29 Aug What are ergonomic knitting needles?
Ergonomic knitting needles have a slightly different shape from regular rounded knitting needles. These changes in form are designed to alleviate pain, pressure and stress on your hands when knitting. This can be particularly helpful for people who knit for long periods of time, or those with conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.
How do ergonomic knitting needles work?
The cylindrical shape of knitting needles meeting largely cylindrical fingers places a lot of pressure on the relatively small connection point between the two. This can cause pain and fatigue over time.
Ergonomic knitting needles may have flat sides, in a square or triangular-shaped needle, thereby increasing the surface area to which force is applied. This creates a more even distribution of pressure on the fingers, which is more comfortable. Otherwise, ergonomic knitting needles work just the same as regular needles.
The material of the knitting needles can also have an effect. Metal wicks away heat from the fingers which can increase the risk of injury. Warmer materials such as wood, bamboo or plastic can make a big difference. You can see a more in-depth comparison here:
The overall result is that less force is required to knit, which can reduce movement in the wrists and hands, easing pressure and strain. This can help prevent inflammation or worsening of an inflammatory condition.
Crochet hooks are also available in ergonomic designs that work similarly, and they are significantly more comfortable to use than regular crochet hooks. If you’ve put off learning crochet for comfort reasons, but want to explore the crochet kits from specialist sites such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/crochet-kits, then why not try out an ergonomic crochet needle and see if it works for you?
Are ergonomic knitting needles worth it?
If you suffer from health conditions that affect your hands, then ergonomic knitting needles are worth a try. Many people report they can return to knitting or knit for considerably longer without severe discomfort. They can also be significantly more comfortable for every knitter, making the hobby more enjoyable and less likely to contribute to hand and wrist issues later down the line.
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