The Ultimate Upgrade: KnitPro Symfonie vs Symfonie 2 — What’s the Difference?

If you have ever knitted or crocheted with KnitPro’s original Symfonie range, you already know exactly why they became a staple in craft bags across the globe. That distinctive chevron pattern, the comforting warmth of the birchwood in your hands, and the perfect balance of grip and slickness made them an absolute classic.

But things just got exciting. KnitPro has officially launched Symfonie 2, a complete engineering update of their most popular wood collection.

If you are wondering whether it is worth upgrading your trusty collection or treating yourself to a new set, let’s dive into a direct, side-by-side comparison of the classic Symfonie versus the brand-new Symfonie 2.

What Stayed the Same?

Before we look at the new bells and whistles, let's reassure the purists: KnitPro didn't alter the core magic of the original Symfonie.

• The Feel: They are still made from beautifully laminated birchwood, meaning they retain that signature warmth that is incredibly gentle on your hands.

• The Surface: You still get that smooth, non-slip texture that gives you brilliant control over slippery yarns without letting your stitches skate away completely.

• The Tips: The sharp, forgiving tip shape remains identical, making it just as easy for tight continental knitters as it is for relaxed English-style throwers.

The Big Upgrades: How Symfonie 2 Changes the Game

While the soul of the needle remains untouched, the engineering around it has had a massive modern overhaul to fix the little friction points crafters have put up with for years.

1. Updated Aesthetics

To refresh the classic look, the range features seven distinct laminated birchwood colours layered into the signature chevron pattern. It gives the collection a clean, updated personality while keeping the traditional wood craft feel.

2. Precision Laser-Etched Sizes

Say goodbye to the days of rubbed-off needle sizes. On the original Symfonie needles, the printed sizes could eventually fade away from the friction of your fingers over months of heavy use. Symfonie 2 features permanent, laser-etched markings on every needle body and metal connector. They will never wear off, no matter how many projects you complete.

3. Memory-Free, Ultra-Flex Cables

We have all been there: unboxing a stored circular needle only for the plastic cable to resemble a stiff, annoying slinky. Symfonie 2 introduces entirely memory-free cables. They lie completely flat straight out of the case, offering zero resistance while you work.

4. The 360° Swivel Mechanism

The interchangeable circular needle tips and the cable now move independently of one another. This means your cable never twists, kinks, or bunches up as you knit in the round. No pausing mid-row to uncoil your cord—just uninterrupted, fluid knitting.

5. The Ultra-Smooth "Invisible" Join

For circular and interchangeable knitters, a rough transition between the needle and the cable is a constant frustration. Symfonie 2 solves this completely with an incredibly precise, seamless join. The transition where the birchwood tip meets the metal connector is perfectly flush and entirely smooth. Your yarn passes over it effortlessly without catching, dragging, or slowing down your rhythm—even when working with fine lace-weight yarns or delicate halo fibres.

6. Plastic-Free Packaging

In a wonderful step forward for sustainability, the entire Symfonie 2 range now ships in 100% biodegradable, plastic-free packaging. There are no plastic inserts or unnecessary wraps, and the needle sets themselves come housed in premium fabric cases featuring a striking chevron spine.

Symfonie vs Symfonie 2: At a Glance

The Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

If you are a beginner, Symfonie 2 is one of the most approachable, high-quality starting points on the market. The wood keeps your stitches secure, while the smooth joins and memory-free cables prevent standard beginner frustrations.

For seasoned crafters who already own the original Symfonie, the decision comes down to absolute smoothness and longevity. If you frequently knit in the round or work with fine yarns, the combination of the perfectly flush invisible join and the 360° swivel cable makes Symfonie 2 a genuinely worthy investment that will elevate your daily crafting experience.

The Symfonie 2 collection is available now across single-pointed, double-pointed, fixed circulars, interchangeables, single-ended crochet hooks, and Tunisian interchangeable hooks.