While knitting isn’t the most extreme sport, sometimes knitting with arthritic or weekend hands can cause pain and discomfort. This can then make knitting nearly impossible.
There is a solution, however. Ergonomic knitting needles have been created to help those with pain or discomfort have a more enjoyable time while knitting.
The knitting needles are designed to be comfortable in the hands, making it easier to knit, even for extended periods of time.
If this sounds like something you need, have a look at these top 5 picks of ergonomic knitting needles to get you started!
What Are Ergonomic Knitting Needles?
Ergonomic knitting needles have been designed in a way that makes knitting easier and pain-free.
Most ergonomic knitting needles have a squared shape which helps to ensure the knitter cannot hold the needles in a way which could cause stress or pain. The shape of the ergonomic needles also help to create more uniform stitches.
Ergonomic knitting needles are usually created from smooth, lightweight materials. The lightweight of the needles helps take some weight out of knitting, providing the wrists and hands with some relief. The smoothness of the needles just makes knitting easier as a whole, as you won’t be fighting against the needles and yarn.
Best Ergonomic Knitting Needles
Here are the best ergonomic knitting needles out there:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Prym Ergonomic Design Circular Knitting Needles | Grip point, circular needles keep weight off the hands |
| 2. | Knitters Pride Zing Double Pointed Knitting Needles | Lightweight metal, smooth surface |
| 3. | Addi FlexFLips Double Pointed Knitting Needles | Flexible joint, weight distributed by cord |
| 4. | Prym Double-Point Ergonomic Knitting Pins | Grip point, teardrop tip for easy knitting |
| 5. | Co-Z Aluminum Circular Knitting Needle Set With Ergonomic Handles | Lightweight, circular needles keep weight off the hands |
1. Prym Ergonomic Design Circular Knitting Needles
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Prym is leaders in the industry when it comes to ergonomic knitting needles. Their needles have been created to offer the best ease and comfort available when knitting.
The circular knitting needles have an easy thread and a non-twisting wire. The cable length is 80 cm, which accommodates for larger projects. Circular needles work wonderfully with taking weight and pressure off of the wrists by distributing the weight more evenly along the cable, rather than having it concentrated along one edge.
The ergonomic point and grip make knitting more comfortable, as the needles are easy to hold and grip. The points have been designed for easy knitting, so you are not dropping stitches or fighting with your work as you go along.
Overall, the Prym Ergonomic Circular Needles are great value for what they are and are superior quality knitting needles. They are definitely worth a try, for all types of knitters.
2. Knitters Pride Zing Double Pointed Knitting Needles
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This Knitters Pride bundle includes double pointed knitting needles and 10 Artsiga Crafts Stitch Markers.
The points of the needles have been flawlessly tapered to make knitting a breeze, and they can accommodate many different types of yarns. The tips are made of shiny metal, for easy, smart knitting.
The metal knitting needles are created from a high-grade, premium lightweight metal which has an exceptionally smooth surface, allowing the stitches to work on the needles effortlessly, which in turn takes the pressure and strain off of the fingers and hands.
With a wide spectrum of vibrant colors to choose from, they can be suited to each taste. The size of the needle is precisely lasered onto the needle for easy identification.
While they appear simple, the Knitters Pride Zing Double Pointed Knitting Needles are ergonomic and forgiving on sore hands, providing relief and comfort while knitting.
3. Addi FlexFLips Double Pointed Knitting Needles
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Specially designed 21cm circular needles which rest comfortably in the hand while knitting. The two needles are connected with a 1-inch cord but act as comfortably and effectively as double pointed needles.
The needles offer an effortless new method when casting on for working in the round for projects such as hats, socks, and cuffs. Stitches in a project are distributed over the two needles, joint by the cord, and then can be knitted using a third needle if needed. This allows for a needle change twice in a row.
The needles feature the addi Rocket tip and the addi Turbo tip, meaning you will have the right needle tip available whenever you need it.
Versatility is a front-runner with these needles. Easily switch between circular knitting and straight edge knitting, without having to change your needles.
They are comfortable and lightweight and help to distribute the weight of a project by using the cord. They are gentle and easy to use on sore hands and wrists and are comfortable to grip and hold over extended periods of time.
4. Prym Double-Point Ergonomic Knitting Pins
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Prym has this wonderful set of 5 knitting needle pins which measure 20cm in length each.
The needles are designed with an ergonomic grip which makes the knitting needles comfortable to hold. The teardrop tip makes knitting easier, as smaller stitches are picked up easily, and there is little chance of stitches snagging or slipping.
The triangular shape of the needles prevents users from holding them in such a way which could cause discomfort over a while. The plastic material used to create the needles is lightweight, warm in the hands and not too slick. This is the perfect combination for those who are looking for comfort with carpal tunnel syndrome, or those who have arthritic hands.
The plastic is just the right smoothness, making it easy to pick up stitches and move stitches, but not too smooth that the stitches slip off the needles.
Made with superior quality materials and design, these are great needles to include in any knitting inventory. Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort, these are great needles to use because of the comfort they offer, and also as prevention from pain or inflammation occurring due to uncomfortable knitting.
5. Co-Z Aluminum Circular Knitting Needle Set With Ergonomic Handles
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This 13 pair, color-coded set is a whopper for passionate knitters looking to complete their collection of needles.
It is an interchangeable knitting needle set that accommodates for a wide range of knitting projects. There are different cables included in the kit, measuring 21 inches, 16 inches, 14 inches, and 12 inches.
The knitting needles have aluminum alloy handles which provide a sleek surface which is gentle and easy to use, perfect for those with arthritic hands.
There are no rough edges along with the aluminum tips, and the deep edge means that stitches won’t slip or snag easily during knitting.
The needles follow a color scheme which lets you to easily identify the different sizes, without having to worry about searching for small numbers on the needles themselves.
The kit comes packed in a faux leather bag which allows for easy portability and travel. It is a great ergonomic set to keep for on the go knitting, or as a go-to at home. This complete set is everything you need to fulfill your knitting dreams without the pain experienced using normal knitting needles.
Why Do You Need Ergonomic Knitting Needles?
Knitting is soothing, relaxing, and a great way to rewind after a stressful day. It is also one of the most enjoyable ways to create individual, special pieces for family and loved ones.
The repetitive motions and movements, with satisfying end results, are what draw many people into knitting. It is this repetitive movement however that can lead to hand and wrist problems, especially with individuals have a higher risk of repetitive motion injuries.
One main related injury from knitting is carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause pain, numbness and even a loss of dexterity. Arthritis is also a condition that prevents people from knitting due to pain and discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – The median nerve travels from the shoulder to the hand. It is instrumental in helping with movement and feeling in the thumb, wrist, and hand. The median nerve reaches the hand through the carpal tunnel which is found at the base of the wrist.
Swelling occurs in the carpal tunnel, due to repetitive movements, such as that of knitting. This pressure on the median nerve causes pain, weakness, and tingling. In many cases, you do not realize carpal tunnel is happening until it has fully set in.
Arthritis – Arthritis occurs with the inflammation of the joints. The two most commonly experienced types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The swelling and inflammation of joints in the fingers can cause pain and discomfort when knitting.
Ergonomic knitting needles can help avoid aggravating these injuries or help to prevent them altogether. It is never too early to start using ergonomic knitting needles, and they might be exactly what you need to avoid injuring your wrists and hands. If you’re looking for the best needles for arthritic hands, you can check out this article.
Ergonomics In Knitting
There are another ways to use ergonomics in knitting outside of using ergonomic knitting needles. The term is usually used in the workplace for those who want to adapt their workplace to their body, stopping back pain and other related issues. While this usually applies to the office chair you use and the distance of your monitor, it can be adapted to be used in knitting.
How you sit – Do not hunch over when sitting. Place yourself on a chair with your feet on the floor. Try to engage your abdomen when adjusting your posture, to take the pressure off your back. Be aware of how you are sitting, we don’t realize how quickly we tend to hunch or slouch when we are stressed.
Remind yourself to sit comfortably, and even tie a little ribbon around your pinky to remind you to adjust your position every now and again, to relieve tension and prevent pain.
Arm position – When knitting, try to get your arms into a natural, comfortable position, similar to how they would be laid out if you had them resting on the table. This helps alleviate stress and pressure on your arms which leads down towards your wrists.
There are also some great hand and wrist stretches you can use.
Use the right yarn – A thicker yarn can cause more pain in your fingers, wrists, and hands as they are more difficult to work with, and do weigh considerably more.
Lighter needles – Heavy needles will not help your cause at all. Not only should you opt for needles which are lightweight such as plastic or bamboo, but circular knitting help as well. It is better to use circular needles when knitting larger projects. The circular needles help to distribute the weight of the piece easily, allowing some relief for your wrists and hands. You are also able to rest circular knitting on your lap, which stops you further from supporting the full weight of the project.
Try and use circular needles with a cable around 60cm long. This lets the project spread out on your lap nicely, giving extra weight relief.
Knit in the light – This might seem obvious, but knitting in a dim environment has many different negative effects. Not only is it difficult to read a pattern in the dark, but you will be hunched over more, which can cause tension and pain in your back and neck.
If you knit at night but don’t want all the lights on, look for a daylight lamp. They help provide natural light which makes knitting a breeze. You will be able to see your work much easier, but still, get to enjoy the relaxing calm of a dim room.
Listen To Your Body
You know your body best, and it deserves to be listened to when it tries to send you signs. Small pangs and tension are a sign that something isn’t right. From your neck to your shoulders, wrists to your fingers, take note if something feels out of the ordinary.
Do not wait for the pain to intensify to a point where it is almost unbearable to knit or make small, repetitive movements.
When you feel the onset of these symptoms, try to practice the following:
Slow down – Try and adjust your movements to slow and small movements. This will take some time to get used to, but it gives your body, and especially your hands, a bit of a break. You will not be putting so much strain on them. Try to make as small a movement as possible, even if it means keeping your knitting close to you and knitting slowly.
Rest – While you might be super excited to complete a project, your hands need a break. Take a bit of a break every 30 to 45 minutes, stretch out your fingers and wrists, take a little walk around and it should then be okay to get back to your project.
Heat and Cold packs – When you start feeling discomfort in your wrists, hands or fingers, apply a hot or cold pack to the affected area. This will help to reduce swelling and alleviate any pain if there is any present.
Elevate – Try and knit with your hands at a bit of an elevation. This will keep the blood flowing and ensure good circulation. This helps to avoid numbness and pins and needles.
Starting to put practices in place early will be the best bet in ensuring you can continue with your knitting journey. Ignoring all the signs and waiting until the pain is unbearable while knitting will take a lot of work to fix, and you may never get back to knitting normally again.
Ergonomic Knitting Needles
Pain in fingers, wrists, and hands is not a reason to give up knitting. There are some wonderful ergonomic knitting needles available to those who need a solution to knitting with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritic hands.
It will be trial and error at first, finding the knitting needles that work best with your individual needs, but at the end of the day, ergonomic knitting needles are the best way to relieve pain, prevent injury, and ensure that you can continue creating beautiful knitted pieces.
