“Where there are bees there are flowers,
and wherever there are flowers there is new life and hope.”
― Christy Lefteri
Hello there fellow knitter!
This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way BrutalMoose loves TV Dinners.
Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.
Knitspiration
⬢ Hexagon shaped knitting needles?
We've discussed square knitting needles before, but those aren't the only oddly shaped needles out there.
Today we're looking at hexagonal needles.
What are they?
Why are they?
Are they better than regular knitting needles?
Let's find out!
I first encountered hexagonal knitting needles at a trade show 10 years ago.
The folks at Indian Lake Artisans were making beautiful needles from American hardwoods like maple, walnut, and cherry. They also happened to be hexagon shaped.
When I asked the founder, Mark, why a hexagon, he didn't hesitate.
He placed the needle in my hand and asked what does it feel like.
I wasn't sure what to say, but it certainly was comfortable.
"It's kinda like a pencil," I replied.
"EXACTLY!"
The main idea behind a hexagonal needle is it feels familiar, like a pencil.
But that's not all.
Here are few other benefits of knitting with this shape.
- Easy to hold
The flat surfaces of the needle give your fingers natural places to rest. This keep the needle more secure and more comfortable in the hand.
- Alleviates hand strain
I don't have arthritis, but one common benefit knitters report is reduced stress on their hands. If you do get pain from knitting too long, these needles can reduce that strain. It MAY allow you to knit longer.
- Better gauge and stitch definition
When yarn wraps around the edges of the hexagon it puts most of the tension on those edges. This keeps your stitch size more consistent, giving you better gauge matching and nicer looking stitches.
- Easier to knit with
The flat sides of the needle create a tiny gap between parts of the needle and your yarn. It's just enough to slip your needle under, making it a lot easier to knit.
Recently another company began producing aluminum hexagon needles, Brick House Fiber Arts.
These have been a huge hit and many sizes and styles are completely sold out.
They even have their own version of the Flexi-flip, a double pointed needle alternative that has a small flexible cable in the middle.
Both companies are American made with Indian Lake based in Michigan and Brick House in Alabama.
They are both doing good in the world as well:
- Indian Lake sources all of its wood from nearby sustainable forests and recently introduced a wood made from recycled materials.
- Brick House donates 1% of proceeds to K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs to disabled veterans.
Conclusion
I LOVE knitting needles with different shapes and have experimented with many brands out there.
But what do you think?
Have you tried either of these needles before?
What was your experience?
Hit reply and share it with us!
Daily Stitch
Honeycomb Brioche Stitch
Did you know that hexagons are one of nature's favorite structures?
That's why honeybees store their honey in them.
And this variation of the brioche stitch looks a lot like that delicious honeycomb.
Deal of the Day
Lykke Wooden Interchangeable Needles (7% Off)
Meet your new knitting crush.
LYKKE Umber interchangeables give you one sleek set that does it all—swap tips and cords in seconds, pack lighter, and nail the perfect cable length every time.
Smooth birch wood glides without the slip-and-stab of metal, warm in hand, gentle on wrists, and quiet as a mouse. A tidy case fits neatly in your bag, so you can knit anywhere and look like you totally planned it.
Knits & Giggles
Thanks for reading!
Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:
Here's some ways to take our relationship to the next level:
- ☕️ Buy us a coffee (Now accepting PayPal!)
Each of our emails is the culmination of many hours of research and lots of cups of coffee. If you want a simple way to show your appreciation you can buy us a coffee here.
- 🎓 Take a Yarnist Academy class
There are more than 50 classes to explore with topics like 2-Color Brioche, Mosaic colorwork, Entrelac. New classes are added every month! Explore our classes
Your Email Preferences:
You're receiving this email because you signed up for the Yarnist, a daily digital newsletter for Fearless Knitters.
If you don't remember doing that, you might have had a little too much wine that night...or it could be Gremlins. Can't stand those guys. Always causing mischief.
Your email address is Reader and your first name is Reader. To update your info click here.
Daily emails too much? Get our Sunday Weekly Update Only.
Still want out? No problem! Unsubscribe here.
Look at you reading all the way to the end!
Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯
Made with 💙🖤🤍 in Tallinn, Estonia
Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120
