PURL #2 - Hands, Winter 2026

The second issue is all about Hands, which are integral to knitting. We start by digging into all the different styles and methods of knitting, looking at how we hold our needles and yarn, the efficiency and ergonomics of each knitting style, and what it means to be a left-handed knitter. The issue explores ergonomics to help us keep our hands healthy, with exercises you can do to stretch your hands and wrists and a look at some of the ergonomic needle options on the market.

We explore the items we make for our hands: fingerless mitts, mittens, and gloves. Some article explore the fiber content for the yarn used in these items that need to stand up to wear and tear and how to fit any wear and tear that does occur. You’ll also find articles that talk about options for thumb placement and thumb gussets as well as tips for knitting the small circumference of the fingers of gloves. Speaking of small circumferences, there’s an article about the various needle options for working in the round.

Projects in this issue include a gorgeous pair of colorwork gloves (and an article about managing yarns for colorwork), fingerless entrelac mitts (so you can practice knitting back backwards), a recipe for making mittens to fit any hand, a muff with a secret pocket, and fingerless mitts that you can embroider using techniques described in the accompanying article. You’ll also learn how to finger knit and make a super cute octopus.