⬢ Hexagon shaped knitting needles?
“Where there are bees there are flowers,
and wherever there are flowers there is new life and hope.”
― Christy Lefteri
In today’s email
- Knitspiration: Knitting with hexagonal needles
- Stitchionary: A brioche stitch for honeybees
- Pattern Pick: This lattice wrap has two different sides
- PLUS: High fiber diet, steam powered giraffe, and more
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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 style 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.
So what do you think? Have you used hexagon needles before?
Do you plan to give them a try? Hit reply and let us know.
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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.
| Learn This Stitch |
🧶
Pattern Pick
Latticework Wrap by Jake Canton
Remember that honeycomb stitch from earlier?
No?
You literally just scrolled by it! 🙄
Anyway, there's also a two color version of it.
It's a bit more challenging but if you get the hang of it you can knit this beautiful wrap.
Luckily it's also 100% FREE!
| Get This Pattern |
😂
Knits & Giggles
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