“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing.
The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

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In today’s email

• Knitspiration: Benefits of square knitting needles
• Stitchionary: A stitch you drop on purpose
• Pattern Pick: This wrap is perfect just as it is
• PLUS: Unusual acupuncture, original gangsters, and more

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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.

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💡 Knitspiration

🟧 Are Square Knitting Needles Better?

I discovered square needles about a year after I started knitting.

I met the then owners of Kollage at a trade show and was intrigued by their design.

Before then I had never considered a needle with any other shape than round.

But once I go my hands on some square needles I was sold.

Here's a few reasons why...

1. Increased Comfort​
   I find square needles a lot easier to hold. The flat edges give my fingers more surface area to grip. And the square shape just feels more natural in my hand.
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2. Fatigue Reduction​
   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, square needles can reduce that strain. It MAY allow you to knit longer.
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3. Better Stitch Tension​
   This is by far my favorite reason to use square needles. I find that my stitches are WAY more even when knitting with them. I think it's because the yarn has more friction wrapping around the four corners of the needle, resulting in stitches with a more consistent size.
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4. They Look Cool 😎​
   There's something to be said for aesthetics. Every time I use my square needles on camera or in public people want to know what they are and where I got them. Maybe it's not that important but it makes me feel good.

These days multiple companies are manufacturing square knitting needles.

Here's a quick overview of what's available:

Kollage Square Knitting Needles - Buy Them Here​

I'm pretty sure these are the OG square knitting needles. These are made in North America from solid aluminum and come in versions with soft and firm swivel cables for their circulars. I have a bunch of these and LOVE them (I prefer the firm cables).

They aren't cheap BUT the company that owns them is a non-profit that gives employment opportunities to people with disabilities. And since they aren't made in Asia I think they're worth the extra expense.

NOTE: The tips are VERY pointy

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KnitPicks Foursquare Majestic Needles - But Them Here​

These wood needles, like all KnitPicks needles, are made from a laminated birchwood. The colorful design is fun to look at, and the wood material is warm in the hand.

Available in interchangeable and circular options, these are an affordable alternative to the Kollage needles.

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Knitters Pride (KnitPro) Cubics Needles - Buy Them Here​

Although these say they're rosewood needles, they're actually laminated birchwood just like the KnitPicks Foresquares. In fact they're pretty much identical to those except for the color.

But these are the only wood square needles available in interchangeables, circulars, straight, and double points!

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Prestige Square Wooden Needles - But Them Here​

This little needle company is the only brand to use real natural hardwood.

While they're the most expensive option, they're absolutely beautiful and come in straight or double pointed styles.

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Addi Rocket Squared Needles - Buy Them Here​

If you are fan of the super fast Addi needles then these square versions make a good thing better.

These needles have slightly rounded corners, making them more comfortable to hold. There's also little divots along the sides, allowing the yarn to move smoothly across the needle without sticking.

And not only do they have circular and interchangeable options, they also have square FlexiFlips, an alternative to double points that is FAR superior for those who love to knit socks.

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So what do you think? Have you used square needles before?

Do you plan to give them a try? Hit reply and let us know.

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📣 Upcoming Events

Knit-A-Long (Starts June 19th)

Perfect Fit Verano Tee

If you've wanted to begin knitting garments but aren't sure where to start, this is the perfect project for you.

This simple tee alternates between lace, garter stitch, and drop stitches so there's always something interesting to knit.

As part of this Knit-A-Long you'll get:

• Access to the Yarnist Society private community
• Video tutorials walking you through each step of the project
• Daily check-ins to keep you motivated and on track
• A LIVE kick-off and wrap-up event
• The chance to win awesome prizes
• and much more

Get an Early Bird Discount when you register before June 12th

Register Today for only $15!

PLUS your purchase includes a FREE year of Yarnist Society Standard membership!

Oh, and did I mention that you'll get UNLIMITED access to the KAL videos so even if you don't finish in time you can still work on your top when you have time.

Whether this is your first garment or you just want to join in the fun, I can't wait to get started knitting with this amazing community.

I hope to see you there!

📆 Daily Stitch

Drop Stitch

This is more of a technique than a stitch pattern, but it can be used to add some variety to your knits.

You can see it in both our upcoming Verano Tee knit-a-long, and in today's pattern pick.

Basically you do a double (or triple) yarn over in one row, then you knit into the stitch on the next row, letting the extra wraps from the yarn over fall.

The result is a VERY tall stitch that looks a bit like fringe hanging between rows.

Learn This Stitch

🧶 Pattern Pick

Knit As You Are Wrap by SweaterFreak

This shawl has some unique shaping and what I'm pretty sure is mosaic colorwork.

It also incorporates rows of drop stitches, making it a nice warp for those campouts by the fire.

Get This Pattern

😂 Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs: