Unravelling the Benefits: Why Choose No Needles Knitting Over Traditional Knitting?
Knitting has been around for hundreds of years and has been passed down through the generations. Traditionally, knitting involves using needles to create intricate patterns and designs with yarn. However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged – the use of no needles knitting. This alternative method involves using only one’s fingers or specialised tools to create knitted items.
Is this a passing fad? Or does it have longevity?
There are a number of reasons why people are choosing no needles knitting over traditional knitting. This blog post explores just that. I will look at the benefits of using no needles knitting as an innovative technique. I will share why I believe it is here for the long term.
So, let’s dive in and discover the reasons why this modern approach to knitting is winning over even the most traditional of knitters.
Dexterity and co-ordination
I really struggled with traditional knitting. I lost stitches, my tension was all over the place, and the cast on was so hard to do! No needles knitting is different. There is a different way of casting on, but for some reason I find it much easier. It could be because of the size of yarn; for example arm knitting uses mega chunky yarn which makes it easier to see what you are doing.
But as well as this, no needles knitting offers a great advantage for individuals with poor co-ordination. Traditional knitting requires precise movements and intricate hand-eye coordination, making it challenging for those who struggle with fine motor skills. With no needles knitting, the process becomes much simpler and more accessible. By using looms or other similar tools, individuals can easily create beautiful knitted items without the frustration of dropped stitches or tangled yarn.
This opens up the world of knitting to a wider range of people. It allows them to experience the joy of creating their own handmade pieces, regardless of their level of co-ordination.
No needles knitting as a creative outlet
No needles knitting offers the opportunity to explore a variety of creative projects that don’t require accurate stitch or row counting. This opens up endless possibilities for unique and unconventional knitting designs. From chunky scarves and shawls to funky hats and bags, the lack of strict patterns and precise counting allows for more artistic freedom.
I don’t measure in rows all the time; I can measure by eye. Once you get to know your own no needles style and tension, you can work out how big a project is going to be. I use measurements a lot as well. For example I know how long an average adult beanie hat with a brim is so I can measure that on the loom.
With the absence of limitations imposed by traditional knitting techniques, individuals can experiment with different textures, colours, and stitches to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces. This creative approach to knitting encourages individuals to think outside the box and embrace the joy of improvisation, resulting in unique and expressive knitted creations.
These creations look so amazing, and it doesn’t matter if they are slightly imperfect as the yarns are very forgiving, as are the styles.
I remember getting ready for work one day and I couldn’t find a belt for my dress, so I finger knitted a belt with T Shirt yarn. See what you think of it here.
Whether it’s incorporating unconventional materials or experimenting with asymmetrical designs, no needles knitting offers a platform for personal expression and limitless creativity.
Let’s talk about yarn!
So with traditional knitting, you are more constrained in terms of the yarns that you can use. You can get chunky knitting needles; in fact I did own a pair, but they were so cumbersome I kept dropping stitches on them.
One of the key advantages of choosing no needles knitting over traditional knitting is the versatility it offers in terms of yarn weight. Unlike traditional knitting, which often requires specific yarn weights and needle sizes to achieve desired results, no needles knitting allows for the use of any yarn weight. This means you can adapt your projects to suit your preferences or the materials you have on hand. I only recommend eco friendly yarns as they are so much better for the planet, and they look amazing when used in no needles knitting projects.
Whether you prefer the chunkiness of bulky yarn or the delicate drape of laceweight yarn, the choice is yours. This versatility opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to create a diverse range of projects and explore different textures and effects with ease. Whether you want to create a cozy blanket with thick yarn or a delicate linen scarf, the flexibility of using any yarn weight in no needles knitting makes it a truly versatile and adaptable craft.
No needles knitting is great for people with arthritis
One significant reason for choosing no needles knitting over traditional knitting is the enhanced comfort it offers, particularly for individuals with arthritis or hand strain. I have arthritis in my wrist, so with traditional knitting, the repetitive motion of using needles can often lead to joint pain and discomfort.
However, with no needles knitting, the absence of needles eliminates the need for gripping and manoeuvring them, ultimately reducing hand strain and minimising the impact on arthritic joints. This makes it a more accessible and enjoyable option for individuals seeking a comfortable and pain-free knitting experience.
No needles knitting – beginner friendly
Just today I was talking about my no needles knitting hobby. Someone said it sounded very complicated. But, for me, one of the key benefits of choosing no needles knitting over traditional knitting is its beginner-friendly nature and ease of learning. I learnt my first technique, a knitting Nancy, when I was a child, and picked it up again when I was living married unaccompanied and wanted a new hobby I could really immerse myself in. Once you get the technique, you can get lost in time as you build up your project.
You can even make your own knitting Nancy (corking) using only a toilet roll inner and 4 lollipop sticks glued onto it, like this one.
Arm knitting is perhaps a little more complicated at the start, but it is like anything. Learning a new technique takes time but doesn’t really get forgotten.
Unlike traditional knitting, which requires mastering various needle techniques and stitches, no needles knitting simplifies the process by using alternative tools such as looms or finger knitting. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners who may be intimidated by the complexity of traditional knitting.
With no needles knitting, newcomers can quickly grasp the basic techniques and start creating beautiful projects with relative ease. The simplicity of this method allows beginners to build confidence in their knitting skills and gradually explore more intricate patterns and designs. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced knitter looking for a new approach, no needles knitting provides a smooth and accessible entry point into the world of knitting.
The projects look stunning!
No needles knitting creations are not for everyone. They are a certain look, and if you don’t like the bolder look, you may not like them. But, being bold and unique is part of my individuality. Perhaps this is another reason why I love no needles knitting so much – it is an extension of me. At work I am known for turning strings into things. I even have a jute bag with this on it from a colleague at work who clearly knows what I am known for!
Here are a few of the things you can make with no needles knitting techniques.
To conclude
In conclusion, while traditional knitting has been a beloved craft for centuries, the rise of no needles knitting offers a multitude of benefits that cannot be ignored. From reducing strain on the hands and wrists to creating some unique projects, no needles knitting is a modern and efficient approach to this traditional craft. With the wide variety of techniques and projects available, it’s no wonder that many knitters are making the switch to no needles knitting.
I hope this blog post has sparked an interest in other ways of knitting for you.
Find out more about the techniques and yarns I use here.