Any knitters about?

[StayInYourLaneBoy]

I've always loved knitting but had to stop three years ago as the friction of the needle across the top of my index finger caused a myxoid cyst to form, which then caused a groove the length of my finger nail and I was having to get it drained by the doctor! Funnily enough, I was knitting squares for charity when it happened. No good deed and all that...

I would love to knit again, I see so many things i want to make. Obviously I don't want my cyst back (you can still see a slight bump where it was so I feel its just lying in wait, ready to erupt in the right circumstances!). Is there anything I can use to cover it, like a thimble but that covers the entire top of my finger, and that won't get in the way too much (I tried a plaster, it just starts curling up on the edges and gets the needles sticky)

Crochet instead?

Can you crochet? After always being a knitter I taught myself to crochet last year and I much prefer it and find it easier on the hands

We used to have an arts and crafts section that might get you more expert advice.

What about different sized/material needles?
Different styles of knitting eg continental?

Assuming you knit 'English style', can you learn 'continental style' instead?

Have a look at Tunisian Crochet, it's worked with one long crochet hook.
there is even a stitch that looks just like stocking stitch.

Try using a knitting sheath, which holds the left hand needle and might enable you to use a different hand position?

Make your own long thimble from leather soft enough to sew on a machine?

Ouch!

You can get fingerstalls in all sorts of materials that might help - you can even get knitting patterns for one, although that might be a bit chicken and egg

I personally find bamboo needles more comfortable than metal, but it sounds like you may need a bit of protection there.

You can buy covers for your finger to hold the yarn - mainly used for stranded knitting, but could be used with one strand.

I’d also switch to continental - took me a while but much quicker now.

What about these www.amazon.co.uk/SUPVOX-Protector-Silicone-Cracking-Arthritis/dp/B07GYLMCC3/ref=asc_df_B07GYLMCC3/?hvlocphy=9046605&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=309858036128&hvpone&hvlocint&hvpos=1o3&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-700364458261&hvrand=12620122031958367508

Might help protect your fingers

Thanks everyone, I've tried crochet and just don't get it! I'm hopeless.

I'll try the other suggestions (and look up continental knitting! Never heard of it until now)

It’s basically just holding your yarn in your left hand - it’s a lot more comfortable without the throwing involved in English knitting but feels odd at first.

Thanks SinkGirl I'll watch a few YouTube videos, see if I can give it a go after 30 years of knitting the English way!

I am a continental knitter and I can also knit English but I don't like it as much. I have a finger cover for doing Fair Isle but it's a bit sweaty!
Which finger is it that has the bump?

drspouse it's my index finger, right hand. I might try a finger cover, where do you get them?

Right hand index finger, is that the one you use to throw the yarn? If so continental knitting should solve your problem, if you can get your head round picking the yarn from your left had.

You just need one of these. It sits on your finger, just below your first knuckle.

Clover Yarn Guide, Blue, 1 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000YZ1XPM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UcfDDbG6ETN6D?tag=mumsnetforu03-21