Knitting needles come in many styles, sizes, and materials, and it can be confusing to know which kind to use and when. A knitter’s stash requires a variety of needles as each serves a different purpose. Square knitting needles are a popular tool among knitters, especially ones who have been facing pain, injury, and illness that impact their hands. The needles have many features that compel knitters to give them a try even if they have not been facing any discomfort.
To help our lovely knitters make some decisions, here we are to talk about square knitting needles. So, let’s get started.
About Square knitting needles
Square knitting needles get their name from the square or cuboid design. Like other knitting needles, they come in different materials in standard sizes. Interestingly, the needle size is measured diagonally, and fits into a standard needle sizer, just like round needles. Many knitters believe that square needles offer distinct benefits over their round counterparts, so, let’s take a look at them.
1. Ergonomic design
Square knitting needles are different from traditional round-shaped needles. They allow knitters to rest their fingers on flat surfaces and not convex-shaped surface areas. The ergonomic design works especially well for people with arthritis and other joint or muscular pains. Know more about the best ergonomic knitting needles discussed in our previous blog post.
2. Even stitches
Many knitters find them to knit more evenly. This is because of two reasons, the needles hold the yarn and do not slip easily. And, also because the knitter is so comfortable with the grip that they create even stitches and even fabric.
3. Decrease stress and strain for knitters
Given the flat surface design of the needles, they decrease stress and strain for knitters. The grip is even and comfortable to work with.
4. Faster knitting
Once you get over the weird feeling of knitting with square needles, you can find yourself knitting faster. There are two reasons for it, first, you have a good grip and the design does not let you drop stitches, therefore you find knitting faster.
5. No dropping stitches when working with slippery yarns
The design of the square knitting needles takes credit for not dropping stitches even when working with slippery yarns. The flat surfaces have much more grip, preventing common knitting accidents.
Our collection of square needles
At KnitPro, we have two square-shaped knitting needles ranging in brass and birchwood materials in standard US sizes. As a knitter, needles are a valuable tool so it’s worth treating them right by selecting ones that will serve you for years to come!
Nova Cubics
The Nova Cubics needles have a hollow brass pipe core plated with chrome. The flat sides of the needles lay naturally and comfortably against the flat sides of a knitter’s fingers. Even though it’s metal, the needles do not cause fatigue. They have a smooth grip on most yarns. The tapered tips work beautifully for even the most complicated patterns.
This range comes in varieties of single-pointed (STNs), double-pointed (DPNs) and circular needles in varieties of both fixed circular and interchangeable needles. Our Nova cubics interchangeable needle sets are perfect to use and also gift other knitters.
Cubics
The Cubics range is created of laminated birchwood. The surfaces are smooth with tapered tips. The warm touch is loved by knitters.
Here too, we offer options of single pointed needles in standard sizes perfect for back and forth knitting. The double points (DPNs) serve well for knitting round circumference projects including the smallest size of socks. Circular needles are available in both fixed and interchangeable varieties offering a variety of knitting projects.
Tips to work with square knitting needles
Knit a tension square -
A tension square is like a map to an unknown journey. It will give an idea of how much yarn you will need, how the yarn behaves with the square needle and also how your knitted garment will appear. So, if you have taken up square knitting needles for the first time then it's best that you knit a tension square. Even when you gained experience knitting different projects, it is best to start with a swatch.
Practice before taking up a project -
Knitters who are new to cubic needles may need time to adjust to the shape. So, it’s recommended to get enough practice before you begin a project. Projects take time and if you have not enjoyed working with square knitting needles you will have a harder time completing the project.
If you are unable to get your hands on square knitting needles and find it difficult to knit due to pain or discomfort, try out the technique of Portuguese knitting. It will help relieve some of the issues and allow you to knit.
If you haven’t tried knitting with square needles, we suggest that you give them a try. They are not just another addition to the craft collection. Given the many benefits, square needles have become a popular choice among knitters- new and experienced. Ready to explore? Dive into KnitPro’s selection with our previous blog on knitting needles.
