Portuguese Knitting Pins: The Secret to Easier, More Comfortable Knitting | Atomic Knitting

If you love knitting but sometimes find yourself dealing with sore hands, tired wrists, or uneven tension, it might be time to discover the magic of Portuguese knitting pins. This traditional yet wonderfully practical tool has been used for generations — and once you try it, you may never want to knit without one again.

At Atomic Knitting, we design and create beautiful, practical Portuguese knitting pins to help you knit more comfortably and confidently. In this guide, you’ll discover how they work, who they’re best for, and how to choose the right one for your projects.

What Is Portuguese Knitting?

Portuguese knitting is a technique where the yarn is tensioned around the neck or through a special knitting pin worn on your clothing. Instead of wrapping the yarn around your needle with your fingers, the yarn is guided using small thumb movements.

This method creates a smooth, controlled flow of yarn and is especially popular with knitters who want better tension and less strain on their hands.

What Are Portuguese Knitting Pins?

Portuguese knitting pins are small decorative pins with a smooth hook, coil, or guide at the top. They attach securely to your clothing and hold your working yarn in the perfect position.

At Atomic Knitting, our Portuguese knitting pins are designed to be both beautiful and practical, combining eye-catching designs with smooth functionality.

? Browse our full range here: Portuguese Knitting Pins Collection

They are:

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear

• Easy to clip onto jumpers, cardigans, or project bags

• Designed to glide yarn smoothly without snagging

Why Use a Portuguese Knitting Pin?

1. Reduced Hand and Wrist Strain

Because the yarn is tensioned by the pin, your hands do much less work. Many knitters with arthritis, RSI, or hand fatigue find Portuguese knitting far more comfortable.

2. More Even Tension

The consistent yarn feed helps create beautifully even stitches, especially useful for stockinette, ribbing, and textured patterns.

3. Faster Purling

Purl stitches are particularly quick and easy in Portuguese knitting, making it ideal for projects with lots of purl rows.

4. Knitting for Longer, More Comfortably

Many customers tell us they can knit for longer sessions without discomfort once they switch to Portuguese knitting.

How to Use a Portuguese Knitting Pin

Getting started is simple:

1. Attach the pin to your top, cardigan, or neckline

2. Feed your working yarn through the hook or coil

3. Hold your needles as usual

4. Use your thumb to guide the yarn when forming stitches

After a little practice, the movement becomes natural and effortless.

Tip: Start with a small swatch before beginning a larger project like socks or shawls.

Who Are Portuguese Knitting Pins Best For?

These clever little tools are ideal for:

• Knitters with hand pain or reduced grip strength

• Anyone who struggles with tension control

• Sock, shawl, and garment knitters

• Crafters returning to knitting after a break

• Makers who enjoy beautiful accessories

If you enjoy knitting socks, you may also like our Sock Knitting Accessories Collection.

Styling Your Pin: Practical and Pretty

One of the joys of Portuguese knitting pins is that they double as jewellery. With designs ranging from classic to colourful, they can be worn proudly while you knit — at home, in classes, or at knitting groups.

Many knitters collect several designs to match different projects or moods.

You might also enjoy browsing our Stitch Marker Sets and Row Counters to coordinate with your pin.

Why Choose Atomic Knitting Portuguese Pins?

Each Atomic Knitting Portuguese pin is thoughtfully designed and carefully made in our South Wales studio.

Our pins feature:

• Smooth yarn guides to prevent snagging

• Secure fastenings

• Lightweight, comfortable designs

• Unique, handmade finishes

Every piece is created with real knitters in mind — tools that are as reliable as they are beautiful.

? Shop our Portuguese knitting pins here: Shop Portuguese Pins

Ready to Try Portuguese Knitting?

If you’ve never tried Portuguese knitting before, a pin is the perfect place to start. Many knitters are amazed at how quickly it improves comfort, speed, and stitch consistency.

Whether you’re knitting socks, shawls, jumpers, or blankets, a Portuguese knitting pin could soon become your favourite tool.

Explore our collection today and discover how small changes can make a big difference to your knitting.

Happy knitting, Emma ?