Knitting Needle Problem

Hi there, and Happy New Year ;-)

After many years away from knitting (and in the midst of my current crochet craze), I started a new knitting project yesterday. I still know how to do it—I don’t knit as tightly as I used to, but it’s fun, I found a great pattern, and everything’s fine.
But now here’s my “problem”: I’m knitting in rows using a size 3.5 circular needle. Pretty soon—just like many years ago—my right pinky finger started acting up. I don’t know if everyone experiences this, but mine hurts from holding the needles (I think). Maybe I should buy some special needles? Do you know what I mean? Do you have any ideas? Anyway, I’m going to keep knitting—it’s not like the pain is unbearable—but maybe with a little effort, I can manage without it ;-)

Thanks, everyone!

Best regards
Michaela

Hello, namesake :-)

Which knitting needles do you have? Are they metal or wooden? Are they straight or curved at the back, where the needle meets the cable? If they’re curved, like needles used to be, that could very well be the reason.
I personally prefer knitting with Hiya-Hiya; they make lace knitting wonderfully easy because they’re so nicely pointed.
Some people, especially those with joint problems like rheumatism, prefer the wooden KnitPro needles. Maybe you know someone who has these needles and can lend them to you to try out. Or you could see whether you can get a used pair cheaply at that big auction site.

Best regards
Michaela

Hello, Michaela
From experience, I’d recommend wooden circular needles,
(the colorful ones from Knit-Pro are especially great!)
I taught knitting at our rheumatology clinic as therapy for
rheumatism and osteoarthritis to improve mobility over a
long period of time, and we were not allowed to use any metal needles
because they promote inflammation.
Just give it a try—I only knit with wooden needles myself.
Hopefully it helps you.
Best regards, Helga

Thanks to both of you! I just ordered the colorful KnitPro set and a cable. And I took a look at my old size 4 and 4.5 needles—those are longer. I seem to remember that I didn’t have this problem with the “thicker” needles. It probably just needs a bit more surface area to rest on. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have some modern equipment ;-)

Oh, and Michaela, yes, the needles are curved, metal, and ancient ;-) Back then, there were only straight knitting needles, really (jacket knitting needles?), or circular needles. Or just a set of double-pointed needles.

Wow, since yesterday I’ve been knitting with the KnitPro Symfonie needles with the orange cable ;-) What a difference - like night and day!

Thanks again for the tip!

I only use the Knit Pro Symphonie set too, and I really enjoy knitting with it. With the plain metal needles, it was always a struggle. I got rid of all of them after buying the Knit Pro set.