Best Knitting Needles for Arthritis
If you’re itching to knit, but comfort is an issue due to arthritis, you may prefer knitting needles that are warm and somewhat flexible in your hands versus cold, unyielding metal. Here are the best knitting needles for arthritis nowadays.
Wooden Needles
Warm in your hands, quiet while knitting and light weight, they may make for slower knitting as yarn doesn’t slip against wood as it does against metal. Choose from bamboo, birch, walnut and ebony as most widely available. They could split at the tips when worn, break more easily, and some beloved cats and dogs will chew them given half a chance.
Casein Needles
Casein needles are made from milk protein. Swallow, a company in Australia makes them. They’re lightweight, smoother than wood, warm, comfortable with a good combination of flex and firmness, and they’re quiet when knitting so you won’t disturb others. They have a range of colors that sometimes look plasticky.
Plastic Needles
Bryspun and Pony Pearls are made of warm, smooth plastic. Bryspun are a dull gray, more available online than at your local yarn shop. Pony Pearls are colorful and reinforced with steel wire that can rattle inside.
How Do You Know Which You’ll Like?
Trial and error. Each person’s hands and knitting movements make the choice of which needle feels best very personal. Each yarn you use changes the feel also. How much slip or grip does each combination make? Which do you like today, which tomorrow?
Most knitters enjoy having many needles on hand. Some needles get held hostage in an unfinished project for a spell. You may enjoy one size best and have several projects going at once. Who doesn’t like grabbing a spare pair or different size from a stash for casting on when inspiration strikes? May you find your best knitting needles for arthritis among these choices.
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The Author:
Karen Wilson Wehrle is a published writer who blogs about running a home business on Home Business Round Table, and blogs about knitting mistakes on Knits Gone Bad. She lists vintage collectibles on eBay, designs knitwear and knits Socks for Soldiers.
Photo. Cottonbro
Source: EA
Very interesting!!
I’m glad you found it interesting! There are so many aspects to consider when it comes to knitting and crafting, especially for those with arthritis. If you have any questions or specific topics you’d like to learn more about, feel free to ask! What caught your attention the most?
Thank you. I am currently having braces made for my hands due to some nasty arthritis in my hands, wrists and arms. The hand therapist, thankfully, is knowledgeable about knitting and crocheting. She is not familiar with supplies from knitting and crocheting companies to help her crafty patients. Your site will provide her needed information so women who enjoy crafts do not need to stop.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re working with a knowledgeable hand therapist! It’s essential to have support from someone who understands your passion for knitting and crocheting. There are many tools and supplies designed specifically to make crafting easier for those with arthritis, and it’s great that our site can help bridge that gap. Your determination to continue enjoying your crafts is inspiring! If you have any specific tools or resources in mind that you think would be helpful, feel free to share!
My daughter gave me square metal circular needle tips for Christmas. She did her homework and found what she learned were the most comfortable and easy to use knitting needles for arthritis. I absolutely love them.
That’s wonderful to hear! Square metal circular needle tips can really make a difference for those with arthritis. It’s great that your daughter took the time to research and find something that suits your needs. The added grip and comfort of square needles can help reduce strain while knitting, making it a more enjoyable experience. Have you started any new projects with them?