Ergonomic Knitting Needles & Square Knitting Needles – My Guide

By Jodie Morgan

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As knitters, we think of Ergonomics relating to body and hand position, knitting styles, and how those might lead to or prevent repetitive stress injury.

In Ergonomic Knitting Needles, it’s about design changes. I share these quality knitting needles below. There could be a decrease in the pain associated with repetitive stress injury.

Ergonomic & Square Knitting Needles Review - KLG

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Table Of Contents

Best Ergonomic Knitting Needles

What are the best knitting needles for beginners? Read my reviews below.

Prym Ergonomic Design Circular Knitting Needles

Prym Ergonomic Design Circular Knitting Needles Check Price On Amazon

Back in 2016, the knitting industry was abuzz with news of an innovative and revolutionary knitting needle. Prym (A German Company,) created their Ergonomic Knitting Needle range with some interesting features.

As they say in their marketing materials, we’ve been using the same knitting needle design for 1200 years. Time for innovation.

Features

  • Made of high quality synthetic material which is lightweight and quiet when knitting.
  • The points are tear-dropped shaped to stop the yarn getting split when you are putting your needle into a stitch.
  • After the point, the first section of the needle is round and then a triangular shape. So the stitches slide more easily.
  • The stainless steel cord is encased in plastic and doesn’t have any memory. It always springs back and doesn’t kink.

If you’re used to metal needles, you’ll notice a difference of how the stitches move on these needles. These needles have more grip. If you use a non slippery yarn like pure wool, the knitting seems slower.

With slippery yarns like cotton, the stitches glide more freely. These ergonomic circular needles are excellent for stitch patterns like purl, lace, ribbing, stockinette, garter and seed stitch.

The other thing to note is some people may find they need to practice with prym ergonomics a while to achieve their normal gauge with any given sized needle.

I read some knitters found their gauge was much looser and others who created their stitches on the narrower part of the needle behind the teardrop end had much tighter stitches. As with any new needles, it’s important to swatch to check your gauge.

If you are knitting lace or cable patterns these don’t have sharp needle tips which are handy to knit more intricate stitches.

Roxanne Richardson of Rox’s Knits has an excellent video review on the Prym Ergonomic Needle range.

Her honest, helpful review of the 4.5mm/US 7 80cm/32 inch ergonomic circular knitting needle is worth watching to understand how these needles work.

YouTube video

Knitters Pride Zing Double Pointed Knitting Needles

Knitters Pride Zing Double Pointed Knitting Needles Check Price On Amazon

Zing needles are manufactured from superior grade light weight metal. Each needle size is a different color.

The size of the needle is laser-printed on the needle for easy identification. Even though they’re metal, they’re warm to touch and gentle in the hand.

The smooth surface of these ergonomics needles makes the stitches glide easily. Perfect points, flawlessly tapered and ideal for all yarns and projects.

Some users may find them too slippery and have stitches fall off their needles. They are and affordable price for metal needles

Addi FlexiFlips Double Pointed Knitting Needles

Addi FlexFLips Double Pointed Knitting Needles Check Price On Amazon

Addi’s main line of addi knitting DPNs, these are a work of engineered prowess. They’re known as Addi Crazy Trio in Europe. Usually, you have four needles in double-pointed knitting, but with Flexiflips you only have three.

Your stitches are distributed on two needles, and the third is for knitting. Instead of many needle changes per row, you have two. Much easier!
Unique design for ease of making hats, socks and cuffs for sleeves.

Metal Flexiflips have 1 Rocket tip (sharper tip) and 1 Turbo tip (rounded tip.)

Prym Double-Point Ergonomic Knitting Pins

Prym Double-Point Ergonomic Knitting Pins Check Price On Amazon

Prym has this great set of 5 double pointed needles pins which measure 20cm in length each. Similar to the circulars, these are made from quality high-performance synthetic material.

The drop-shaped points make it easier to pick up and guide the yarn. The yarn doesn’t slide quickly off the end.

The special shape of the shaft, which goes from a round to a triangular form, allows the stitches to glide along without the knitter having to stop and push them along.

They’re easy to bend and quiet to use. The needle gauge is marked centrally on the needle. The different colors note the size.

Knitter’s Pride Nova Cubics Platina

Knitter's Pride Nova Cubics Platina Check Price On Amazon

The Nova Cubics Platina needles have a hollow brass pipe core plated with chrome. As the name suggests, they’re cubic with sharp, tapered tips.

The flat sides of the needles lay naturally and comfortably against the flat sides of a knitter’s fingers. The cords are smooth and easy to connect. They tighten firmly with the keys.

Each set includes:

  • 7 pairs of needles in sizes US 6 (4mm), 7 (4.5mm), 8 (5mm), 9 (5.5mm), 10 (6mm), 10.5 (6.5 mm), 11 (8mm),
  • 4 cords that form needles of 24″, 32″ (2), and 40″ when connected,
  • A set of cord connectors that can be used to extend the cord lengths
  • 8 end caps (so you can have 4 sets of “straight” needles from this set at at a time.)
  • 4 cord keys.

Though the needles are chrome plated, the cubic shape makes them much easier on the hands than most metal needles. Easy to maintain a comfortable grip and get even tension.

The way the tips are tapered makes it easy to form stitches, the sharp points make it easier to maneuver and execute even complex stitch patterns.

Knitters who are new to cubic needles may need time to adjust to the shape. Needle sizes are etched into each, but it’s difficult to see the sizes in low light.

Knitter’s Pride Cubics Symfonie Rose

Knitter’s Pride Cubics Symfonie Rose Check Price On Amazon

Similar square shape the Nova Cubics Platina has, Knitter’s Pride Rose Cubics (also known as KnitPro “Symfonie” Rose Cubics) have a laminated birch base.

It’s stained and textured to feel like rosewood. Warms in the hands with use.

The set includes:

  • 7 pairs of needles in sizes US 6 (4 mm), US 7 (4.5 mm), US 8 (5 mm), US 9 (5.5 mm), US 10 (6 mm), US 10.5 (6.5 mm), and US 11 (8 mm)
  • 4 cords that form needles of 24″, 32″ (2), and 40″ when connected,
  • A set of cord connectors that can be used to extend the cord lengths
  • 8 end caps, and 4 cord keys.

Addi Bamboo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles

Addi Bamboo  Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles Check Price On Amazon

These needles are crafted from bamboo. The surface is slick for snag-free knitting.

The smooth tips have a defined taper and warm to body temperature quickly.

The set includes:

  • Needle tip sizes (US 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11)
  • 3 gold cords 24 inches, 32 inches and 40 inches
  • 1 connector
  • 1 grip
  • 1 needle gauge

Comparable Products To Consider

FAQ

What Are Ergonomic Knitting Needles?

The ergonomics in the knitting needle focus more on design and how it relates to the problems with stitches as they are created, moved along the needle.

The goal is to increase efficiency in the knitting environment.

Knitters can also suffer from conditions such as arthritis in fingers, hands, and wrists and carpal tunnel syndrome. Knitting with traditional needles can be uncomfortable.

Ergonomic knitting needles help those with pain or discomfort have a more enjoyable time knitting.

Clever people have designed knitting needles with ergonomic features that are comfortable, making it easier to knit for extended periods of time.

The features of an ergonomic knitting needle vary according to each brand. Some are lightweight and flexible, some with a different shaped shaft ie square or triangular. They are made from a variety of materials.

Why Do You Need Ergonomic Knitting Needles?

As I mentioned, some ergonomic knitting needles are designed to improve the functionality of the creation and movement of the stitches on the needles. These needles improve the efficiency of knitting. 

Others target knitters who experience pain when knitting with regular knitting needles. Manufacturers made modifications in the shape and materials used in the needles.

To alleviate pain due to repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Arthritis causing the inflammation of the finger joints is another common affliction. It makes knitting uncomfortable and difficult. These modified needles aim to help arthritis sufferers find knitting more comfortable. 

Why Square Knitting Needles?

Why square knitting needles are good is because they’re designed to be comfortable to use, easier on the hands, your stitches become more uniform, and you’re less likely to drop stitches accidentally.

The only downside is they may be difficult to use, but with practice, it’ll get easier.

Ergonomics In Knitting

I’ve experienced neck pain and back pain due to poor posture when sitting and standing to work at my computer. I decided to explore the Alexander Technique.

I worked with a teacher to learn how the way I move could improve my overall health. My teacher observed me knitting sitting and noted I knitted to the left of the midline of my body. I’d never noticed before!

Subsequently I’ve made a conscious effort to knit with my project in line with the middle of my body.

It might be a good idea to get someone to observe you knitting and see if they notice anything that may make knitting more comfortable for you.

Other Things To Consider In Your Knitting Environment

Have Ample Light

This may seem obvious but working in low light means there is strain on your eyes. Also on your back and neck as you hunch over to take a closer look at your stitches or pattern.

If you knit at night but don’t want all the lights on, look for a daylight lamp. They provide natural light and you’ll see your work much easier.

Sitting Position

Sitting for long periods of time is not a good thing. Studies have shown that our health is significantly impacted by being sedentary.

If you’re going to sit, make sure you have plenty of breaks. Get up and stretch, walk about the room to get your blood flowing.

When you’re sitting, think about where your body is in the chair. Is your back getting support? Are your arms in a comfortable and relaxed position? Or are your shoulders up near your ears!

If someone else is around you when knitting, check in with them to see that your back has not begun to hunch over.

The Tools You Use

Circular Knitting Needles are a good option for bearing the load of your project. The cable holds the majority of the stitches. This sits in your lap if you’re knitting a larger project.

Use lightweight needles. All reviewed above are made from lightweight materials. If you use heavy needles, you may experience fatigue and pain after lots of knitting.

Consider something lighter and I am sure you will notice the difference.

Conclusion

I’d love to hear about your experience with Ergonomic Needles or what helps you to make your knitting comfortable. Happy Knitting!

Pin For Later

Ergonomic & Square Knitting Needles Review - KLG Pin

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

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Comments

  1. I enjoyed your article. I was curious about square needles. I had some knit pro (knitters pride) and found them ok to use but loved the hold on my hands which are arthritic. I bought a set of cubics and absolutely love them now I am used to them. Funny how a square needle can help you knit longer than a traditional round one

    Reply
    • Thanks so much Jane for sharing your experience of knitting with square needles. It’s great to hear that they indeed help to knit longer and are more comfortable for arthritic hands. Happy knitting! Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  2. Hi, thank you for putting these options together. I’ll have to look up the Prym needles, I’ve never used or heard of them. I have used DPNs made out of casein that while hard to find and apparently a delicacy to my dogs, (they ate more than 1 set, with work on them) flexed nicely so I could knit longer. I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands, which is why this peaked my interest.

    Reply
    • Hi Kirstin. Goodness I didn’t realise that dogs ate Casein needles!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Prym needles if you end up getting them. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  3. Hi Kristin,
    I have recently started knitting again.
    Due to long term health issues, I had researched ergonomic knitting needles, as I’m limited to length of time I can knit.
    I’ve bought 2 pairs of the Prym needles, I like them but have found they take time to get used to, but will persevere!!

    Reply
    • Thanks very much for sharing your experience Christine. Good on you for persevering! I think any change takes some adjustment time. I hope you eventually find the Prym needles comfortable. Cheers Jodie

      Reply

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