If you’re looking to add comfort and control while knitting, square knitting needles may be the answer. They bring together the advantages circular needles with added contact points for your fingers, making it easier to knit longer. Learn more about how to use them here.
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What Are Square Knitting Needles?
Square knitting needles are a special type of knitting needle that is shaped like a square rather than a round cylinder. This unique shape provides added comfort and control while you knit, as the flat sides of the needle ease soreness in your hands by lessening the grip strength needed.
Why Should You Use Square Needles?
Square knitting needles offer several advantages over traditional round-shaped needles.
- They are easier to grip and provide more stability while you’re working, so…
- Your stitches won’t slip as easily.
- The square barrel can also help to keep your stitches even!
- Plus, the square shape is better for keeping your fingers in the correct position and not straining the fingers while knitting.
- Using square needles also helps to reduce hand strain, so you can work on projects longer without feeling uncomfortable or fatigued.
I started exploring square needle options after experiencing a radiating pain from my elbow to my pinky and ring finger. With my super slippery, round needles, I had to grip my project so tightly to keep the stitches on that I was creating nerve damage!
My new Foursquare Knitting Needles, combined with a modified grip, ice, and rest, have me knitting like new!
How Do You Select the Right Size for Your Project?
Selecting the right size for your knitting project is essential when working with any type of knitting needles and square needles are no different. You’ll choose the same size square needles for a project that you would with any other type of knitting needles. Because even though the barrel is shaped differently, it is the same diameter.
What Types of Square Knitting Needles Are Available?
Square knitting needles come in fixed circulars, interchangeable sets, and DPNs. You can also find them in wood and metal.
Just remember to pair slippery with sticky and you’ll be good to go! For example, if you’re knitting with a slippery yarn like merino or silk, choose a “stickier” needle like wood or bamboo! Or if you’re working with a sticky yarn like Letti Lopi, go for the slick metal needles!
Foursquare Needles by Knit Picks
I had the chance to try out the Foursquare Needles by Knit Picks on my last couple projects and I fell in love. The smooth wood was the perfect amount of friction for my slick merino/silk blend.
They took a little getting used to because I had to make sure my fingers were coming back to the same place every time. If you’re not careful it’s easy to shift your grip bit by bit until you find yourself gripping a corner. Luckily the corners aren’t sharp, and I quickly got used to it.
The only drawback is that the cords are fixed instead of swivel. This makes it a little bit more difficult to find that grip each time when you’re just starting out, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too noticeable. (And being interchangeables, different cords are always an option!)
Having used only short needles previously, I opted for the regular size (it’s supposedly more ergonomic) and have enjoyed them immensely.
After having nearly damaged my arms and hands with my slick round needles, I will be using these square needles again and again!
What’s the Price Point for Square Needles?
Foursquare Needles are the perfect price point to give square knitting needles a try! The Foursquare shorts are priced at $54.99 and the regulars are priced at $65.99. Both interchangeable sets come with 9 size: US 4-11 (3.5-8 mm) and include 2-3 cords, end caps, cable keys, and a cable connector.
Knit Picks also offers 16” (40 cm) fixed circulars from $9.99.
Any Questions?
Do you have any questions about square needles or my experience with Foursquares? If so, please ask below!
My recommendation? Don’t wait for pain to kick in. Grab a TRY IT Needle Set and give it a try today!
