The best ergonomic knitting needles [2023]

A full review of all the ergonomic knitting needles on the market - prym, addi, and Knitter's Pride. Are they worth it?

Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases

This video takes you into the world of ergonomic knitting needles. Sometimes weirdly shaped, I am going to show you how they work and what you can expect of them. We are going to knit a couple of swatches together, compare the gauge, and of course, I am going to show you the tips close-up.
This review is meant as a start-point for your own research. While many knitters may experience pain while knitting, there are multiple causes for that. On top of that, your body will be different and your individual knitting style as well. As a result, a needle that works for someone, might not work for you.
The close-up shots and detailed knitting analysis can hopefully point in you the right direction

0:00 Introduction
1:53 How do ergonomic knitting needles work?
6:04 Prym ergonomic knitting needles review
10:00 Knitting a swatch with the prym ergonomics
17:52 Knitter's Pride cubics review
21:54 Knitting a swatch with the Knitter's Pride cubics
26:49 Addi novel review
30:10 Knitting a swatch with the addi novel
33:39 My verdict: the best ergonomic knitting needle in my opinion

[ruthyk]

I was hit by a car at age 19. My hands blocked the head on dammage and I survived.
I was going to make wigs for a living and found I could no longer hold a pencil.
Well life went on, I made due and forgot all about crochet and knitting as an option. Came the end of covid, about 19 years later and I realized I was plotzing to do it again. And I did. I have worked on every method of alleviating pain and am still experimenting. But each method made a big difference and was a learning process. Also if It's not working the first time, I go back to it later. The type of knitting needles I use make a huge difference. So even though I have lovely HiyaHiya's, the hurt way too much and I find myself using the square ones. Because they hurt less and are a totally irritating model re joins... But, make lemonade 🍋. Right?
I have tried a few types, each one has it's uses. But the main thing is, I keep at it and congratulate myself for succeeding so long after it should be game over.
Practically speaking, with the right needles, i have found the pain went down 90%-95%.
That's really significant !
Happy hunting everyone. Good luck!

[colleen]

I have round, metal needles from a thrift store, I have been meaning to replace. Taking care of our hands is important. Thanks for doing so much research for us!

[tl]

Truly love that knitting offers a variety of tools for an infinite number of knitters! Very similar to the preference of both material and construction of crochet hooks. I enjoy specific brands of rosewood, bamboo, metal and plastic in both knitting needles and crochet hooks. Each tool works for yarns made from certain materials. I often learn from each one, sometimes nodding in agreement, other times I notice differences. I truly enjoy your tutorials and I am grateful for the knowledge you provide. Thank you, Norman!

[laurelrobbins]

I always appreciate when expert knitters and crocheters provide video reviews like this - thank you! I have ergonomic hooks but not needles. I switch from knit to crochet to avoid pain in my hands and wrists.

[BornToDreamTheBeat]

I have the prym ergonomics in size 2, 5 mm for sock knitting with magic loop. At first I bought them so I could board a plane with them but then I really fell in love with them. I've used so many brands and types of needles already but these are my first ergonomics and just so incredibly comfortable to knit with, they've become my go to needles for socks right now. I look forward to getting more of them, or maybe trying different types of ergonomic needles 🥰

[katierobertson]

I have been watching the way you hold your yarn, and how you use your needle to pull the yarn through. I normally dont use my left hand for anything, but holding the needle, and have my right hand wrap the yarn around the needle. I have just spent a few minutes practicing the way you knit. It's a lot less twisting on the wrists, and im happy i gave it a go ❤

[suzanrudulph]

I use bamboo needles because it keeps me from going too fast. I have an anxiety disorder and by going slower i can enjoy my knitting. Thanks Norman for the info.

[charlottehippen]

Another great video. You give such through and honest feedback while remaining unbiased. Your recommendations take into account the variations in knitting styles and comfort preferences, making it easy for us to make the personal decision of what products are worth trying and which are probably a pass. Thank you for this awesome review!!

[tracymaya]

I have the addi fixed circulars in sizes for socks, and I love using them for socks. You are right the taper is longer and much more comfortable for me than a shorter taper. One thing I find is that when doing lifted increases or decreases the slight indent shaping on the needles sometimes helps to either make space to insert the right hand needle or to hold a stitch back out of your way. This is maybe very small of an effect that isn’t always noticeable. I do get a looser gauge than with a standard round fixed circular of the same size. However in socks since I am making them with a slight negative ease, the increase is not so much that I need to change size or stitch count. However on larger needles, say 3.5 or 4 mm, I think the gauge difference is more noticeable, so just take care in searching.

[eques]

Thank you for a great video! I really enjoy watching your reviews because they're so exhaustive and in-depth ❤ That said, let me throw in my three cents too 😉
I own several Addi Novel fixed circulars but not because of how ergonomic they are but because I needed smaller-sized needles for knitting thin slippery yarns such as microfiber etc. - and I ended up loving them! I don't trust wood or plastic for under 3 mm needles and while Carbonz had also been an option, I decided on Addi Novel because of their unique shape. The bumps help to stop the yarn from slipping off and at the same time, the needles are perfectly smooth so the knitting is fast anyway.

[MargoG]

Thank you for such an interesting and enlightening video. I must admit that as only an occasional knitter it has never previously occurred to me that there is a reason for the different kinds of needles out there! I’d just kinda assumed that it was just because some people prefer one kind to another, now I know that there’s much more to it than that. As a person with arthritic hands I now feel much better equipped to select needles best suited for my hands and my style of knitting. Thank you Norman, you are such an inspiration to me.

[Bohemystic-porb]

I don´t have any handicap nor pain in hands but I love Prym ergonomic needles and their "olive" tips, it is so easy to knit with them and they feel as light as a feather in hands - but won´t buy them anymore - the plastic needles have cracked several times in my hands and the cords have torn off - I realized I needed the swivel cords to prevent this so I have purchased KnitPro Mindful and they work for me well.
Greetings from the Czech Rep. to gorgeous Wien!

[exploridori]

Im a huge fan of the prym ergonomics! They lend themselves really well to continental knitting because of the little ball tips, the plastic is beautifully light, and the coated steel cable is the best I've ever tried, especially when doing a traveling magic loop. The spun steel curls up into a loop really well. They also have that dark blue rubber part where they connect to the wire, which reduces snagging when working a smaller project. I wish they came in shorter needle lengths though, they are quite long for circulars.

[libertylady]

Thanks again Norman! You are the best! Thank you for all you do for your channel!

[quiltycrocheter]

Thank you for sharing your opinion. It does help seeing them being used vs just looking at the package.

[curlaque]

Norman you do the best videos on you tube on knitting! I think I have watched every one of them!
I just wanted to add that I have lots of needles that I love but now at 75 years old I have arthritis in my hands. I tried the Addie square needles and they have made a difference for me. I find that I grip my needles a little less tightly and I assume it is the combination of the square shape and the texture on the needles. I just thought I would tell you this in case someone else that follows you and has arthritis might try them to see if they help them as they helped me.
I a a big fan of yours and throughly love your videos and how talented you are! Thankyou!

[cazkiwinz]

I’ve really come to love your videos 🫶
You give me the up-to-date chit chat while I knit, crochet, sew or other craft and I enjoy your accent and cadence immensely 🤗
**edit Ooo… you have a Lamy Allstar! 🥵

[marsy]

Those Prym fixed needles might be the answer to my cats destroying my lace and Swiv cables!

[kjd]

Nice Lamy pen! 😀 Also appreciate the information on ergonomic needles. I use an ergonomic keyboard exclusively due to having had tendinitis in my wrist years ago from using a straight (standard) keyboard, which forces the arms and wrists into an unnatural position. Now that I've taken up knitting (after decades as a crocheter), I'm curious to try ergonomic knitting needles ... though I'm already addicted to my set of Chiaogoo's. 😊 Being new to knitting, I'm trying *not* to pick up bad habits like pushing the left needle with the right index finger, and instead trying to learn the right way to knit without pain so I can continue to enjoy knitting for many years to come.

[catnapper]

I just love your thoughtful, informative, contemplative, demonstrative videos. Thoroughly researched, well presented and organized. Well done and thank you.