets; a pen
- Case: Zippered case in a man-made leather-look material, opens like a book, removable double-sided needle board, four pockets
Questions About This Set
Why two shaft materials?
Carbon fiber is strong at small diameters, where a wood needle would flex or snap, so the US-2 through US-8 tips are carbon fiber. Blackwood is dense and smooth at the larger diameters, so US-9 through US-15 are wood. Both have the same stainless steel points and joins, and both sit between slick stainless steel and grippy bamboo in how yarn moves over them.
Will this set make a 16-inch circular?
No. The shortest circular it builds is 24 inches. Hats and cowls on a 16-inch circular need 4-inch tips or a fixed 16-inch circular.
What is a SWIV360 cable, and does it kink?
The same memory-free multi-strand steel cable as the red TWIST cable, in silver, with a swivel built into each join so the cable turns as you knit instead of twisting. It is memory-free, not kink-free. ChiaoGoo attributes cable failure to repeated sharp bending, tight tension, and lifting heavy projects by the cable or joins, so lift by the needles. If a cable snaps, here is what to do.
What are the connectors, end stoppers, and adapters for?
All three are in the tin. A connector joins two cables of the same join size into one longer cable. End stoppers turn a cable into a stitch holder. The two adapters put an [L] tip on an [S] cable, so a US-9 or larger tip can knit on any of the six [S] cables in the case. The tin is the same tools kit we sell on its own, so replacements are easy to find.
Do the tips come loose while knitting?
They can if they are only finger-tight. Snug each tip with a tightening key through the hole at the cable's join, and check them now and then. Keeping your ChiaoGoo tips secure walks through it.
Specifications
| Brand | ChiaoGoo |
| Craft | Knitting |
| Product Type | Interchangeable Set |
Warranty Information
Every ChiaoGoo product comes with a lifetime guarantee from manufacturing defects when you buy it from us because we are an authorized ChiaoGoo dealer.
This guarantee does not cover normal wear and tear, accidents, misuse or abuse.
Click here to visit our ChiaoGoo Lifetime Warranty Page for more details and instructions on how to file a claim.
SmartBuy Information
Shipping Information
This item qualifies for free shipping via our SmartShip – Free service because its price is $35 or more.
Please Note: When your cart includes bulky, oversized, or fragile items, your order will not qualify for free shipping, even if it is over $35 and includes free shipping items. Instead, you'll see a SmartShip – Free & Discounted rate at checkout, which includes no charge for the items eligible for free shipping.
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*In rare cases, handling times may vary. Please refer to our Shipping Policy for more details.
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I tried really hard to convince myself I didn’t need these, and now I fully understand why people are obsessed with them.
I already loved my ChiaoGoo Red Lace needles, but the Fortes are just such a beautiful knitting experience. They somehow feel warm and soft in the hand while still giving me the sharp metal tips and precision I love. The balance is incredible, the glide is smooth without feeling slippery, and they make long knitting sessions noticeably more comfortable for me.
They also just feel… special? The carbon fiber and wood aesthetic is gorgeous without being flashy, and every time I pick them up they feel intentional and well made.
These officially became my favorite needles in my collection ✨
These needles are by far my favorite needles and I have several different brands. Smartisans had the best price. The needles arrived quickly and arrived just as expected. I highly recommend buying from this site.
The Forte set is excellent, I couldn’t be more pleased, and it was a pleasure doing business with Smartisans! I highly recommend them.
Those a beautiful in a beautiful case. The swivel. It’s gets stuck on some fibers but not all fibers. The red cables fix that issue.
I think the value of this set is it's esthetic nothing more. The yarn transition from needle to cord with the swivel ones are a nightmare. It is not smooth at all. Of course the sharpness of the needle is wonderful, falls between the lace and wooden one, but I think the carbon material is not for me. I tried size 4 and size 3 with Drops cotton Belle , and Knitpicks Palette. I Had to switch the project with the cotton immediately since it was splitting my yarn by getting caught/snagging and the Knitnpick, had to use the regular red cord only; the yarn wouldnt glide easily either. So that's a no for me me. I can't justify the cost at this point. I will be returning them.
Thanks for the detailed review. I'm sorry the swivel joins didn't work well for you with those yarns.
Some yarns, cotton and a fingering wool like Palette among them, can catch more easily on a swivel join, especially at a fine gauge with tightly worked stitches. That's why ChiaoGoo added the three red TWIST cables to the FORTÉ 2.0 set: they have no swivel, so that catch point is gone. Every size from US-2 through US-8 in the set uses the same Small join, so all three red cables fit the US-3 and US-4 tips you were using.
Two things help on the swivel cables themselves. A firm join is trickier to achieve than with a red cable, because the swivel can turn while you tighten: hold it still with the tightening key through the small hole and screw the tip on snug. And wipe the cables and steel points with rubbing alcohol before use, which ChiaoGoo recommends for a smooth yarn feed.
Our refund policy explains returns: smartisans.com/policies/refund-policy
They are perfect! Very comfortable to work with, warm in hands when I am knitting and yarn doesn’t get stuck. Every joint is smooth!
This set was a gift from my husband. I had read many reviews and was nervous about investing so much in a set of needles. This set exceeded my expectations! From the moment you open the zippered pouch, you know you are opening a luxury item. Everything is so smooth and sleek. Knitting is *fast* with these needles. The elastic bands holding the needles in place in the pouch is a bit stiff but should get better with time. And it's better than the bands being too loose. I'm looking forward to making many projects with these. And Constance at Smartisans is wonderful. She makes you feel like an individual, valued customer, not just a number. I'm very happy with this purchase and plan on buying more from Smartisans in the future.
These ChaioGoo Forté 2.0 needles are my absolute favorite set. I have small hands and I had been using the 4-inch stainless steel interchangeable set. My yarn had been slipping off easily and my interchangeable cables would also bend where they met the needle due to the shorter length. I have held ChiaoGoo’s bamboo needles before, but my cats were very interested in chomping at the tips and leaving dents :( The Forté set gives me the best of both worlds! Smartisans has a fantastic price, and my order shipped out pretty quickly. I was able to have it in my hands within a week, and it is so luxurious. I used to have a separate bag to store my tools and notions in, but the slim leather case makes it super easy to keep everything organized in itself instead! Makes for way less digging around on my part. I absolutely love opening up the leather case to grab a tool or notion, and seeing the gorgeous needle set right there.
New knitter here, who was getting tired of buying a new set of needles for every project. I splurged on these, and absolutely do not regret it. The kit has a great range of parts. Both the needles and cables themselves are well made. The swivel cables are particularly helpful when flipping around flat pieces. The needles are smooth without being too slippery. Looking forward to a lot of years with these.
I love these needles. The point is sharp, but the shaft is less slippery than the medal needles. They are the perfect combination of wood and medal needles. They came in a sturdy leather case that smells wonderful and included lots of essentials. Smartisans sent them quickly and well packaged. I highly recommend both the needles and smartisans.
I love them! Thank you for your very prompt delivery. They are my second set, so I already knew that they were a quality purchase.
The needles are a dream to knit with. The join is smooth and the points are perfect. I feel so spoiled. Glad I made the investment. I'm very happy with the set, and the customer service is outstanding.
I was gifted some money for a birthday last year and decided to splurge! Saw this set and fell in love! I have other ChiaoGoo sets and love them so what could be wrong? This set is nice that it has all the tools you need in one zip case! I would like to see a small crochet hook added but will just add one myself. Otherwise it is perfect and makes a great gift! And with a lifetime warranty that is an added plus! Very fast shipping from Smartisans too!
I’m have several sets of knitting needles but these are the ultimate. The yarn slides easily without any grabbing in the transition from the ebony to the stainless steel. The case is well thought out and of high quality.
Organized high quality needles and accessories.
This is the most luxurious set of needles I've purchased but they are worth it. The join between the metal tip and the wood is seamless and doesn't snag the yarn at all. The case they came in is robust and feels really nice. I'm very happy with my purchase.
I am getting back into knitting in a big way and felt I was constantly having to purchase more pieces and parts to complete new projects, hoping they were compatible with the pieces and parts I already owned. It was the red laces that started it, and the new swivel360 cables that pushed me over to a full ChiaGoo interchangeable system. This is a birthday gift from my husband and one I will enjoy using and treasure the rest of my days of knitting! And my first experience with customer service has already confirmed that this was a good choice!
Beautiful needles and case for a good price.
I spent a couple of years waffling over which set of interchangeable needles to purchase. Finally at a fiber gathering I threw out the question and there was a unanimous agreement that the Forte set was the absolute best.
I’ve had mine for about 6 months now and they are amazing needles. There is no doubt that I knit more now than ever since everything I need is within arms reach, no matter what I need!
The kit itself is beautiful but the needles and cables are what really makes me recommend this set. The combination of materials in the needles shows that they considered everything when designing a needle that is smooth enough that the stitches flow easily but not too slick that I need to worry about them unintentionally sliding off.
These are easily the best purchase of my knitting career, and I’ve been knitting and collecting needles for 30 years!
This is a lovely set of interchangeable knitting needles. Wonderful to knit with, and just what I wanted to add to my collection,
Stunningly beautiful set of interchangeable needles in a compact case with accessories (measuring tape, scissors, stitch makers, etc.)
Smartisans customer service is excellent as well!
These are a great set of needles, they feel great, and having 2 sets of cables is very nice.
Love these needles, the feel, the outcome, really everything about them.
Fast service! Love these and may be the only needles I use!
I will ONLY use these from now on, and will only order from Smartisans!
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